If you love tropical, Soca music, Steel Pan drums, you’re going to love Nelson Rivera’s work with the Bickley Island Chill.

Nelson has been playing music from a very early age, he began playing as a bassist and percussionist in over 10 bands which covered rock and roll, heavy metal, fusion, bilingual pop, smooth jazz and now in the Caribean vibe for the past 20 years.

Nelson’s origin in music stems from his Puerto Rican descent.  He grew up listening to Aguinaldo music and watching his dad perform as a cuatro guitarist.  His influence helped shape the production of “Caribbean Madness” the only Caribean Riverboat Cruise series on the Connecticut River (which sold out for 5 seasons).  He’s performed everywhere from Wisconsin, Michigan, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Florida, and the Bahamas.  He averages over 120 shows a year.

If you ask which one phrase best describes him, most would say “Ya Mon”.

We met a few years ago while he was performing with his wife, Bickley, (see episode #28) who plays the Steel Pan drums.  I immediately fell in love with their vibe.

Nelson is here tonight to discuss:

-How he got into playing music

-The importance of taking care of your musical affairs even if you have management.

-What it takes to make it in the business

and so much more.

So come on along for a ride mon!

Stay in touch with Nelson and The Bickley Island Chill at:

TropiHeat Website

Nelson on Facebook

YouTube

Don’t forget to pick up your free copy of the 2019 St. Pete Street Art Scene calendar.

Love,

Dawn-Marie

XO

Stay in touch:

IN: @lildrummergirl55