☆ Mickey Mills & Steel
A pioneer of the reggae scene in North Carolina for decades, Mickey Mills is a talented singer, keyboardist, and songwriter once called “the fastest steel drum soloist on earth.” Born and raised in Trinidad, he first started playing steel drums at the age of 12. During his long career, he has worked with legendary artists such as The Rolling Stones, Johnny Mathis, and Mighty Sparrow. He has performed in the off-Broadway show “House of Flowers,” on the television show Matlock on NBC, and is no stranger to such prestigious venues as The Village Gate and Madison Square Garden. Mickey, who cites Bob Marley as one of his major influences, also works in schools conducting workshops with young people across the country as a music educator with his “Island In The Sun” and “Steel-A-Rama” cultural programs.
☆ Zion Project
Covering a vast expanse of musical knowledge reaching from Seattle to Washington, DC, the Zion Project has shared the stage with such reggae royalty as Toots and the Maytals, The Wailers, The Abyssinians, and The Itals. Based in Asheville, NC, the Zion Project was formed through the collective consciousness of Rastafari, combining roots rhythms with soul and jazz influences and an uplifting message. Over the years, the Zion Project has developed a unique style of heavy roots, harmonized vocals, and upbeat songs, bursting with energy.
