Irie Still: Bios

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.

Djordje (George) Vasovic: Keyboards, Backing Vocals of Belgrade, Serbia started performing music as a boy in Eastern Europe and has grown into a multi-talent artist who is proficient in music theory and piano/keyboard. His perfectionism and understanding of musical nuances gives his instrument that crucial balance between voice and melody. Djordje 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.

Mike Maurer: Lead Guitar of Denver, Colorado Is a former and now re-joined member of Irie Still, having returned from a stint in California. Mike brings a freshness and blues power to the band, coupled with an earnest talent for singing background vocals. Mike lends a warmth and sincerity to the guitar position in Irie Still. Having trained with a former member of the band Firefall, Mike's roots in Colorado go back a long way, and his solos exhibit a fine balance of passion, emotion and deep musical understanding.

Michael Joseph Skeete: Drums of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, has been playing drums for well over twenty years. He studied his instrument on his own terms from the old school streets of Port of Spain, Trinidad West Indies to crucial riddims found only on East Colfax in Denver Colorado. He moved to Denver in 1984 where he locked himself in a room with his kit and became totally immersed in the quest to make the offbeat a part of his soul. The result? Freedom Street, the first Reggae Band in Colorado. The rest is history. Joseph 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.

Scottie Rich: Bass Guitar of Petaluma, California has played in many different musical 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. Scottie 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.

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.