NAMM 2025 Interviews – Vol IX

Featuring: Samy Hawk, “Roy G.” Robinson & Teo Bok (Los Wizzards) & Glen La Ferman

Interviews at the NAMM Show 2025

Featuring: Samy Hawk, “Roy G.” Robinson & Teo Bok (Los Wizzards) & Glen La Ferman



Samy Hawk, “Roy G.” Robinson & Teo Bok

(Los Wizzards)

 

Based in Miami, Florida, Los Wizzards embody the city at its finest: a vibrant melting pot of cultures that still pays homage to its American roots. The group’s original lineup bassist Rafa Querales, Venezuelan cuatro player Wizzmer, drummer Juseph Ballestero, Jamaican singer Roy G, and rapper/breakdancer Samy Hawk first came together in 2016 through a series of legendary open mic nights. Word of their high-energy, genre-blending performances spread quickly, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to witness the dazzling chemistry of these accomplished musicians.

Their musical tapestry weaves funk, rock, pop, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and salsa with festive yet relatable storytelling. Each member’s cultural background and style adds a special ingredient, reflecting the spirit of Miami’s multicultural identity. By 2020, that distinctive sound and dedication to constant experimentation earned them the honor of becoming the official house band of the Miami Heat, amplifying their presence on one of the city’s biggest stages.

As Los Wizzards’ reputation grew, Italian vocalist Teo Bok joined the ensemble, injecting an additional European flair that propelled the band’s sound to new horizons. With Teo’s powerful melodies and commanding stage presence, Los Wizzards found fresh ways to captivate audiences while remaining true to their commitment to musical exploration.

Their devotion to artistic discipline combined with a firm refusal to be confined by any single genre has turned Los Wizzards into a beacon of creativity and collaboration. Celebrating life, Miami, and the playful magic that arises from blending diverse cultural influences, they continue to enchant fans around the globe with their unstoppable energy and unmistakable groove…https://www.loswizzards.com/


Glen La Ferman

Glen LaFerman creates the images for the sounds that mold our reality. The premiere music portrait photographer, LaFerman has defined the art form, peering beyond musical boundaries, and revealing the essence of the artist. With watchful eye, and imaginative vision, he has captured timeless precious moments of truth; Moments of lowered guard; Moments of vulnerability and humanity.

As an image maker for cultural icons, celebrated ad campaigns, and enduring cover art, Glen LaFerman has translated the raw intensity of the music makers into thought provoking themes, in a vast body of dynamic photographic moments.

Raised in southern California, with the rich colorful backdrop of the 60’s, LaFerman recognized his insatiable passion for music, and pursued the path into this new and exciting aesthetic. A Beatles concert at Dodger Stadium was a life altering event, as the indelible images of the Fab Four inspired Glen to his calling. With his first camera (a 35mm Nikkormat), LaFerman explored the vibrant LA Music scene, frequenting the historic clubs of the Sunset Strip. Largely self-taught, LaFerman took a brief internship with, photo-biographer, Norman Seef, and was soon prepared to strike out on his own. For his first assignment, Glen shot Tom Waits live at the Roxy in ’68. The photos were a hit with the record label, and a check for $500 made it official: Glen LaFerman, Rock Photographer.

“I thought, what a great way to make a living. You get to hang with great bands and talented people everyday, listen to music, have a blast and get paid for it in the end ! ” – Glen LaFerman

A series of assignments with the Venice Free Press provided LaFerman with the experience to develop his craft. Capturing images of the vibrant Venice Boardwalk, and its colorful community of artists, painters, and performers, LaFerman began to develop his unique style and vision. But it was the music that fueled Glen’s passion, and focused his lens on the Sunset Strip. LaFerman began to concentrate, specifically, on the enigmatic guitarists of the time, exploring the mystique of the instrument, is quintessence as a symbol of rock & roll, and the fascinating complexity of its many master players…https://glenlafermanphotography.com/

 


 

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