Wasabi was founded in 1998 in Arcata CA. Originally the band consisted of the Work Brothers Ron and Alex on guitars and drums and bass player Matt Robinson. In 2000 the band moved to Santa Cruz CA. Around 2001 the band expanded to include keyboardist Mike Emerson. In 2005 Matt Robinson moved to Sacramento CA to help start the Jazz Studies Program at Sacramento State College and Mike Emerson moved on to a long continuous career as a touring keys player and is currently playing with the Tommy Castro Band.

In 2005 the stars aligned and local Santa Cruz bass wunderkind Dan Robbins joined the Brothers Work on their musical quest.

Since 2005 Ron and Alex Work along with bass player Dan Robbins have been bringing their unique version of music to crowds all over.  The power trio plays primarily original music, with a few select covers, rooted in a meld of funk/rock/jazz/world/hip hop/dance music.  Wasabi’s tunes draw from the personal journeys of its members and a revolving collection of special guests who frequently sit in on various instruments and vocals.  The music is creative and fun with unique twists and turns and lends itself to dancing as well as contemplative listening.  The band denies being put into one genre. The music is an exploration and everything is on the table for compositional possibilities.

Wasabi has toured the Pacific Northwest numerous times as well as Alaska.  The band played the 58th edition of the Monterey Jazz Fest in 2015. The majority of the bands playing is at local events in Santa Cruz and the various Santa Cruz Mountains communities.  

Wasabi has shared the stage with lots of great artists and bands such as:  Maceo Parker, Lee Scratch Perry, Trey Gunn Band, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Bunny Wailer, Rockin Teenage Combo, The Living Daylights and Dick Dale.