Dr. Mambo’s Combo

World-renowned Dr. Mambo’s Combo has been performing weekly at Bunkers Music Bar & Grill since 1987 - one of the longest running weekly residencies anywhere in America. The band quickly became Prince’s favorite - playing soul, rock, and r&b music with unmatched passion and fire, and audiences have flocked to their weekly performances ever since. In addition to Prince, many national touring artists often stop by to sit in with the band after their own show, including John Mayer, Sheila E, Stokley, Larry Graham, Questlove, and Bonnie Raitt.

The Purple One even recorded an (as yet) unreleased full length album with Dr. Mambo’s Combo’s lead vocalist Margaret Cox in the '80s, bringing her to the studio immediately following one of the band’s legendary performances.

On August 3, 1983, Prince performed a benefit concert at First Avenue to raise money for the Minnesota Dance Theater. The show included the live performance debuts of many of the songs featured in the iconic Purple Rain movie and soundtrack. This concert was recorded, and much of that performance (including the song Purple Rain) was actually used on the soundtrack for the film.

Dr. Mambo’s Combo will be recreating this seminal concert in its entirety on its 40th anniversary on August 4, 2023 at First Avenue.

Dr. Mambo’s Combo currently features Julius Collins and Margaret Cox on lead vocals, Sonny Thompson on bass, Brian Ziemniak on keys, Geoff LeCrone on guitar, and Peter Suttman on drums.