Artists

FLIP FLOP REPUBLIC

Step into the sun-soaked world of Flip Flop Republic, the rock and reggae troubadours from the vibrant music city of Tallahassee, FL. Their musical journey began at Black Dog Bar (now Liam and Madi’s) in Cedar Key, where FFR snagged one of their very first gigs. What started as a humble exchange of tunes for beer has blossomed into a tapestry of incredible memories and lifelong friendships, all centered around the enchanting island of Cedar Key.

The heart of Flip Flop Republic beats with the diverse roots of its members, spanning from the soulful sounds of Mississippi to the lively beats of Miami and the sun-soaked melodies of St. Maarten. Each note and rhythm in their music carries the essence of these places, creating a unique sonic blend.

Their debut album set the scene with beachy and reggae tunes that resonated in the Trop Rock genre, making waves on the charts. As they evolved, the band’s latest album, “Physical Science,” erupted onto the scene claiming the #1 spot on the iTunes Reggae chart and securing the #2 position on Amazon Reggae Best Sellers. The album’s power transcended borders, maintaining a strong presence in the international/world music,  consistently ranking in the top 25 online platforms.

Flip Flop Republic invites you to dive into their musical universe, where every note is a celebration of life, love, and the irresistible charm of the Sunshine State. 

BAREFOOT REGGIE STARRETT

Singer/song writer/ musician, Reggie Starrett is a TRMA Award winning artist. Coming from a wide range of musical influences, but Reggie is unapologetically Trop Rock.  He plays hundreds of shows each year performing to thousands all over the world he brings the beach with him, Reggie’s shows are a blast! 

Reggie has opened for a diverse group of nationally known artists.
From, The Spin Doctor’s , Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Bellamy Brothers, Chairmen of the Board, Chuck Berry, Indigo Girls, Buckwheat Zydeco, Black Crows Fog Hat, The Drifters, Little Texas, Ty Herndon, and even David Allen Coe.  Reggie is a crowd pleaser and stalwart in the Trop Rock scene! 

STONEY BANKS

Hold on to your hats because Stoney Banks is not your average songwriter – he’s a genre-bending tornado tearing through multiple music scenes.  This multi-talented singer/songwriter doesn’t just bring a twang to Country; he cranks up the heat with strong Reggae rhythms and tosses in some Hip Hop vibes for good measure.

Having earned his stripes as one of Nashville’s rising stars, Stoney Banks is no stranger to the music scene. His versatility shines through as he has written and toured with an eclectic mix of acts, ranging from the Dirty Heads to the down-home charm of Big Smo, and rubbing shoulders with too many top country and rock acts to even list. Stoney is all about breaking boundaries and creating music that defies easy classification.

Now, here’s the real scoop – you’ll be able to say you discovered Stoney Banks right here at CkeyTiki!  Brace yourself for an experience like no other, where every note is a testament to Stoney’s uniqueness. Get ready to belt out lyrics to songs you didn’t even know existed but won’t be able to forget!

CLOUD 9 VIBES

Buckle up, Florida, because Cloud9 is not just a band – they’re the state’s “Essential Reggae Welcoming Committee,” with roots in Jacksonville and members hailing from all corners of the Sunshine State! These entertainers are on a mission to bring the ultimate reggae rock experience!

Picture this: Cloud9, the high-energy reggae rock sensation, gracing stages alongside heavyweights like 311, Collie Buddz, Matisyahu, Badfish, Ballyhoo!, and Kash’d Out. They’re not just sharing the stage; they’re owning it with a performance history that includes tearing it up on the Van’s Warped Tour and making waves at Reggae Riseup and Reggae at the Rock!

While they may have been flying under the radar, Cloud9 is about to launch a full-scale reggae and rock invasion. These musical mavericks are popping up on big shows all over the South.  So, get ready for Cloud9 to turn up the volume, set the stage on fire, and make sure you’re part of the reggae revolution they’re unleashing across the Sunshine State. 

Ben Lewis ft. Maloree

Southeastern-based virtuoso Ben Lewis stands at the crossroads of Reggae, Country, and Rock, creating a musical fusion that captivates audiences. Ben’s rhythmic journey commenced in the sacred confines of church, where he honed his craft as a drummer. His musical evolution led to the formation of the reggae jam band Domino Effect, sharing stages with national luminaries such as Trevor Hall, Lotus, and Passafire.

In 2015, Ben embarked on a solo venture, leveraging his drumming prowess and multi-instrumental skills to pioneer live-looping. This transformative technique allows him to seamlessly transition from a solo acoustic act to a dynamic full-fledged band in under a minute.

The crescendo of Ben’s musical prowess is reflected in his latest triumph, “Wash it Away,” soaring into the Top 20 iTunes Charts. His newest EP is a genre-defying masterpiece that transports listeners to a tropical paradise while maintaining its eclectic roots. As streaming numbers climb, Ben’s presence at festivals and shows alongside an eclectic array of artists like Lupe Fiasco, Chase Rice, Cas Haley, and Iration is in high demand.

Beyond the stage, Ben and his wife, Maloree, embody the spirit of traveling troubadours, chronicling their nomadic adventures on a YouTube channel. Their RV becomes a mobile stage, taking them across the country, where Ben lays down the rhythm and Maloree serenades from the heart, whisking audiences away to destinations like right here at C-KeyTiki Fest.

UKULELE RUSS

A native son of New England, professional ukulele player, and natural blonde, Ukulele Russ turned his wandering eye northward. After touring on and off with booze hall bands and B-list rap troops for several years, he packed his things and made the move to Alaska.  He settled outside Fairbanks city limits, bought a compact car and hit the streets of “Jefferson’s Folly” to hunt for a job with only 6 dollars left to his name. He was a man on a mission and broke.

Unable to comprehend how the ukulele could be seen as anything other than stringed testosterone, Russ set out to expand people’s minds and open their hearts to the subtle sweetness of what Shakespeare often referred to as “those bitchin’ little Hawaiian guitars.” By locking himself away in his dark, tiny cabin he has developed his own unique style of “ukuleleing,” discovering that they can in fact be used to create music other than the songs you hear at the Honolulu airport, and he has been capturing audiences’ attention ever since.

STEVE HOPPER

Steve Hopper, Trop Rock Artist from Savannah Tennessee has been bringing music and fun to the Mid-South for more than 20 years. He was born a raised in Tennessee halfway between Memphis and Nashville, just north of Muscle Shoals Alabama. He was influenced by all the music genres that surrounded him and mixed that with his lifelong love for the ocean, not unlike Jimmy Buffett, or Kenny Chesney. He accompanies his vocals with an acoustic guitar and a steel drum.

JOE DOWNING

Joe Downing is a Trop Rock Recording Artist and Nashville Songwriter that knows how to Rock & Roll. His first full length album “Songs From The Gulf” was nominated for Album Of The Year from the Trop Rock Music Association in 2021. His song “YOLO” was nominated for Single Of The Year by the Trop Rock Music Association and Joe has been nominated for the Horizon Award recognizing him as a rising talent in the genre.

Downing grew up in Ohio listening to everything from the Motown sound to the popular recording artists of today. He believes in the theory that great art can inspire great art and admits a wide range of influences such as: Sam Cooke, Tom Petty, Jim Croce, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, David Bowie and Van Morrison.   Joe’s soulful vocals and his groovy melodies make him an instant hit, no matter the venue. “Whether I’m playing for one person or thousands, I always try to give it my all, so that when the audience walks away, they say: ‘That Joe Downing guy. I’m going to remember him.’”

RAY BOONE

Ray Boone is a native Floridian who spent nearly 25 years in the outdoor hunting and fishing industry as an award-winning writer and producer of TV shows broadcast on the Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, and Outdoor Life.

He moved to Nashville, Tennessee to produce RFDTV’s Music and Motors
with Curb and Sony Music and began writing songs.  His Florida roots brought songs about living the coastal salt life. Ray is a BMI songwriter and has had song cuts by several independent artists including High South, Jake Clayton, Ricky Lee Tanner, with his own songs featured heavily on Trop Rock stations and his album “Island Songs” producing several chart toppers!

KOFI and JB

Get ready for a musical journey with Kofi Mawuko, the fiery band leader/percussionist of the sensational world music ensemble OGYA! Hailing from the  West Africa, Kofi infuses the sultry beats of his homeland with electrifying Caribbean vibes, setting the stage on fire with every performance.

Joining forces with the masterful JB, aka Jamie Blanton, straight from the heart of the Deep South in Natchez, MS, along the mighty Mississippi River. JB’s magic lies in effortlessly weaving jazz and blues guitar into the rich tapestry of world music, creating a sonic explosion that resonates with the soul.

Now calling Chattanooga, TN their home base, this dynamic duo, whether in an intimate duo setting or commanding a large ensemble, takes the Southern US by storm. Brace yourself for vibrant tunes that transcend borders and genres, forging a musical culture uniquely their own.  🔥🎶✨

JEFF RANDALL

Jeff is a Nashville recording artist who is living out his dream in Florida, where he continues to write and perform his trop-rock and country songs. He credits his co-writers and is thankful for all of the fun times they have had writing.

He has been fortunate to have recorded songs with band members of each of the following artists Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, The Band Alabama, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Wynonna Judd, Crystal Gayle, Kellie Pickler and Dave Mason.

Jeff is excited to bring his brand of Trop Rick and country with a twist of lime to CkeyTiki Fest!