Totopo Loco is an actively performing and recording Baja-based original rock trio comprised of Roman Zlobin, the “Russian Percussion”, Japa Kaur on guitar, keys and lead vocals, and bassist Paul “The Secret Weapon” Wertin.
The band performs fun, upbeat original music with fantastic energy, humor and enthusiasm. Most songs composed by Japa, with a couple numbers by Paul and a few covers sprinkled in.
Check out all the latest happenings on our Facebook Page
The band started unintentionally in the spring of 2021 when my ole buddy, Sam, asked if we could store his drum kit in our garage. When I mentioned this to my good friend, Mike Colocino, that we now had a drum kit in our possession, frequent jam sessions ensued. Shortly after, one of Mike’s surfing pals got wind of our jams and asked if we wanted a bass player. Voila! The band was born.
The following fall and winter seasons, the band worked up a solid set of original songs and performed regularly in Todos Santos, Pescadero and Cerritos. Crowds were wowed. People danced. T-shirts were sold. The band also played a memorable set of original tunes and fun, upbeat covers for a packed house at the New Years’ Eve celebration at Shaka’s Cantina in Cerritos.
In the spring of 2022, Mike suddenly said “adios” to the group (maybe the huge fame was starting to get to him) and that very night, Japa met Roman across a crowded barroom. The trio was back in action! – briefly – until bassist Rich Bennet left for colder, foggier surfing conditions and the band was a duo once again. UNTIL – Paul Wertin from down the street, with a bass guitar slung over his shoulder and an amp tied to the front of his ATV, came riding up to band rehearsal one sunny afternoon. Hooray!! Totopo Loco 2.0 is born!
The band’s debut in it’s new incarnation was a wild success, playing on June 12th, 2022 for a large and enthusiastic audience at the Todos Santos Brewing 5 year anniversary show. More people danced, bought T-shirts, and were wowed by the music.
Click the pic to hear “Fallen for You”
Proud Mary
Less than a month later, the band “went on tour” and performed in El Centenario, La Paz at one of the area’s newest hot spots, “Tiki Todd’s”.
Click here to see us in action at Tiki Todd’s in La Paz
In the fall of 2022, the band got back into action with a wildly successful gig at Todos Santos Brewing followed by a rockin’ appearance at the Tropic of Cancer Music Festival in Todos Santos just after the New Year. Go Team!
