McAuliffe playing lead guitar and harmonica. Over the years, band members have had the privilege of sharing the stage with world class musicians, including: Eric Burdon and the Animals; the Coasters; the Drifters; the Joe Walsh Band, and others.

Born into a large, musical family in Quito, Ecuador, Ivan Najera began singing and performing at the age of nine. A year later, he was awarded the second grand prize in Quito's National Star Search Competition, a distinction that strengthened his dream of a career in music.

At age 14, Najera commenced his formal studies of guitar and piano at the National Conservatory in Quito. Equally skilled in both performing and directing, he led several high school choirs and musical groups, including one with his five brothers.

His fame grew throughout his teenage years, marked by national appearances on radio and television and triumphs at several musical competitions. In 1971, his expanding reputation as a uniquely talented musician blossomed when he was chosen to join a weekly musical television show, "Gente Joven" ("Young People"), which aired in Ecuador. After more than two years with the show, he went on to join a Colombian Latin jazz/salsa group as lead singer and guitarist, performing for a chain of international hotel-casinos throughout South America.

In 1975, at the age of 22, Najera moved to California to further his career. Thanks to a combination of talent, tenacity, and providence, opportunities in the music industry were abundant. He began performing and later recording his original compositions, and simultaneously earned a degree in digital electronics with emphasis in television.

Najera's music has been described as exhilarating and contagious; exciting and explosive; emotional and sensual. His influences are rich in cultural diversity, inspired by styles that include traditional Spanish and Flamenco, Brazilian, Tropicalia, Andean, jazz, and contemporary. He complements these with an underlying hint of classical seasoning, which he believes lies at the heart of any truly good composition.

The majority of the music he plays is original, but he just might surprise audiences with an Ecuadorian-infused cover of "Autumn Leaves." In addition to his solo performances, he has shared the stage with stellar performers that include Jose Feliciano, Julio Iglesias, and Enrique Coria.