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Featured Artist of the Week

Featured Artist of the Week – Jerry Diaz

May 6th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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Jerry Diaz is a songwriter, solo perfomer, and founder of the band “Hanna’s Reef”. The son of a merchant marine (R.L. Diaz) from the coast of Venezuela, and an artist (Irene Rivera) from Mexico, Diaz has both the nautical spirit and the gypsy flair running through his veins. Born and raised on the upper Texas coast, Jerry gives listeners a glimpse of the coastal lifestyle in just about every song he writes. From songs about Key West, Florida, to songs about New Orleans, and the Texas beach towns that he’s grown up in, Diaz takes you on a musical journey of boats, beaches, and bars.
As a songwriter, Diaz has accumulated quite a catalog of songs that have been enjoyed throughout the Gulf Coast, for the last several years. Jerry founded the band “Key West” in 1993, and performed with that band until April of 2002. During that time, Key West recorded three albums, which featured many Diaz originals. It is with Key West that Jerry developed his trademark high-energy “tropical” songwriting style that folks have come to know and love.
After leaving the band Key West, Diaz formed his current band, “Hanna’s Reef”, in July, 2002. Hanna’s Reef features the songwriting of Diaz, including both familiar favorites from the earlier years, plus new compositions. Hanna’s Reef recorded a live album in the summer of 2002 called “Reef Madness”. The band released their first studio CD, “Deja View”, in 2004.
In addition to songwriting, and playing lead guitar with Hanna’s Reef, Jerry also performs regularly as a solo entertainer, and with other songwriters and musicians. In his solo performances, Diaz mixes a combination of original tunes, Jimmy Buffett favorites, and other “tropical” tunes. Jerry covers songs by well known artists, as well as songs by fellow Texans, and coastal songwriters. When Diaz performs solo, he does so with an acoustic guitar only (no backing tracks!)
Diaz has performed in several “songwriter’s showcases”, with fellow songwriters, and good friends. Some of the folks Jerry has performed with include Kelly McGuire, James “Sunny Jim” White, Larry Joe Taylor, Brent Burns, John Reno, David Waugh, Kelly Brown, Jim Hoehn, Sonny Russell, Gordon Price, Jerry Gontag, Jim Morris, Matt Hall, Hugo Duarte, Wes Loper, Eric Stone, Gene Mitchell, Robert Frith, Gary Seiler, Mark Mulligan, Don Burke, and Rick Steffen.
Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show

Having a party,and want to make it a “Margaritaville” themed event? Then Jerry has the perfect solution for you! At your request, Jerry can do a 2-3 hour show consisting of all “Buffett” favorites.

If you are anywhere in the United States, you’re within our travel area. Contact Jerry for rates and availability We’d love to be a part of your event!

Current Schedule

To Book Jerry Diaz:

Wanna have Jerry perform at your venue, poolside party, or three hour cruise? You can contact Jerry directly, to check for availablity, rates, details, etc. You can do so at:

CELL 409-728-0033

(MARY D.) 409-893-8488

E-MAIL jerry@jerrydiaz.com

 

————————–
Jerry and Mary Diaz (his wife) are also owners and operators of Sail Away Promotions and Entertainment. Sail Away presents several promotions throughout the year, including the annual event PARDI GRAS In addition, Sail Away presents several selected shows by other artists, in the Houston, Texas area.
Jerry & Mary Diaz reside in Nederland, Texas, near the upper Texas coast. They have two daughters, Danielle, and Casey. In addition to the music business, Jerry & Mary are also the local distributors of Pepperidge Farm products in most of Southeast Texas.

All Information is from JerryDiaz.com

Featured Artist (DJ) of the Week – Keep Trockin’ For DJ Jeff

Apr 27th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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Jeff Allen, one of our favorite Trop Rock DJs on BeachFront Radio as well as a close personal friend to many of us, has recently revealed that he has begun the good fight against the Big “C”….Pancreatic Cancer.

The PTTW Committee, along with Trop Rockers all around the country, will be distributing wristbands in support of him for a suggested minimum $5.00 donation.

Please join us if you can. You can get the bracelets at many of the upcoming Trop Rock events or you can order them via PayPal or by check (see below for both options) and we will send them to you.

If you would prefer to make a direct donation via check, please make it out to “The DJ Jeff Fund” and send it to Nina Hill, 322 Sandra Ln, Woodruff, SC 29388.

For more imformation, contact Doug Murray at barneyfeet@gmail.com.

To order your bracelet click here.

 

Our Friends at Living Like A Pirate have also created a shirt in which 100% of the profit goes directly to “The DJ Jeff Fund”

Click HERE to order your shirts.

From all of us at the Trop Rock Blog, Living Like A Pirate, & PTTW
~~ Keep Trockin’ DJ Jeff ~~

A Special Featured Artist of the Week – Bob Marley (in honor of the movie release 4/20)

Apr 20th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
1 comment
BOB MARLEY SAID THAT HE WOULD RETURN TO THE FARM ONE DAY
Written by the Marley Family

No other artist has had the galvanic global effect of Bob Marley. Singer, songwriter, and prophet, he has received innumerable honors, including The Jamaican Order of Merit, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and many more. The New York Times called him the most influential musical artist of the second half of the twentieth century. An international icon, he’s instantly recognized by his mane of flashing dreadlocks and message of conscious love and revolutionary unity, wailing over a thunderous reggae groove. Even decades after his passing, Bob Marley continues to be the standard by which not just Jamaican but all popular music artists must be measured.

Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley was born on February 6, 1945, to Cedella Booker, a local village girl, and Norville Marley, a colonial captain, in the lush countryside around St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. His formative teenage years were spent in Kingston’s vibrant and sometimes violent ghetto – Trenchtown – and it was here that Marley gained insight for his prose, recognizing the humanity, dignity and richness that can flourish despite material deprivation.

Bob Marley formed his band The Wailing Wailers in 1963 with friends Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Their music was inspired in part by American soul, gospel and R&B. The harmony trio played a significant role in the ska and rock steady music which mirrored Jamaica’s new post-colonial identity. The band would release some 30 singles over the next few years, including “Simmer Down,” which reached the top of the Jamaican music charts.

In 1966, Bob married his girlfriend Rita Anderson and left for the United States the next day to gather financing for his next album. After eight months stateside, Bob returned to Jamaica, bringing the group back together, now known simply as The Wailers. The band would end up traveling to London in 1971 and securing an unprecedented record deal with Island Records, ultimately leading to the release of their debut album, Catch A Fire.

The Wailers’ second album, Burnin, was released in 1973 and included tracks such as “Get Up, Stand Up” and “I Shot The Sheriff,” which would bring them a new level of worldwide attention when Eric Clapton covered it the following year, reaching the number-one spot on the U.S. singles chart.

Tosh and Wailers parted ways with Marley before the release of Natty Dread in 1975, which produced such hits as “No Woman, No Cry” and “So Jah Seh.” The band name then became Bob Marley & The Wailers, with harmonies sung by a female trio called I-Three, which included Bob’s wife Rita. Indeed, even as he was becoming an international star, the ghetto runnings and global trickery he sang about still haunted him. Shortly after trying to unite Kingston’s warring political gangs by performing at a free Peace Concert in 1976, Marley was shot and wounded in his own uptown Kingston home the night before the concert. Undeterred, Marley would go on to play the show as scheduled, in defiance of the would-be assassins.

The following year Marley returned to London and recorded Exodus, a stirring, militant and mystic musical landmark that would eventually be voted the most significant album of the twentieth century by TIME magazine.

Consistent and rigorous, Marley continued to challenge himself and the complacency of society in his next albums, Kaya, Survival and Uprising. Marley’s songs were an inspiration to downtrodden and impoverished people the world over. He was humbled and honored to receive an official invitation from the newly liberated government of Zimbabwe to play at their Independence Ceremony in 1980.

But though his fame and authority were reaching new heights, Marley’s health was failing. He had been secretly tussling with what was originally thought to be a football injury, but proved to be a terminal melanoma cancer. Bob Marley passed away in Miami, where he had stopped en route to his home in Jamaica, on May 11, 1981, at age 36. His last words, spoken to his son Ziggy, were “Money can’t buy life.” Marley’s remains were transported to Jamaica and he was given an official state funeral. He was buried alongside his guitar in a mausoleum near his place of birth.

For Marley, celebrity itself was merely a byproduct of a lifelong mission: To raise the consciousness of people everywhere, to make heard the voice of the downtrodden and the ghetto “sufferah,” and to powerfully project his insights to the world in a peerless canon of dancing music.

His songs have titles like incantations and Biblical invocations. Tracks like “Soul Rebel,” “Natural Mystic,” “Burnin’ and Lootin’,” “Exodus,” “Jamming,” and “One Love” are now essential elements of our human cultural vocabulary. Three years after his passing, the phenomenal Legend anthology was released, sealing his mythic status.

As he’d hoped, his children have continued his work through various artistic efforts, business ventures and philanthropic foundations. Bob Marley is still very much with us through his recordings and writings. His mystique and influence have continued to grow, and his words have become ever more necessary and relevant: “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind.”

Featured Artist of the Week – Homemade Wine

Apr 16th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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Homemade Wine


Homemade Wine is a tropical rock band. Some say Homemade Wine is a country band. Still others insist Homemade Wine is a southern-rock acoustic band. While any or all of these could apply, it is safe to say Homemade Wine is intent on creating a new genre of music, their own genre of music. Begun as a stage persona for lead singer, Ryan Sheley, the idea of “Homemade Wine” quickly blossomed into an acoustic trio, with Ryan’s brother Tod on percussion, and long time friend Matt McSpadden on rhythm guitar and backup vocals. Ryan’s unmatchable songwriting skills coupled with the mellow acoustic blend of the trio quickly took Homemade Wine to the top of the Knoxville music scene. With regular circuits from Wild Wing Café to Ray’s ESG, Homemade Wine offered people something different than other bands in the area. Shows consisted of a great mix of original music with all the beloved bar sing-alongs. Heavy in the Jimmy Buffett style, Homemade Wine offered the most diverse mix of music for the Knoxville party scene.

After 9 months of playing as an acoustic trio, Homemade Wine decided it was time to go big or go home. Shows had taken them from Gulf Shores, AL, to Charleston, SC, but Homemade Wine felt the need tobring additional talent into the group. Drummer Brad Williams (Jag Star, Homer Hart), bass / guitar player Andy Westcott, and lead guitar powerhouse and backup vocalist Tommie Eakins (internationally famous independent solo artist) all brought their individual styles to the blend of Homemade Wine, allowing an even more diverse range of musical styles. As a band, they have traveled around the southeast, spreading their original style across Tennessee, Alabama, and the Carolinas. Homemade Wine just completed their first album, entitled Music for the Salty Soul. The album feature original music including “Take Me Down to the Tropics,” Do It All Over Again,” and “Colorado Sky,” as well as a cover of the Rusty McHugh classic, “Bus Back To Birmingham.” The album was released July 2010 and garnered the band some recognition on the Trop-Rock and National circuits.

 

Homemade Wine took top honors, as voted by listeners, in top trop-rock internet radio station, BeachFront Radio’s Best of 2010 poll by taking #1 New Band of 2010, #1 CD of 2010 with “Music for the Salty Soul”, #1 Song of 2010 with their original song, “Her Kiss,” and #1 New Male Vocalist by Ryan Sheley.

Music for the Salty Soul.

can be purchase online via several digital providers, such as,

iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon Music. Following the links

below to purchase your copy!

itunes   cdbaby
Homemade Wine is currently on the road promoting the release of their newest album, “Barstools, Broken Hearts, and Songs from the Road.”

Featured Artist of the Week – Southern Drawl Band

Apr 7th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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Southern Drawl Band was formed by lead vocalist Nashville Mike and guitarist Rich Killingsworth in Febuary of 2011. Mike & Rich have been playing on and off together for more than a decade with their previous band “Krank” (a high energy, alternative rock band) and other projects. Playing as a duo under the name “Nashville Mike” for several months in early 2011, they added drummer Larry Dunsmore in May of 2011 and changed the name to Southern Drawl Band. They added keyboardist Lonnie Miller in June and bassist Brannon McCaleb in late July. Having been together as a band for only a few months, Southern Drawl Band has quickly become one of the top drawing acts in Knoxville with their fans and club owners alike. Leaving many folks asking “where did these guys come from?” Don’t get the wrong idea though, these guys are far from an “overnight success”. With combined stage and performance experience of close to a century, they credit strong work ethic and their love for the music, as well as a heartfelt appreciation for the fans for this seemingly “fast” rise up the ladder. Southern Drawl makes every song their own and every audience member a part of the show. They believe that in this day of TV talent shows and one hit wonders, the old fashioned way of building success “one fan at a time” is still the best way to build lasting success.

“Nashville” Mike

Lead Singer/Acoustic Guitar

www.nashvillemike.net

 

Mike is a guitarist, singer, and published songwriter currently living in Knoxville, TN. Mike, a Tennessee native, was born in Kingsport and raised in Nashville where he grew up playing guitar and singing in the bar scene. Moving to Cocoa Beach, FL in 2006, Mike continued building a following of fans young and old; opening for such acts as Eddie Money, Marshall Tucker and Uncle Cracker and touring with his band The Cocolocos from Key West to The Bahamas. In 2009, Mike’s original CD release of “Another Day In Paradise” led to a publishing deal with Rice Publishing/Nashville. Mike moved back home to Tennessee in 2010 after the passing of his father and began building yet another resume of success, earning a position among the top acts in Knoxville. Mike has opened for such acts as Eddie Money, Uncle Cracker and Marshall Tucker Band.

Rich Killingsworth

Lead Guitar/Fiddle/Vocal/Utility

Born in october 1966, I started playing guitar at 12 yrs of age. I learned by ear from my grandma, Bea Green, and mom, Janis Killingsworth. Mom taught me how to sing all the spectrum’s of all the vocal line’s. Thats why singing harmony is natural for me. Mom also taught me how to play the banjo. I still have my great grandpa “Poppy”s banjo. My granpa “Doc”, taught me how to play harmonica, though I still need a lot of practice. Both sides of the family have musical talent. My sister ” Bobbie Kaye”, sing’s better than me. My great grandpa, “Uncle John Milligan”, was well known for playing fiddle in the area back in the day. He played over his head, between his legs, behind his back. I never met him, but that would have been something to see. I learned how to play the fiddle when I was 17, via mandolin. It’s tuned the same, but you have to use a bow instead of a pick. I never liked the way it sounded when I was learning, because when you mess up on a fiddle, man doe’s it make the dog’s howl! lol. I put it away until feb. 2011, when Nashville Mike asked me if I knew how to play any of Zack Brown Band’s stuff. I said, who’s Zack Brown? So I started learning fiddle this year, and my dog’s have settled down. I must be getting better, lol. I played in northwest indiana until I was 19, and was lucky enough to be the opener for “Mickey Gilley”, in Chicago. I did alot of high school homework on breaks in my car at the bars. A year after I graduated, I moved to Tn. with “Razin’ Kayne” band from indiana. That band did openers for “Jerry Reed”, and others. After about a year we disbanned, and I played with “Clifford Russel” for a few months. I helped form “Silverado Band”, after that, and played as house band for “Starlight” bar and grill, which is now “Six Pockets”, for a few years.Went on the road with “The Bad Weather Boy’s” in the Chicago area for a while. The weather was bad, let me tell ya. I got an offer to come back to Knoxville and play with The “Hunley Brothers” and Sister Ruth poolside at the “Grand Hotel” in Pigeon Forge, so I took it. They were great people, and had an all Dollywood cast of player’s except for me. I had alot of fun with them. We even Ended up playing with Their older brother, Capital records recording artist, “Con Hunley”. We did New years at the grand, and opened up the “Eagle Mountain” music theatre, with Con as headliner, and Johnny Counterfiet, opposite Jim Ed Brown and Jeanie Sealey. I loved playin’ with Burton Acres on bass, and the great “Herbie Wallace”, on steel guitar. Those guy’s could really play! I moved to Myrtle Beach in 95, and played 10-15 shows a week on “The Grand Strand”. I met my son Ryan’s Mother Jenny Beck while she was on vacation, and knew I met the love of my life. We got busy with starting a family, and I moved back to Knoxville to do auto collision repair with my father Tom Killingsworth. I did that for 15 years, and when my dad died in 09′ I didn’t like to do it anymore. He was truely my best friend. I met Mike in 2002 when His wife and Jenny were enrolled in South College. When I heard him sing, I had the itch again. We started an alternative band called “Krank”. Volume, not the drug. We played LOUD. Mike and I had alot of fun with that music, then he moved away, and I continued to do auto collision. Besides filling in for a few bands here and ther, I figured the best was behind me. But now, with the “Southern Drawl Band”, I have a new love and outlook on musical possibilities, and want to ride this train as long as I can. They are a great bunch of guy’s and we have alot of fun. You can be yourself. I play from the soul and the band fit’s me perfectly. I am excited to see what the future holds.

Larry Dunsmore

Drums

Larry Dunsmore has been performing & recording drums & percussion in and around knoxville for over a decade playing with the best musicians in the area. playing nearly 1,500 live performances, 200+ recording hours, and more broken drum sticks then we can possible count. keeping knoxville’s rhythms tight & clean, striving for perfection, we are the weight that holds down the rhythm section!

 

Influences

Zac Brown Band, Alabama, Allman Brothers, Toby Keith, Blackberry Smoke, Alan Jackson, Marshall Tucker, Billy Currington, Doobie Brothers,Tim McGraw, Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Strait, Lynard Skynard, Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett, Charlie Daniels Band, Old Crow Medicine Show.

All information gathered from www.southerndrawlband.com

 

Featured Artist of the Week – Rob Mehl

Mar 31st, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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THE COFFEE COMES FROM KONA, THE SONGS COME FROM THE SEA!

I was born in Oceanside, California and spent most of my youth in Southern California and Hawaii. I started surfing in the late 1950′s, started reading classic literature in the early 1960′s, and by the mid ’70s was combining the two influences in my own writing. My early musical influences include traditional Hawaiian storytelling songwriters, jazz artists, and standard vocalists. I’ve been told my music has “amazing depth” and is “always refreshing because it’s always evolving” by fans and peers alike.

I describe my music as pretty mellow, folk-style beach ballads and stories with little bit of jazz. I’ve been blessed with a gift that lets me travel to beautiful places all over the world, so I have to say that getting to play in tropic waters for most of my life has influenced my music. So have musicians like Gabby Pahinui, Kui Lee, Jerry Santos, Astrud Gilberto, Harry Nilsson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Walter Wanderly, Marty Robbins, Paul Simon, Michael Franks and James Taylor. As a kid I’d sit under the banyan trees of Waikiki and listen to “Pops” Pahinui & other Hawaiian players. Then, since dad worked as a radio disc jockey, I’d sit and listen to him play jazz all night. That mix helped create the songwriter I am now. And some of the beach boys (of Waikiki!) would tell me every day, “Read, little haole boy, read!” And they’d bring me books. Which means that writers like Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, William Butler Yeats, Ernest Hemingway, C.S. Lewis, John D. MacDonald, Carl Sandburg, Clive Cussler and J.R.R. Tolkein have influenced my own writing.

Today I play a nylon-string guitar and ukulele … though not usually at the same time … and I love telling stories between songs … sometimes  even between verses! My favorite places to perform are at singer/ songwriter festivals, house concerts for sure, and clubs that are “listening venues”, not just venues that have live music. And, oh yeah, I love going places where I get to surf!”

I’ve recorded 8 cd’s with some absolutely amazing musicians (available on iTunes and at CD Baby) that can be heard regularly on selected internet radio stations around the world. I also has a live concert dvd from a show at The Yard in Tampa, Florida.

All information is from http://www.robmehl.com/

 

Featured Artist of the Week – Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band

Mar 26th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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Howard is a native of the mountains of eastern Kentucky. His mother spawned his love for music by introducing him to the guitar at age five. While the love of music never did leave him, his career pushed him in a different direction. While building his business, he traveled to the Florida Keys, where he developed a severe case of “Keys Fever” He never wanted to leave. The more he visited, the more music, and the keys called out to him. Finally, he surrendered. The islands called both he and his guitar. He teamed upo with this group of talented musicians and Mile Marker 24 was born and the island music goes on and on.

Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 band are the real deal and an all original tropical island band capable of supporting both small and large events. The band has recorded five studio CDs filled with over fifty all originals that always please the crowd. The band is also flexible and fully functional from an intimate two-piece to a ten-piece including a horn section. Howard is also available as a solo performer. The music of Mile Marker 24 offers universal appeal with an easy going lilt and sway that celebrates the human spirit while being underscored by steel drums, guitars, marimba and subtle strings.

Mile Marker 24 has been on the fast track, growing in popularity from the most popular band in the Florida Keys to clearly a favorite nationwide.

Livingston’s self-released fifth album, Tunes in a Tropical Key, provides the latest example of this carefree caress. Like his four earlier efforts, Livin’ On Key West Time (2005), Meet Me In The Keys (2006), Blame It On The Margaritas (2007), and I’m Living on an Island (2008) much of the new album is based on Livingston’s life – the life he loves in the Florida Keys. Songs that share his love for the Florida Keys (It’s A Pretty Good Life), to the humorous (Get Your Own Cousin & Tropical Nightmare). This album joins Livingston’s other albums as a soundtrack to a lifestyle – the lifestyle of flip flops and tank tops!

Livingston and company have become known as a Portable Party Machine supporting corporate events, weddings, and tropical parties. With the 1952 Johnson outboard motor – turned margarita maker – that became well known when making margaritas with Al Roker (Today Show), Dave Price (CBS Early Show), Sam Champion (Good Morning America), and Samantha Brown (The Travel Channel), Livingston performs many events in the Florida Keys, fairs and tropical parties in the Southeast US, and tours the Midwest and Eastern USA. He has shared the stage with the likes of Mac McAnally, Little River Band, Cowboy Troy, America, Jerry Jeff Walker, Hank Williams, Tim McGraw, Big and Rich, and Keith Urban. Livingston has also been a headliner act at Meeting of the Minds (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), Jimmy Buffett’s annual international fan club convention.

All Information copied from Howard’s Website

Featured Artist of the Week – The Island Castaways Band

Mar 20th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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The Island Castaways Band

Originally formed in 2008 as Jimmy Buffett tribute, The Island Castaways Band have evolved into one of New England’s most popular Trop Rock bands. Their live show features a balanced mix of originals and classics, all with their own Tropical touch of fun – bringing Summer to you, regardless of where you are or the time of year. “LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST” – The Island Castaways Band.

The Island Castaways Band are:

Paul Kane
Lead Vocalist and Guitar

Paul Kane has many years of playing in a wide variety of bands in New England. His smooth vocals and excellent guitar playing is the perfect fit for the bands “front man” position. Paul currently resides in Webster, MA.

Joe Holewa
Bass Guitar

Joe “Mai Tai” Holewa has played extensively in the New England area in many notable bands. Not only is he a fine bass player, he is the “Go To Guy” for the Island Castaways. Joe currently resides in Charlton, MA.

Scott Ciprari
Drums

Scott “the kid” Ciprari has been playing drums since he was… a kid! Not only is a great player, but he also makes the drums he plays – Scott is the owner of SJC Drums. Scott currently resides in Dudley, MA.

Roy Holliday
Keyboards

When away from the keyboards, Roy is a singer/songwriter and radio personality. In addition to his annual solo Christmas releases and holiday shows, he is the founding member of Sand Dollar Rodeo. Roy currently resides in Roanoke, TX.

Booking Information:

Please contact Joe Holewa at (508) 740-7147 or maitai@islandcastawaysband.com

Email the Band:

Paul Kane

Joe Holewa

Scott Ciprari

Roy Holliday

They can also be heard on the following Trop Rock Radio Stations:

BeachFront Radio
Palapa Mac Radio
Trop Rock WNY’s The Shore
Radio Margaritaville

The Island Castaways Band Website

Featured Artist of the Week – Parrot Island Band

Mar 15th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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The Parrot Island Band

The Parrot Island Band from Atlanta, Georgia, is a Jimmy Buffett tribute band that was nominated as the Trop Rock Music Award Duo/Trio of the year for 2009-2011. We are a “Trop-Rock” trio, available for parties, cookouts, wedding, fundraisers, corporate events… if you are looking for excellent Jimmy Buffett music at an affordable price, look no further! As we like to say, we are “Jimmy Buffett on a budget”.

The Parrot Island Band consists of Kevin Garrelts (congas), Linda Harris (steel drum), Bry Harris (guitar/vocals) and can add bass player if needed for bigger events. The band has been together for five years and has had the opportunity to play all around Atlanta and throughout the southeast region. While we play over 50 Jimmy Buffett songs, we also have written over 20 original “tropical songs” that have been very well received.

Parrot Island Band Members

Jimmy Buffett tribute band

Bry Harris

Band leader, Bry Harris, has been a huge Jimmy Buffett fan since the mid-70′s. He was named “most likely to open for Jimmy Buffett” by his high school graduating class. Although he took a long break from the music business, Bry is making up for lost time and enjoys meeting new friends at the numerous gigs that the band plays for.

 

 

Atlanta Trop Rock Band and Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band

Linda Harris

Linda Harris is the beauty of the band and plays the steel pan. While many people only get to hear the steel pan on cruises or the Carribean, Linda brings the Island sound to the Parrot Island Band. Linda decided it was a good idea to pick up the steel pan when Bry “accidentally” won a bid for one on Ebay (and had no idea how to play it himself).

 

 

Key West Kev - Atlanta, Ga

Kevin Garrelts

Kevin Garrelts adds the sound of congas to the band, rounding out the tropical feel to the music we play. Originally from Kearney, Nebraska – “Key West” Kev currently resides in Acworth, GA. While Kevin is currently playing percussion/conga with the band, he is also an excellent rhythm guitar player.

Original Source

Featured Artist of the Week – Michael J Weiss

Mar 6th, 2012
by Trop Rock Blog.
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Michael J Weiss is a Florida-born musician best known for his live performances that feature instantly-memorable original songs paired with an entertaining mix of well-known and surprising cover tunes that span nearly every decade and genre. Michael is the embodiment of the singer/songwriter. His combination of engaging storytelling, powerful vocals, versatile guitar and stellar songwriting, make him truly unique and memorable. He seems equally at home in a concert environment singing one of his beautiful ballads as he does in a raucous bar with patrons screaming “Wilma!” (one of his most popular live songs). His ability as a musician combined with an engaging and interactive entertaining style make him an instant crowd favorite. If you can’t have a good time at one of Michael’s shows, you might not be able to have a good time! Michael plays hundreds of shows every year as a solo act and with a number of talented musicians.

Michael currently has five albums, “One Take Live,” “Songs & Stories,” “Gonna Be A Good Day,” “Live in Your Living Room” and “Paradise For Me.” The two most recent albums were a way of capturing Michael’s live show. “Songs & Stories” is a live solo album that captures exactly what it is that makes Michael unique, including stories behind the songs and audience interaction. “One Take Live” features brand new songs along with new versions of some favorites performed as a full trio with Michael J Petrantoni and Jeff Rubin. Both of these albums were unedited, unadulterated and uncut. They offer a real representation of Michael’s song All albums are available in hard copy and online through iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon and other online merchants.

 

What Others Are Saying:

“I knew right away after hearing Michael perform for the first time that I wanted him to be part of our film “The United States of Autism.” It is often rare that you come across a musician with such a unique style and big heart. He connects with the crowd in a positive and intimate way. His original works are strong in meaning yet still retain his postive personal touch. I am looking forward to more and more music from Michael J Weiss”

- Dan Sokola, Executive Producer,
       The United States of Autism
(usofautism.com)


“To craft a song that will move an audience is one thing… to do that and entertain them at the same time is something totally different. Michael Weiss has a way of hitting you from all angles while staying true to his easy going personality. His music stretches both ends of the spectrum from light and humorous tunes like “Dear Wilma” and “Waffle House” to more deep and hard hitting pieces like “Knowing Smile,” “Little Bit of You” and “Smile On.” Still I find myself in a relaxed frame of mind regardless of the material at hand. Always a smile, always entertaining and always on top of his game.”

- John Kelly, Owner,
Hideaway Studio & Cafe
(hideawaycafe.biz)

Michael J Weiss brings a breath of fresh air to the music scene. His unique gift of superb and witty storytelling is evident in Michael’s original music as well as his ability to entertain his audience while on stage. His strong vocals and guitar skill paired with his masterful songwriting, allows Michael to bring the complete package and give his all to every performance. Michael has the uncanny ability to read his audience and engage them from start to finish knowing just when to step it up from soft love ballad to his more humorous sing-a-long fan favorites.

Always a pleasure to work with, Michael is sure to enjoy a long and successful career as he gains popularity daily. I’m looking forward to more and more from Michael J Weiss!!

- Shurl Gates, Owner
Gates Music Management
(GatesMusicManagement.com)

“Michael J Weiss is a great young talent! It’s so refreshing to hear a new voice on the music scene that, instead of making you want to kick a puppy dog like most of today’s music, makes you want to take the furry guy down to the beach.”

- DJ Jeff Allen, Beachfront Radio (BeachFrontRadio.com)

“Michael is a singer/songwriter just coming into his own and has been performing a mix of cover tunes and original music. Dove-tailed with his storytelling, he keeps the crowd enthusiastic and listening. Quickly becoming a popular and sought-after local musician. A true awesome performer, not to be missed.”

- Jim Tizzano, Owner (BackstageMusicEntertainment.com)

Story Copy from Michael’s Website

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