NYC area based guitarist from Jersey City, raised in the Dominican Republic, who has played with a wide variety of people mostly in rock and world music contexts. He has studied with jazz guitarist Richard Padrón ( Paquito, Zé Luis ) and worked as a sideman with everyone from world musician Dawn Drake, Cuban trumpeter Eudy Fernandez, to Haitian singer Erol Josué. He is committed to delivering a passionate and warm experience through his playing, whether grooving or creating off the top. 

He has performed at Bulgaria's Bansko Jazz Festival, for Reddit's Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, the DuSable Museum of Chicago, and the Bronx' SummerStage. In addition he has also given guitar workshops in the Dominican Republic. 

Out of his experience playing in NYC Afro-beat groups, Evan developed an interest in finding his own connection to similar rhythms. As a founding member of Boombox Repair Kit (DR indie rock), and later through his participation in ensembles like Pa'lo Monte (DR fusion) he was able to work with tropical styles in guitar-forward contexts, and share his love for lesser known styles from the islands. 

In 2015, Evan formed his own ensemble, San Simón, where pop, rock, and soul intertwine with traditional popular styles from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. This project serves as an exploration of an evolving connection to his own roots, as well as an opportunity to juxtapose it with his own experiences and musical interests.

Inspired by folkloric rhythms of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, Badinba creates modern music that is firmly rooted in tradition. 

Yerba Bruja nació en abril de1999, cuando un colectivo de músicos jóvenes dió a luz a un poema escrito por Juan Antonio Corretjer. La banda es una combinación de músicos aportando todos sus antecedentes musicales logrando así un sonido refrescante dentro del reggae roots. Yerba Bruja cuenta con tres producciones: Todo tiene su tiempo, 10mo Aniversario y su última producción disponible "Vida Nueva". Yerba Bruja presenta su nueva música el 10 de septiembre de 2014.


San Simón’s music is best described as soul with a Caribbean pulse. A world music group based in the NYC area, San Simón is fueled by the backgrounds of its players, who come from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.

The group is led by guitarist/director/composer Evan Ubiera, who pens the original songs and arrangements for this small ‘combito’ of choice talents from the area. Evan Ubiera carefully considers the intersection of various musical worlds from Motown to Fania, DR and PR villages, Philly to Jersey, and back to NYC to map out San Simón’s music. The limitations and virtues of this fun and exciting lineup make for an honest and unique experience. It’s a family of smiles and good vibes honoring those who came before by using it as a platform for something all their own.

San Simon has performed at local NJ/NYC venues such as Groove Bar, Camaradas, The Shrine, Silvana, C’mon Everybody, Fox and Crow, and Union City’s Cultural Center. Notable festivals and events: Music in The Park, Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ; Reddit’s Hispanic Heritage Month, Manhattan, NY; Amplify Latinx’ Hispanic Heritage Month, Boston, MA; Bodega Jams, East Brooklyn, NY. San Simón released an EP titled “Talk To Me” in 2017, followed by their 2019 single release of “Golden Lady,” a merengue cover of the classic Stevie Wonder song.

Their music has been featured on NPR’s Morning Becomes Electric in Southern California and on Discolai’s Dominican music blog for the release of their 2021 comment on police brutality, “Hey!”. They have also been included in numerous online playlists around the world.

Currently, San Simón is brewing a new sonic concoction, promising a deeper exploration of their diverse influences. Stay tuned, and visit San Simón’s social channels to stay updated on tastes of what’s to come!

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