Dred I Dread is a Minneapolis, MN based Reggae Band. The Band features talented musicians that come from Jamaica, New Orleans, Minnesota and Turkiye. The diverse heritage of these band members echo in the sound of Dred I Dread.
The Band was formed in 1998 and chosen as “Best Local Reggae Band” by City Pages Magazine in 1999. The debut CD “Listen to the Revolution” was released in March 1999. The CD was produced by Reggae Keyboardist Tony “Asher” Brisset, one of the past members of Black Uhuru. During 2000 and 2001, Dred I Dread was named “Best Reggae Band in Minnesota” by the members of the Minnesota Music Academy. Dred I Dread shared stages with Chronixx, The Wailers, Yellowman, Israel Vibration, The Meditations, De La Soul, Jimmy Cliff, Sister Carol, Third World, Wailing Souls, Collie Buddz and many other international acts. Dred I Dread’ s studio collaborations include Reggae legends including Earl Chinna Smith, Tony Asher, Flabba Holt, Dean Fraser and Nambo Robinson. The Band proudly performed at very reputable events and festivals in Jamaica.
Recognized as the Minneapolis Reggae Legends by the local media, Dred I Dread’ s music has been praised for its uplifting messages of love, unity, and social justice, making them a perfect fit for any festival that values positivity and inclusivity.
The band’s live performances are renowned for their energy and passion, with Peewee Dread and Rawle G’ s powerful vocals leading the charge. With more then 20 years of experience playing together and a deep understanding of the Reggae sound, Dred I Dread’s rhythm section consists of Paul Kammeyer on bass, Adam Cole on drums, Alex G on keyboard and Serdar G on guitars creates a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Their commitment to the art of Reggae music is evident in every note they play, and their performances are always filled with passion and energy.
Chronology
1998 – Dred I Dread was formed in Minneapolis.
1999 – Dred I Dread was chosen “Best Local Reggae Band” by City Pages Magazine.
1999 – The debut CD “Listen to the Revolution” was released in early March 1999. The CD was produced by International Reggae Keyboardist Tony “Asher” Brisset, one of the founding members of Black Uhuru.
2000 – Dred I Dread was named “Best Reggae Band in Minnesota” by the members of the Minnesota Music Academy.
2001 – Dred I Dread was named “Best Reggae Band in Minnesota” by the members of the Minnesota Music Academy.
2008 – Dred I Dread released their second album named “A Piece of Americana”.
2009 – Dred I Dread released third album “Tribulation” .
2010-2011 – Rawle G is back and Dred I Dread Family is back on track!
2011 – 2014 Band is producing new music and working on the highly anticipated 2015 album produced by Saunjay Kerr (Humba) of J’Island Records. Album features Dred I Dread crew and Tony “Asher” Brisset, Earl Chinna Smith.
2015 Coming in the Cold Tour Part I – Kingston, Montego Bay and Negril, Jamaica
2016 – Launched our latest album Listen to the Evolution!
2017 – Coming in the Cold Tour Part II – Kingston, Montego Bay and Negril, Jamaica
2018 – Live at the Hook Album
2021 – Dred I Dread Live at A440 Fest – Live Album
2022 – Mount Zion EP Rapid Fire Records is excited to announce Dred I Dread’ s latest EP “Mount Zion” featuring Jamaican music legends; Dean Fraser on sax, Tony “Asher” Brissett on keyboards & percussion and Errol ‘Flabba’ Holt on bass.
Peewee Dread (vocals) – Peewee Dread, hailing from New Orleans, is the captivating voice at the forefront of the reggae band, Dred I Dread. With a lifelong passion for music and a voice that exudes soulful energy, Peewee brings a unique flavor to the band’s sound.
Peewee’s love for singing began in his childhood and has since evolved into a powerful and versatile instrument, capable of seamlessly blending his Creole-Caribbean style with reggae and hip hop. As the lead vocalist of Dred I Dread, Peewee brings an unmistakable presence to the stage, captivating audiences with his powerful voice and dynamic performance.
Peewee’s commitment to the music is evident in every note he sings. His love for the art form is palpable, and he strives to share that passion with his fans through every performance. Whether he’s performing classic reggae hits or his own original compositions, Peewee’s solid voice and infectious energy never fail to impress.
With his unique style and unwavering dedication to the music, Peewee Dread has become a beloved figure in the reggae community and beyond. He continues to inspire audiences with his powerful vocals and infectious energy, and his contributions to Dred I Dread’s enduring success are immeasurable.
Rawle G (vocals, drums, percussion) – Rawle’ is a talented musician with roots in Kingston, Jamaica, who set his sights on making a name for himself in the music industry from a young age. In pursuit of his dreams, he moved to New York City in 1986, where he quickly immersed himself in a range of sounds and styles, from ska and reggae to hard rock.
Through his dedication and hard work, Rawle’ became a fixture of the NYC music scene, playing with several bands, including Extra Sausage, the Band Droidz, and Oly Gungu Fiest. His impressive skills as a musician and performer led him to tour across the United States, opening for Junior Reid and earning a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic musicians of his time.
In 1998, Rawle’ made the move to Minneapolis, where he set about shaking up the reggae scene with the formation of Dred I Dread. As one of the founding members of the band, Rawle’ brought his vast experience and unique musical sensibilities to the group’s sound, helping to establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the world of reggae.
Rawle”s contributions to Dred I Dread have been immeasurable, and his legacy as a musician and performer continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. With his unwavering passion for music and his unrelenting commitment to his craft, Rawle’ remains a true icon of the reggae genre, and a beloved figure in the music community.
Serdar G (guitars, vocals) – Hailing from Ankara, Turkiye, Serdar G s an accomplished guitar player with a passion for blues and a deep love of reggae, jazz, calypso, and soca music. After being captivated by the sounds of the blues, Serdar decided to pursue music professionally, which brought him to the United States.
Throughout his career, Serdar has performed with several highly regarded bands in the reggae, calypso, and soca genres. Among them are Cyril Paul and the Calypso Monarchs, Iroots, Shangoya, MJGD – Minneapolis Jazz Guitar Duo and two-time Minnesota Music Awards winner Dred I Dread. These bands have taken him all over the world, performing at festivals and concerts to enthusiastic crowds.
Serdar’s remarkable talent has also led him to share the stage with some of the biggest names in music. He has opened for The Wailers, Yellowman, Israel Vibration, The Meditations, Itals, Culture, De La Soul, and many other internationally recognized artists. Serdar’s playing style, which combines a deep understanding of blues with the rhythms of reggae and other genres, has won him many admirers in the industry.
Paul Kammeyer (bass) – Paul is an accomplished reggae bass player with a background in jazz and classical music. He attended the University of St. Thomas, where he studied both genres in-depth, honing his skills and developing a unique style that blends both influences.
During his time in college, Paul began playing bass with several different groups, including KGB, Morning Star, Green, and Zion Tribe. These early experiences provided him with the opportunity to experiment with different styles and approaches, and helped him to refine his craft.
In 2007, Paul joined the highly regarded reggae band Dred I Dread, and quickly became an integral part of their sound. His deep, melodic bass lines provide the perfect foundation for the band’s infectious rhythms, and his intuitive sense of timing and groove help to drive their live performances to new heights.
Paul’s expertise as a bass player has made him a sought-after session musician, and he has collaborated with several other artists in the reggae and jazz genres. His mastery of the bass guitar, combined with his passion for creating music that moves people, make him a true artist in every sense of the word.
Whether he’s performing with Dred I Dread or lending his talents to other artists, Paul is a musician who always puts his heart and soul into his work. His deep understanding of music and his ability to connect with audiences through his playing make him a standout performer in the world of reggae music.
Alex Cole Jr. (keyboards) – Meet Alex Cole Jr., a multi-talented artist and musician hailing from Minneapolis, MN. Alex is in charge of keyboards in Dred I Dread. As a bass and keyboard player, he has made a name for himself in the reggae community with his versatile and dynamic playing style. He has been a key member of the renowned band Dred I Dread since 2000, bringing his extensive knowledge of reggae music to the group’s sound.
One of Alex’s greatest strengths as a musician is his ability to switch effortlessly between different instruments, seamlessly integrating keyboards, synthesizers, and other electronic sounds into his performances. This versatility has made him a valuable asset to Dred I Dread, and has helped the band to push the boundaries of the reggae genre.
Beyond his work with Dred I Dread, Alex is also a highly accomplished artist in his own right. He creates stunning pieces of spray paint stencil art, using his unique style and technique to bring his creative vision to life. His work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions around the world, and he has become a well-respected figure in the art community.
With his impressive talents and broad range of artistic abilities, Alex Cole Jr. is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of reggae music and beyond. Whether he’s playing keyboards, creating artwork, or exploring new creative avenues, he brings an unwavering passion and commitment to everything he does.
Adam Cole (drums) – As the rhythmic backbone of Dred I Dread, Adam is an essential component of the band’s sound. With his impressive drumming skills, he infuses the group’s music with a powerful energy and groove that drives their live performances.
Adam’s musical journey began at an early age, when he was introduced to reggae music and fell in love with its infectious rhythms. He began playing drums as a teenager, quickly developing a deep passion for the instrument and honing his skills through countless hours of practice.
Since joining Dred I Dread, Adam has become an integral part of the band’s signature sound, expertly navigating the complex rhythms and syncopated beats of reggae music. His dynamic playing style, which blends technical precision with a deep sense of groove and feel, has earned him widespread recognition as a master of the genre.
Beyond his work with Dred I Dread, Adam has also collaborated with several other artists in the reggae and world music scenes including Luciano, Everton Blender, Chuck Fenda, Ras Indio and Soulfiya . His expertise as a drummer has made him a highly sought-after session musician, and producer and he has lent his talents to a wide range of recording projects including MindSettaZ.
Whether he’s performing live or recording in the studio, Adam brings an unwavering passion and commitment to his music. His powerful playing style and infectious energy make him a standout performer in the world of reggae, and a vital part of Dred I Dread’s continuing success.
Dred I Dread/ Press
“Mainstays in the Upper Midwest reggae scene for nearly a decade, Dred I Dread came out of the gate fast with its 1999 album “Listen to the Revolution,” produced by Black Uhuru’s Tony (Asher) Brisset. The socially conscious and ethnically diverse septet — led by New Orleans native Peewee Dread with a team of immigrants and local natives — finally has a new album, “A Piece of Americana.” It features six studio tracks and two songs recorded live at Mayslacks, including covers of “I Will Survive” and Black Uhuru’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.””
Chris Riemenschneider – Star Tribune
“Dred I Dread, featured Peewee Dread on vocals, who featured a giant purple hat on his head and a voice that sang with an obvious love for the music. Rawle G, the drummer from Kingston, gave us some fun interludes, talking happily from his nest of drums perched at the back of the stage. Everyone seemed so happy to be playing: the keyboardist, Eric Lilya, was hopping around with his hands somehow managing to stay steady. Floyd, the saxophonist/hand drummer, pulled out the air trombone during a song. He punched the slide out with so much conviction that my ears created the sound. These musicians with so much enthusiasm converged with their gifts in 1998 to form the band. In their first year, they were hailed as the “Best Local Reggae Band” by City Pages. While they sang the line “rumors of war,” it sounded right as Bush’s attention turns to Iran and Lebanon.”
Helen Blodgett – How was the Show
“Incorporating variety of styles including but not limited to reggae Dred I Dread falls into the general category of hybrid on Liston to the Revolution (Rapidfire). What they lack in definition they make up for good old-fashioned youthful energy and remind me a bit of bands that emerged from the fringes of reggae into the pop marketplace a few years back. Fishbone and Busboys.”
Chuck Foster – Beat Magazine
“There’ s nothing to dread…just a hot rhythm to tread”
Aaron McAdams – Daily Iowan
““We have a really rich musical tradition in the band,” Rawle said. “It’s like being a baby with an old soul,” PeeWee said. “When you see us play together you instantly know why we’re a band. We really stick together; we’re really tight.“ PeeWee said they want to continuously evolve. “Every time the audience thinks they know who we are, we will be doing something else,” he said. Rawle said the band’s goal is to be internationally recognized, hopefully in five years or so. “We hope to connect with our audience, and keep up the following. We want to see how it goes, and depending on the response, we’ll go from there,” PeeWee said. As far as breaking down barriers in Minnesota, PeeWee said “We stuck our foot in the door and dared them to close it.“”
Autumn D. Parker – Winona Daily News