Zuba

The music of Zuba, a Colorado-based band, was a vivid tapestry woven from the sounds of the world. Rooted in soul and funk, their music reached across genres—melding ballads, swamp folk, acid jazz, and modern dance grooves into something entirely their own. Over the course of eight years and more than 200 shows a year, Zuba cultivated a fiercely loyal national following. Their annual performances at Colorado’s One World Music Festival became legendary, consistently delivering some of the event’s most memorable and high-energy moments.

Formed in 1993 by drummer Wallace Lester and guitarist/vocalist Liza Oxnard, Zuba reflected the pair’s shared vision of boundary-pushing, funky & heartfelt music. Lester’s rock-solid drumming grounded the sound, while Oxnard’s haunting vocals and blazing guitar lines gave it soul and edge. The original lineup—keyboardist/saxophonist Mark Pauperas, guitarist Ajax Green, and bassist Doug Hutty—would evolve over the years, joined at various points by lead guitarist Ian Selig, bassist Scott Johnson, saxophonist Ben Senterfit, and bassist Mike Cykoski.

At the center of Zuba’s quick ascent was Liza Oxnard, whose commanding stage presence, expressive voice, and searing guitar work became a defining part of the band’s identity. Fiercely independent, Zuba released four albums on their own label, Cool Therapy Records, carving out a unique space in the national touring scene. Their dedication and originality earned them national recognition, including High Times’ “Stoner Band of the Month” in 1994 and the “Best Band on the Internet” contest in 1998.

Zuba’s magnetic live shows also caught the attention of Hollywood filmmakers The Farrelly Brothers, who became fans and featured the band in their hit comedies Kingpin and There’s Something About Mary. The band’s music also appeared in Say You’ll Be Mine and Warren Miller’s Snowriders, extending their reach beyond the stage and into pop culture.

Their third release, The New Cruelty, was a powerful, politically charged album full of sharp rock energy, lush harmonies, and striking guitar work. The band’s final record, South of Eden, explored a more introspective and psychedelic side of Zuba—emotional, sentimental, and rooted in the band’s evolving artistry.

By the time Zuba disbanded in 1999, they had left an enduring mark on the Colorado music scene and beyond—an unforgettable mix of soul, high energy, and fearless musical exploration.