Zao Island’s Reggae Express Concert 2022

Zao Island’s Reggae Express Concert 2022
By: Alayna Wilkening, Zach Blair Last Updated: June 11, 2022

Summer is officially in session, and Zao Island is ready to bring in the fun with its 2022 concert series. People of all ages are invited to join the party every Friday night for live music, food, and entertainment like go-karting, mini-golf, and arcade games.

“We have a lot of really great bands lined up for the summer, every Friday from seven to 10 p.m. And with our games, we got this really cool new game called ‘Hungry Hippos,’ and we’ve added an ax-throwing game, as well as another ‘Angry Birds’ game. Then, coming sometime in the next month, we’ve got a top-secret game coming, which I’m looking forward to. It’ll be really cool,” said Zao Island Managing Partner Ryan Wright.

On Friday, June 10, The Reggae Express pulled into town full steam ahead, ready to perform on the Zao Live stage.

Though there might’ve been sprinklings of rain, which resulted in the performance being moved inside, there was nothing that could have halted this fun group of four from serenading the streets of Valpo.

“My favorite part is really just spending time on stage performing with these guys. While we're performing, it's such a huge amount of fun, and it's a stress reliever in a lot of ways for the guys over the week. They get pent-up energy and we let it out on stage. My favorite thing about it is being a musician and being able to see my musician friends every week,” said Band Leader Derek Caruso.

The Reggae Express has played together for 15 years, with many different musicians joining the group throughout its lifetime. While others have had to move on over the years, the current group of four has remained together since its inception.

With so much history between each band member, it’s no surprise that the group is so synchronized – both in music and in life.

“We like to joke with each other and play pranks on each other – things like that. This group has been together for 15 years. There's been quite a journey. We’ve had a lot of people play with us over the years. Some people moved away, some people have kids and families, but we have 15 years that we've been going,” said Caruso.

Zao Island’s tropical vibe is the perfect environment for a band like The Reggae Express, so having them booked for the night was a fortune fulfilled.

“They really are a great band, and it totally fits our theme. It always seems like they bring a lot of people. Our priority is to keep the place family-friendly with what music we want to have. It’s not like we’re some smoky bar; we’re different, and it’s supposed to be fun,” said Wright.

Just as the band’s stress is alleviated through their playing of music, so is the case for some of those who were in attendance.

“I usually work 11 days straight, so when I get a day off, I’m taking advantage of them. I heard this band last summer, and I like to come around here whenever they have a good band that I like. Sitting here in the summer, enjoying the music – that’s what I like to do,” said Cindy Agent, a member of the audience.

The Reggae Express has exciting plans on the horizon, including a live CD from performances in 2021. To get in touch with the band, follow its Facebook page here, or email c4bluesindiana@gmail.com.

If you need something to do in this long summer ahead, check out the awesome bands that will be hosted throughout Zao Island’s Summer Concert Series at this link: https://zaoisland.net.

Zao Island Reggae Express Concert 2022

Zao Island Reggae Express Concert 2022 42 Photos
Zao Island Reggae Express Concert 2022Zao Island Reggae Express Concert 2022Zao Island Reggae Express Concert 2022Zao Island Reggae Express Concert 2022