Island Rhythm

Island Rhythm The Island Rhythm signifies the vibe in us all. Our own distinct style as we groove to our own song within us. Capturing the spirit of One Love.

Peace be the journey.

08/04/2026

People ask me what it’s like to receive a transplant.

I still don’t know how to answer that.

I almost didn’t publish these. Some things feel too personal, and some moments refuse to fit inside words.

These two essays are the closest I’ve come.

The Hardest Letter. Parts One and Two.

Peace be the journey...

August 1 | Emancipation DaySome days in reggae history aren’t about an album release or a birthday. They’re about unders...
08/01/2026

August 1 | Emancipation Day

Some days in reggae history aren’t about an album release or a birthday. They’re about understanding why the music exists in the first place.

August 1 marks Emancipation Day across much of the Caribbean, remembering the beginning of the end of slavery in the British Empire. You can’t separate that history from reggae. The music didn’t appear out of nowhere. It grew from struggle, faith, resilience, and the belief that tomorrow could be better than today.

That’s why roots reggae has always felt different to me. Underneath the bass line and the one drop is a conversation about freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Those themes are just as relevant today as they were when the first records came out of Kingston.

If you’ve got a little time today, pull out a Burning Spear record. Put on some Culture. Spin Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, or The Gladiators. Don’t just hear the music. Listen to what they’re trying to tell us.

History gave reggae its voice. Reggae keeps telling the story.

Peace be the journey...

I finally dusted off the keyboard.I’ve been spending some of my downtime writing again, and much of it has been going in...
07/31/2026

I finally dusted off the keyboard.

I’ve been spending some of my downtime writing again, and much of it has been going into my second manuscript, Roadhouse Rasta.

My Substack already has a few essays, and I’ll be adding more as I continue working on the manuscript.

The Bar Never Changed is a revisit of one of the first Dive Bar Chronicles I wrote back in 2012. Looking at it through today’s eyes, I realized I was never really writing about dive bars. I was writing about the people, the conversations, the miles between destinations, and a younger version of myself trying to make sense of the world.

If you’d like a glimpse into Roadhouse Rasta as it comes together, I’d be honored to have you along for the journey.

Peace be the journey.

Link in the comments.

07/15/2026

Surgical follow-up day.

Grateful for another sunrise, a second chance, and everyone who helped me get here.

Healing isn’t about getting back to who I was—it’s about discovering who I get to become.

One day at a time.

❤️ Donate Life

Peace be the journey…

07/09/2026

Crushing it in the Carribean. Secret Beach San Pedro Belize

07/09/2026

Still wondering where you’re spending your Friday night? We’ve got you covered.

Head over to The Island's Jungle Restaurant & Bar for an evening of live roots reggae, good people, and island vibes.

Here’s a little clip of The Trees of Life from their show at Happy Island Beach Bar and Grill to get you warmed up.

🎟️ Grab your tickets online or just pay at the door.

See you Friday. Peace be the journey. 🌴🎶

I’ve noticed something over the years.When someone tells me they love reggae, I usually ask a simple question:“Who are y...
06/18/2026

I’ve noticed something over the years.

When someone tells me they love reggae, I usually ask a simple question:

“Who are you listening to?”

The answer isn’t right or wrong. It just tells me which stack they started digging through.

Some people came in through Dirty Heads, Stick Figure, Sublime, and the modern festival scene.

Others came in through The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Max Romeo, Lee Perry, Burning Spear, and the foundation artists.

Most of us started somewhere and kept digging.

So I’m curious…

What were the first three artists that made you fall in love with reggae?

And looking back now, did you stay in that stack or did you dig deeper?

If you want to listen to music, put on a playlist from your couch.If you want to be part of music, go see a local show.O...
06/17/2026

If you want to listen to music, put on a playlist from your couch.

If you want to be part of music, go see a local show.

One keeps the algorithm alive.

The other keeps the culture alive.

Peace be the journey…

Address

Port Orange, FL
32123, 32127-32129

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Island Rhythm posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category