Irie Still: Bios

Ras Ronny Noel: Lead Vocals/Djembe of Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.
The founder and deeply spiritual leader of The Irie Still band, Mr. Noel has traveled extensively promoting his cause of music in service of world peace and unity.As an Alumni of the prestigious Naparima "boys" College in San Fernando Trinidad, he received part of his early training and introduction to the performing arts. Ronny is the focal point of Irie Still, commanding the stage and inviting the audience into the experience. Proficient in African, Caribbean, and Latin drums along with various other percussion instruments, Ronny has developed his unmistakable rapport and charismatic style while performing before live audiences in Trinidad and Tobago since age nine, drawing music lovers consistently and enthusiastically to every show. His strong social convictions, belief in humanity, and spirituality meld uniquely with his performance. It is impossible for listeners not to dance and be inspired. Mr. Noel is an unstoppable force of music.

Brother Sheldon Johnson: Keyboards, Backing and Lead vocals of Denver, Colorado , started performing music as a boy in the African American church halls of inner city Denver and has grown into a multi-talent artist who is proficient in vocals and piano/keyboard. Sheldons musical repertoire includes (but are not limited to) Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop & Jazz, his true passion however lies in the heart and soul of Reggae music. His perfectionism and understanding of musical nuances gives his instrument that crucial balance between voice and melody. Sheldon is very thorough, and has an eye for detail when providing the rhythmic dressing that is so important in this style of music. He brings a sense of tribalism and originality to the Irie Still ensemble. His unmistakable style and cool persona is virtually unfettered by the strains of any one musical direction, he lends a pure and honest yet excitingly intriguing addition to Irie Still.

Ras Donnie "Dada" Barthelemy: Drums of San Diego California, has been playing music for most of his life. Coming from a very musically talented family, he studied his instrument on his own terms from the old school streets of San Diego with the tuff reggae/world beat band Psydecar to the crucial riddims found only in Denver Colorado. Donnie is a multi talented artist/music producer and is well versed in various other instruments, e.g., Bass Guitar, Keyboard and electric guitar. The Drums are by far his one true love. He moved to Denver in 2007 where he committed himself and his drum kit to the reggae scene in Colorado and became totally immersed in the quest to make the offbeat a part of his soul. The result? The World Citizen Band, the first Totally Dub Reggae Band in Colorado. The rest is history. Donnie is a naturally gifted, super-pumped drummer with good-time phatty grooves with a flair for the unexpected. His unique style of playing, segue beautifully with the Afro/Caribbean drums, bringing a clever mix of familiarity and novelty into the new Irie Still beat.

River Jordan: Bass Guitar of Oakland, California has played with many different reggae settings but finds Irie Still to be one of the most inspiring. He is a lively performer with rock solid bass lines. Trained in Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Reggae/World Beat and Pop Rock, he fluidly moves around the beat, augmenting and supporting the basement of Irie Still. River successfully extends the creative energies within the group; his bass is strong, powerful and extremely honest, providing the undercurrent that links the band with the audience. His distinctive style on stage moves him easily between the focal point and a background whisper.

Congero Ray Cruz: Congas, Timbale, Percussion of Hermosa Beach, California was born under the sign of Scorpio. Ray's Mescelero Apache lineage and upbringing has set him on course to fulfill his destiny as a student of Native American Spiritual Ways and Metaphysician who uses his knowledge as a medium to heal. He has already given two decades of faithful service to this cause. Only Ray Cruz has the power and ability to bring love and light, for humanity's sake, into every performance. Also, an avid traditional Native American dancer, he is a mover and shaker on and off stage, paying homage to the universe in the process. His infectious percussive beats drive the groove and provide the icing for the Irie Still cake. Ray was once the opening act for Buju Banton, Third World, El Chicano and The Four Tops. He is also well known for his numerous institutional performances at schools, prisons, churches and other civic affairs across the country.

Aaron Kolb: Coming from a primarily Funk, classic rock background, Aaron brings a fresh attitude and tone to Irie Still, while maintaining the utmost standards and techniques used in roots reggae music. He began playing professionally since high school, Since the beginning of his music career he has been described as a �scene chameleon�, playing for top notch acts in many genres, although he has an incredibly distinct sound and style of playing, he is influenced strongly by jazz, rhythm and blues and funk greats alike. Above all, he strives to pour his soul into every show, no matter where he is or with whom he might be playing with.