One of the first things 10-year-old Ruby Sosa noticed when she walked into her new adoptive home in 2006 was the myriad of instruments in the garage.

She instantly thought that she and her five sisters would make a great band, and with the guidance of their adoptive father, the "Sosa Sisters" are on their way to becoming the next big act coming out of Kings County.

The six sisters were all adopted by Luis, who goes by Sosa, and Maria Sosa of Hanford after their birth mother, an epileptic, in Fresno could no longer care for them.

After settling into their new home and watching their adoptive father play guitar, the girls began learning to play the drums, guitar, bass, congas and keyboard.

"They can play all the instruments ... as soon as I started teaching them, they wanted to learn something else," Sosa said.

Sosa has an extensive musical background and has performed and produced with musicians like George Santana, Rick James and Lonnie Jordan of the legendary rock band War.

He is now using his connections to help his daughters launch their careers as the "Sosa Sisters."

Among the sisters are two sets of twins -- Lena and Samantha, 12, and Priscilla and Ruby,10. Lena is the lead singer of the band and plays timbales, while her twin, Samantha, plays the keyboard. Priscilla riffs on the guitar and her twin, Ruby, plays the drums.

The oldest sister, Jennifer, 14, is the bass guitarist and the youngest, Heaven, 7, plays the congas.

It has been less than three years since the girls picked up their first instruments, but their dad has already helped them develop a full stage show.

"I didn't think they'd stick to it; I thought when they bugged me it would be five minutes and then the guitar would be on the floor," Sosa said.

On March 27 the sisters shared the stage withWar during a recent PBS fundraiser in Fresno. They performed "Why Can't We Be Friends" and "Low Rider" with the band.

"It makes me very proud; it brought tears to our eyes," Sosa said.

Recently the sisters recorded and released their own self-produced CD titled "Summer Fun," which is sold at their performances.

"We've been selling out all over the place," Sosa said.

The album includes original songs like "My Home Town," which was written by Jennifer and Priscilla about their love for Hanford.

Sosa said the song has received a lot of attention and was even used by Hanford City Council member, Dan Chin, during his campaign for reelection.

Another song off the album, "Yo Soy Latina" is now playing on KSJV 91.5 FM. It is one of the only songs they sing in Spanish, and Lena said she likes it because it is about her Latin culture.

Since none of the girls are fluent in Spanish, they have learned the language through their songs.

"They understand a little bit, but they aren't fluent," Maria Sosa said.

During their live shows the girls also cover many popular classics like "We are Family," "Oye Como Va" and as well as newer songs like "Lovebug" by The Jonas Brothers.

One of their latest endeavors has been filming a short reality show for the Internet TV Web site, www.calmagazine.com. The sisters have filmed two 22-minute tutorials on the congas and bass that can be viewed on the Web site's Channel 9. Sosa said there are more to come.

He said he has also been in talks with several well-known performers and producers, but that they aren't in a rush to sign a recording contract.

"We are slowing down and trying to be more careful about what we're doing and really show off their talent," Sosa said.

In the Sosa household, school comes first. Sosa said if their grades slip or if the girls have too much homework, they don't get to play, but it doesn't happen often.

Jennifer is a freshman at Hanford High School, while Lena and Samantha attend John F. Kennedy Junior High School. The three youngest, Priscilla, Ruby and Heaven go to Lee Richmond Elementary School.

Jennifer said that all her friends at school know about the band and think it is "cool" that she gets to perform with he sisters.

The sisters said that Ruby constantly wants to play and is the first one to encourage the girls to practice. When the 10-year-old plays the drums she has a huge smile on her face the entire time.

"I like playing the drums but I like playing all the instruments," Ruby said.

During spring break the girls practiced for several hours to prepare for their upcoming shows. On May 2 they will open for "August" in Tulare and on May 9 they will be headlining their own show in Sacramento.

Their next scheduled public event in Kings County will be July 4 at the Tachi Palace in Lemoore. They will perform on the outdoor stage during their Independence Day celebration.

"It's fun; I hope we just go further and continue to get better," Jennifer said.

This reporter can be reached at 583-2427.

April 17, 2009