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LehCats

LehCats, (Stachel’s last name spelled backwards), is a vibrant music collective renowned for its bold fusion of multicultural rhythms and contemporary influences. Blending elements of Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Middle Eastern sounds, the group crafts a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation. With infectious grooves, intricate percussion, and rich melodic layers, LehCats delivers an exhilarating musical experience that embodies the energy and spirit of diverse cultures. Their performances are fueled by improvisation and a deep connection with audiences, setting them apart as a compelling force in the world of multicultural music.

A Conversation with LehCats

by UDEiGWE
November 4, 2018

LehCats' latest release, Movement to Egalitaria, is a collection of songs that come together to engender an achievable vision of a fairer society. Join me and this fantastic musical couple, Karen Stachel and Norbert Stachel, as we talk about the making of the album, discrimination in the world of classical music, the Bay area, and other carefully related topics. Playlist LehCats “Soul Cha Cha" from Movement to Egalitaria (IyouWee) 00:00 LehCats “National Anthem of Egalitaria" / “Nine Lives" ...

Recording

Karen Stachel Norbert Stachel & Lehcats Join Forces With Giovanni Hidalgo On 'Live At The Breakroom,' A 2-CD Set To Be Released March 20

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity
January 16, 2026

Omnivorous jazz fusion combo LehCats channels the awesome percussive power and ingenuity of conguero Giovanni Hidalgo with Live at the Breakroom, set for a March 20 release by Purple Room Productions. Captured on a night at the titular San Jose venue when Hidalgo was featured with the New York–based band led by husband-and-wife Karen (flutes, vocals) and Norbert Stachel (saxophones, flutes), the double-disc album is a superlative example of what can happen when spontaneity, unforced chemistry, and an energetic and ...
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Recording

New On Lenny White's Venture IYOUWE! Norbert And Karen Stachel & LehCats - Movement To Egalitaria

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations
July 3, 2018

Funky, Soulful Sounds Featuring More Than 30 Players! “Movement to Egalitaria is a line in the sand. Any jazz fusion recordings that are released in the future will be compared to this album. Karen Stachel and Norbert Stachel have delivered an epic and energetic production for the ages. They have poured their hearts and souls into creating something that will stand the test of time- not just because of its brilliant virtuosity—but because this album has vision and ...
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What happens when you drop a Puerto Rican percussion genius into an already blazing jazz band inspired by Afro-Caribbean grooves? In the case of LehCats, the result was a performance for the ages. Led by the New York City–based multi-instrumental husband-and-wife team of Norbert and Karen Stachel, LehCats ended a run of gigs around the San Francisco Bay Area in the fall of 2024 with Giovanni Hidalgo as special guest at San Jose Jazz’s Break Room, an intimate venue that has turned into Silicon Valley’s answer to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.The unanticipated two-disc album Live at the Break Room is the third LehCats release. Andrew Gilbert