Formed by Mike Drance, ex-lead singer and songwriter of the popular New York ska band, The Scofflaws, The Bluebeats recapture the sound of the original Jamaican ska, creating a sound that is at the same time both classic and fresh. By combining strong vocals and rock-solid rhythms with original songs and Jamaican classics, The Bluebeats have been making fans whenever they perform.
Since forming in the summer of 1994, The Bluebeats have appeared at Tramps, The Wetlands, SOBs in New York City as well as performing at many tri-state area clubs and colleges. The band has appeared with such acts as The Skatalites, Culture, Desmond Decker, Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Phyllis Dillon, Jimmy Cliff, Yellowman, Eek-A-Mouse, and Hopeton Lewis.
A pinnacle moment for the group was when Roland Alphonso, a founding member of The Skatalites, joined the band on stage at the Cooler in New York City. In the spring of 1998, The Bluebeats toured Europe supporting a bill that featured Jamaican legends Dave Barker and Laurel Aitken.
Complete with a revamped line up The Bluebeats are working towards their third release entitled “Respect Due.†Better then ever and committed to spreading their gospel of Jamaican R&B - The Bluebeats press on…
