I’m not a big local music supporter. I know that’s not cool and I’m not proud to admit it. The Venn diagram displaying my musical preferences next to what’s popular in my hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has little to no overlap. I know I should stop assuming and give the local scene a chance. I might be missing out on something I’d love. But, I’m kind of snobby about the music I like, plus I’m old now and set in my ways. My impression of local music in Green Bay based on educated guesses and my own experience 25 years ago is that there’s a lot of classic rock and country. This is not to say that I don’t respect it, don’t like local musicians, or that I don’t support when I find something I do like. Since my brother stopped playing gigs around back in the 2000s I lost interest.
Three years ago the music program at my kids’ high school – Green Bay East – planned a trip to New Orleans for the students. This forced our performing arts parent group to find creative ways to raise funds for our kiddos. It was gonna take more than the usual bake sales and fruit sales to fund this trip. One great idea from a fellow parent was to host a “dinner and a show” at the school. Charge people to spend a Saturday night out at East High with some good food and music. We threw together a New Orleans-themed meal in the school cafeteria cooked by parent volunteers. I know what you’re probably thinking…or at least what I’d be thinking if I was in your shoes: Cajun food cooked by people in Green Bay? That probably didn’t go well. You don’t know Chef Devin. The food was fantastic. Then we got an area band to play in the auditorium after the dinner.
A not-so-fun thing about trying to plan anything between late-October and mid-April in Green Bay is that there’s at least a 10% chance Mother Nature will ruin it. Our event was shut down by 14 inches of snow. We were forced to postpone and had few options since the food had already been purchased. We scratch and claw for every dollar and we weren’t about to literally or figuratively eat all of the food we had for our Saturday night show. We begrudgingly pushed the event two days knowing that the attendance and vibe would take a serious hit on a Monday. To make matters worse, the band had to drop out. Another band stepped in and saved us on very short notice, but my expectations were low. I smugly assumed our last-second replacement would be someone my age in leather pants treating us to a mediocre cover of “Talk Dirty to Me”. Remember the band who played at Billy Madison’s 3rd grade graduation party? I was expecting them. In hindsight, that would’ve been hilarious and I would’ve loved it.
The replacement band featured a pair of sisters who are Green Bay East alums. I wondered, “If they went to East, why weren’t they our first option?” However, I had no idea who any of them were, so I wasn’t entitled to an opinion. At least they were Red Devil family. They went to band class with Mrs. Iken just like my kids. Cool. We enjoyed our Chef Devin dinner and made our way to the auditorium for what I assumed would be a forgettable hour of local music. If I sound like a cynical A-hole, I was in this case. The overwhelming odds were that I was not going to enjoy what I was about to hear and I had already jumped to that conclusion before hearing a single note. I walked into the East High auditorium without knowing a thing about that band except that a couple of them went to East and I was thinking, “This is almost certainly gonna suck.” I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The band is Pegasis, and from the moment they started playing all I could think was, “Wait, what?!??!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My dread turned to awe as I spent the hour on the edge of my seat, mouth agape, wondering where these people had been my whole life. My lazy first impression was that they reminded me of Hiatus Kaiyote in both musical style and the makeup of the band. Two female singers (one played keys). Guys on guitar, bass, and drums. The two vocalists – sisters Rissel and Yaina Peguero-Almonte – were hitting the most incredible, unexpected harmonies and their voices were gorgeous. By the way – in case you didn’t pick up on it already – they’re the Peguero sisters, thus the name. Pegasis. Rissel and Yaina’s sister, Marvelis, was an original member of the band but based on my recollection of what we were told that night she has since moved away. The guys in the band – Matt Hillman on guitar, Tony Pesavento on bass, and Jeremy Seelig on drums – were flawless, and this wasn’t anything close to simple music. Complicated rhythms, unique chords, and a lot of other difficult stuff that I understand little about. I just know I love it when I hear it. I spent the hour wondering how this amazing band ended up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Who are they? Who are their influences?
I know at least one of the other dads felt the same way because we talked about it at great length after the show. I approached to the stage to tell Pegasis I thought they were incredible, I bought a t-shirt for my daughter, and I’ve been listening ever since. As a father of three kids I don’t get out a lot. I’ve only seen Pegasis twice since that night, but the older the kids get, the more free time we get. Pegasis has a busy schedule this summer and I plan to get out to a few more shows.
They dropped a new single last month – “Song for Ruxelys” – and it got me streaming their entire catalog again recently. They have four EPs titled One, Two, Tres, and Four and multiple singles scattered throughout the past six years. As an old school album listener who likes to drop the needle on something and let it play, these short EPs and single require too much intervention for me. Yes, I could just shuffle everything Pegasis. I could make one big playlist. Or, I could make a Mix CD. That’s right. It’s time for my Pegasis Mix CD.
I’ve done many of these now, but I still feel obligated to explain the Mix CD rules every single time. If you know the drill, just skip ahead. For those who don’t, here’s the deal: Making a mix used to require thought. Effort. Restraint. Nowadays you can create a playlist on your preferred streaming service with a thousand (or more) songs if you want. That’s lazy. I respect the art of creating a mix. I grew up making actual mix tapes on cassette. In college I got my hands on a CD burner and made the switch to mix CDs. You had 80 minutes and you had to make them count. If you didn’t, you wasted money and physical media.
So, in the spirit of the old days burning CDs in my attic apartment on Stowell Ave in Milwaukee, here’s 80 my favorite 80 minutes of Pegasis. Full disclosure: Pegasis doesn’t have a lot more than 80 minutes of music, but I still had a difficult time eliminating the few songs that I did. But I’ve rambled enough. Let’s get to it. Here’s my Pegasis Mix CD:
Denial
Coming out of the gate hot. This song has a little bit of everything. A little funky, a lot soulful, a dope electric guitar solo, soaring vocals, etc. A Pegasis amuse bouche that will prepare you for what’s to come.
Equation
There are a few Pegasis tracks that make me wonder if Destiny’s Child was an influence on the young Peguero-Almonte sisters. Beyonce, Kelly, and their rotating cast of vocalists had a habit of singing verses with a hip hop cadence. I’m thinking “Independent Women Part I” for example. The verses in “Equation” have a similar feel, then transform into something completely different in the chorus. I dig that Pegasis keeps me on my toes.
Song for Ruxelys
Speaking of a song that transforms, “Song for Ruxelys” is constantly evolving, seamlessly switching back and forth from Spanish to English and adding different sonic elements throughout. This is Pegasis’s newest track (released in May 2026) and if this is a sign of what’s to come, I can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Foolin’ Me
Despite the impressive vocal acrobatics on “Foolin’ Me”, the MVPs of this track are the guitar and bass. Before the first verse even hits I’m already blown away.
The Grind
I was listening to a podcast recently (I’m sorry I can’t cite the exact conversation…I listen to a lot of podcasts) and the two people were discussing how the bridge is a dead art. I love me a good bridge and Pegasis delivers. Also, name another band that pushes back their second verse to make room for a Grant Green-esque guitar solo in its place. Once again, unpredictable. Keeping the listener wondering what’s next.
Lovin’ You
The first track from their first EP. They announce with their first song that they’re not going to sound like most bands of the band with whom you’re familiar. That said, the keyboard in “Lovin’ You” is giving off some serious Music of My Mind vibes and I’m here for it.
Silence
Here’s where I’m going to plug in my “you have to see them live?” comment. “Silence” is a jazz fusion number best experienced live. That’s not to take away from the studio version. In fact, the studio version is so impressive it makes you think, “There’s no way they could play it like that live.” Wrong. It’s even better live. Go see Pegasis.
Distancia
I’ve spent the past decade or so saying, “I’m going to learn Spanish,” and I’m embarrassed to report that it’s never progressed beyond the ambitious goal stage for me. The good news for a monolingual like me is you don’t need to understand what Pegasis is singing on their Tres EP to feel it or recognize the beauty. That said, damn it, I need to learn Spanish…
The Girl from Ipanema
The Stan Getz/João Gilberto/Astrud Gilberto original is legendary for its simple sophistication. Amy Winehouse’s jazzy interpretation has a special place in my heart because, well, it’s Amy. This Pegasis version keeps the relaxed, dreamy vibe of the original but adds a some gorgeous harmonies and a killer guitar solo. Pegasis knocks this cover out of the park.
Refresh
For all of the long pauses and complicated rhythms happening with the vocals and guitar arpeggios I’m surprised “Refresh” is 4/4 throughout. I’ve listened to it three consecutive times now and it never strays. So funky and different. I need more music like this in my life.
Silencio
Pegasis’s all-Spanish language third EP Tres is the most “straightforward” music among the four EPs and multiple singles. I don’t think that’s the right way to word that, but I’m also hoping you know exactly what I mean. What it lacks in jazzy chord changes it makes up for in lush and expressive sounds. Every time I listen to Tres I wish I had it on vinyl. I’d wear that thing out. I didn’t mean for that to sound vaguely sexual. I meant I’d play it so often the needle would eventually wear out the record. Oh, you knew that’s what I meant? My bad.
Midnight Fire
My favorite jazz is when the rhythm section is doing its own thing separate from the melody and the soloists. Think Tony Williams and Ron Carter making their own amazing music behind Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, and Herbie Hancock. When you’re listening to a song with vocals it’s easy to consider the band just background players and pay attention to the people singing. Everyone knows the lead singer but everyone doesn’t know the bassist or the drummer. You don’t want to miss those guys on “Midnight Fire” – or any Pegasis song – because they’re killing it.
Desire
I can’t pinpoint a favorite genre of music, nor do I want to. I know that my favorite kind of music is chill. Not necessarily a ballad or slow jam. More like the kind of music I want to listen to while I’m sitting by a campfire. Go listen to the second half of Voodoo if you don’t know what I’m talking about. I don’t wanna rock or party, but I also don’t want to be put to sleep. One of the many reasons I dig Pegasis is that a lot of their music fits that mood. “Desire” is a perfect example.
Afternoon Nights
“Afternoon Nights” never mentions Christmas or presents or anything overtly holiday, yet it’s unmistakably a holiday song. In the great tradition of A Charlie Brown Christmas, this is more contemplative and less sleigh bells. A welcome addition to my Holiday playlist.
Tell Me Something
I mentioned campfire music before. This song should be sung by a campfire. Just a couple acoustic guitars and a trio of incredible voices.
Daydreamer
“Daydreamer” is wandering dangerously close to country & western territory with some of the harmonies and note bending, but I still dig it. The message is lovely and the vibe is laid back.
Reflejos
I try not to cheat and read English translations. I have a feeling the output of the translation is clunkier than the songwriters intended and that the words have deeper meanings in Spanish. Instead I use the song title – I know enough to know that reflejos translates to reflections in English…or at least I think it does – and the vibe of the song as context to feel what the song means without looking it up. In the case of “Reflejos” I looked it up anyway and found that the lyrical content was exactly as I imagined. Music is a universal language. Also, salute to Mr. Hillman on guitar. The solo in the middle of this song went in directions I wasn’t expecting and I loved it.
Vision
Let me paint you a picture. As I write this it’s well past 1:00 AM. Yes, I have a job and I have to be up in the morning, but I’m on a roll and these are prime writing hours. It’s dark in my house. Darker than usual, actually, as a storm knocked out the power in the entire neighborhood hours ago, yet somehow our side of the street came out unscathed. “Vision” started several minutes ago and it was so good I put the track on repeat, poured myself a little scotch, and took a break. The vibe in here is perfect. This is rarified air. Thank you, Pegasis.
Amor de Ayer
And just when I thought the vibe couldn’t get any better…this. The mic drop. “Amor de Ayer”. Words can’t capture the feeling of a song like this. I’ll describe “Amor de Ayer” like this: Few songs in my life are so stunning that I audibly gasp the moment that first note hits, then mentally brace myself when I hear them. “Sometimes It Snows in April” by Prince. “Untitled” by D’Angelo. “Back to Black” and “Love is a Losing Game” and “Wake Up Alone” by Amy Winehouse. Yep. Amy has three…on the same album. “Suede” by NxWorries. OK, maybe not “Suede”. There are a few more, but those came to mind for me first. Add “Amor de Ayer” to that list. I would’ve never guessed that some East High and UWGB grads would drop a song that I’d add to a list alongside the likes of D, Prince, and Amy, but they absolutely did.
One more thing about “Amor de Ayer”. A few months ago my wife and I went with some friends to Stone Arch Pub to see Pegasis and our guy Cole Maichle play on a Thursday night. I’ve seen “Amor de Ayer” performed live a few times and it’s the same crowd reaction every time: stunned silence. We hang on every note. That night a woman made her way to a spot directly next to my wife. She was holding up her phone. We assumed she was recording. As the final notes of the song faded the entire pub could hear her phone say something like, “I’m sorry, I can’t translate that to English right now.” The entire place, including the band, erupted with laughter. I don’t know who that woman is, but I hope she realized that we were laughing with her, not at her.
Still
Fun fact: I went to YouTube just now to get the link so I could embed the video. I searched for “Pegasis Still” and YouTube’s response was “Did you mean Pegasus Steel?” Umm, nope, but that sounds pretty badass. If you flip that to Steel Pegasus it would make an awesome band name. Or at least the name of an album for Pegasis if they decide to go metal. Anyway, this is what happens when I’ve had a couple sips of scotch while writing in the middle of the night.
I was tempted to end the mix on “Amor de Ayer” but I don’t like ending my mixes with ballads. “Still” seemed like the perfect transition back to some uptempo stuff to close out the mix. I opened the mix with “Denial” and “Still” feels like the sister track. “Denial” is the opening track on the Four EP and “Still” is last. Both tracks showcase the band’s prodigious talent. Full circle. This is the perfect way to end the mix, right?
Take It Away (Won’t Let Nobody)
When I decided to create my Pegasis Mix CD I was certain of one thing: It will end with “Take It Away”. Upbeat. Crazy fast tempo. Funky as hell. An eruption of positivity and self-affirmation. It’s like the gorgeous heartbreak of “Amor de Ayer” is behind us, we’ve healed, the sun is shining, and it’s a new day. This is how you end a mix CD.
So there it is. 78 minutes of Pegasis. The band that opened my eyes to local music and made me wonder what I’ve been missing. For those of you who’d like to stream the mix CD, here it is:
As always, I can’t figure out how to embed an Apple Music playlist on this site because I’m an idiot and/or it’s impossible, so Apple Music listeners get this link instead:
Open in Apple MusicI’ll end my post with this. I recently saw a video of Vince Staples claiming that you need to stream a song 1,500 times for an artist to make the amount of money that they’d make if you bought one CD or record. 1,500! That’s criminal. I don’t know the members of Pegasis personally, but I’m guessing they’re not living on Easy Street. The one time I was able to speak to them I bought a t-shirt but declined to buy CDs, mostly because I didn’t have much money on me at the time. I’ve regretted it since, especially after seeing that Vince Staples video. Sure, I don’t have a CD player anymore and I can/do stream them on Apple Music, but that’s not the point. My streams are contributing very little toward helping them pay the bills or continue to make music. I should’ve bought the CDs and I’ve felt like a horse’s ass ever since.
Here’s a link to Pegasis’s Bandcamp site. If you stream my mix and dig them as much as I do – or even if you don’t – head to Bandcamp and buy their music. I know I’m going to. I’ve gotten a lot of enjoyment out of their music for the past few years. On top of that, not only did they perform at our fundraiser, but they spoke at a recent school board meeting to help keep the Fine Arts Institute open at East High. Those are my kind of people. Gotta support that. The least I can do is pay to listen to their music.
While I’m at it, I’ll stop assuming local bands suck when I clearly know nothing. I’m really turning over a new leaf over here. I’m like the Ebenezer Scrooge of the east side and Pegasis is my Jacob Marley. I’m ready to enjoy some music at a local establishment, then have it said of me that I knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge. Yep, that’s the scotch talking. I’m quoting Dickens now. Time to go to bed. Good night, y’all.
mookiefantana 