People of Earth (PoE) is a global music collective that has emerged as one of the United States' most exciting Latin and tropical bands. With an electrifying blend of music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and beyond, PoE delivers a high-energy experience that transcends borders.
This 12-piece supergroup features a dynamic lineup of world-class musicians hailing from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Canada, Switzerland, Haiti, Greece, and more. Together, they create a sound that is as diverse as it is powerful.
Since its formation in 2017, PoE has graced prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Disney Hall in Los Angeles, The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., The Kimmel Center and Mann Center in Philadelphia, and the New World Center in Miami.
PoE’s signature setup includes a frontline of three powerhouse vocalists, supported by four horns, three percussionists, two keyboards, and electric bass. Their original music is a vibrant fusion of Cuban timba and rumba, Puerto Rican bomba and plena, Haitian kompa, Brazilian MPB, and American soul, R&B, and hip-hop. With songs performed in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Kreyol, the band’s sound reflects a truly global ethos.
In 2019, PoE collaborated with Musical America’s Conductor of the Year, Teddy Abrams, and received a grant from New Music USA to commission MacArthur Fellow Dafnis Prieto. The result was Tentación, a groundbreaking concerto for PoE and string orchestra. Premiered in 2022 under Abrams' baton, the piece was performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Louisville Orchestra, New World Symphony, and Britt Festival Orchestra.
The band's self-titled debut album, released in May 2023 on Truth Revolution Records, showcases their artistry with nine tracks, including seven original compositions and reimagined covers of Djavan’s Te Devoro and Leonard Bernstein’s Mambo. The album also features a guest appearance by acclaimed Brazilian singer Marcos Costa.
Beyond its thrilling performances, People of Earth is deeply committed to education. Its members are veteran teaching artists who have led workshops and residencies at venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kimmel Center, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Detroit Symphony. The band has also presented family-friendly concerts for organizations including The Mann Center, 92nd Street Y, and the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance.
Guided by a mission to use music as a vehicle for social change, PoE aims to foster dialogue, build cultural connections, and spread joy. Through their passion for groove-driven, heartfelt music, they strive to make the world a more connected and harmonious place.
