Biography

Irie Vibrations

Curt Hopkins formed Irie Vibrations in October of 1990. In march of 1993 the band won the Big Easy Entertainment Award for the "Best Reggae band" in New Orleans. In 1995 the band won again, this time for the title of

"Favorite Local Group" from the readers of New Orleans area music publication, Style.

Irie Vibrations was honored and sponsored for three years by the Budweiser "In-Concert" program, and added to the Budweiser web site. The band has also been honored by being included in a compilation cd for a national "GHS" string promotion; the ad ran in " Musician, Guitar Player, and Guitar World "

Irie Vibrations entertains their audiences with a New Orleans style "Roots Reggae " featuring conscious songs, melodic melodies, and exciting dance grooves. "The group fronted by charasmatic singer Curt Hopkins has a energetic and elastic style that easily accomodates the bands tasteful originals and reggae classics." Scott Aiges, The Times-Picayune.

The band believes that their music should not only entertain but also educate. They are considered one of the souths best reggae bands. Known for their hard-driving, crowd-pleasing shows. Audiences dance non-stop, from opening song to the final notes. "The Irie crowd is a loyal one, following the band to numerous gigs around the state ", Gambit.

Irie Vibrations first recording , entitled " True Salvation ", released in June 1991 and " In These Times ", which was released in April 1994 " A very professional package and up-tempo charge reggae style , frames Louisiana's Irie Vibrations " says Chuck Foster, The Beat .

The bands fourth cd entitled " Red Hot Reggae ", is in stores now.

The members of Irie Vibrations are , Curt Hopkins (founder, lead vocalist, percussionist, and songwriter) , Kevin Rone (drums) , Mike Wade (bass) , and Derrick Rivere (keyboards and background vocals) ; GeraldineWykoff of Gambit ,says

" Curt Hopkins is the soul of the group with an excellent voice. He's also a compelling front man and easily draws in the crowd ".

Irie Vibrations has had the privilege of performing with many reggae greats such as , The Wailers , Dennis Brown , The Mighty Diamonds , The Itals ,

Julian Marley , Culture , Sugar Minott , Black Uhuru , Freddie McGregor , Third World , and Eek-a-mouse.

The band has also performed for Quincy Jones on behalf of Fox television. Irie has performed year after year at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival , the largest music festival in Louisiana. In February 1995 Irie Vibrations made history in New Orleans by performing at the famous Zulu Carnival Club Ball , the band was the first ever reggae band to perform at a Mardi Gras Ball.

Irie Vibrations has played local venues such as Jimmy's , Tipitina's , and the House of Blues just to name a few.


				*Irie Vibrations* *Biography*



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								Irie Vibrations



								Curt Hopkins formed Irie Vibrations in October of 1990. In march of 1993 the band won the Big Easy Entertainment Award for the "Best Reggae band" in New Orleans. In 1995 the band won again, this time for the title of "Favorite Local Group" from the readers of New Orleans area music publication, Style. Irie Vibrations was honored and sponsored for three years by the Budweiser "In-Concert" program, and added to the Budweiser web site. The band has also been honored by being included in a compilation cd for a national "GHS" string promotion; the ad ran in " Musician, Guitar Player, and Guitar World " publications. Irie Vibrations entertains their audiences with a New Orleans style "Roots Reggae " featuring conscious songs, melodic melodies, and exciting dance grooves. "The group fronted by charasmatic singer Curt Hopkins has a energetic and elastic style that easily accomodates the bands tasteful originals and reggae classics." Scott Aiges, The Times-Picayune. The band believes that their music should not only entertain but also educate. They are considered one of the souths best reggae bands. Known for their hard-driving, crowd-pleasing shows. Audiences dance non-stop, from opening song to the final notes. "The Irie crowd is a loyal one, following the band to numerous gigs around the state ", Gambit. Irie Vibrations first recording , entitled " True Salvation ", released in June 1991 and " In These Times ", which was released in April 1994 " A very professional package and up-tempo charge reggae style , frames Louisiana's Irie Vibrations " says Chuck Foster, The Beat . The bands fourth cd entitled " Red Hot Reggae ", is in stores now. The members of Irie Vibrations are , Curt Hopkins (founder, lead vocalist, percussionist, and songwriter) , Kevin Rone (drums) , Mike Wade (bass) , and Derrick Rivere (keyboards and background vocals) ; *GeraldineWykoff of Gambit ,says* " Curt Hopkins is the soul of the group with an excellent voice. He's also a compelling front man and easily draws in the crowd ". Irie Vibrations has had the privilege of performing with many reggae greats such as , The Wailers , Dennis Brown , The Mighty Diamonds , The Itals , Julian Marley , Culture , Sugar Minott , Black Uhuru , Freddie McGregor , Third World , and Eek-a-mouse. The band has also performed for Quincy Jones on behalf of Fox television. Irie has performed year after year at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival , the largest music festival in Louisiana. In February 1995 Irie Vibrations made history in New Orleans by performing at the famous Zulu Carnival Club Ball , the band was the first ever reggae band to perform at a Mardi Gras Ball. Irie Vibrations has played local venues such as Jimmy's , Tipitina's , and the House of Blues just to name a few.