Merrick Native's Reggae Band Making Strides in 2013

A Long Island dub-reggae-jam band featuring a Merrick native that reached new heights in 2012 is keeping up its momentum in 2013.

The RBC, which includes former Merrick resident Mike Celano on drums, opened last year for legendary ska/punk group Sublime with Rome at the Beerfields Craft Beer & Music Festival. On Friday night at around 11 p.m., Celano’s band is scheduled to appear on The Artie Lang Show before once again performing at the Beerfields event on stage at the Pennysaver Amphitheater Saturday afternoon in Farmingville with the Dirty Heads and Wailers. RBC released a new album two months ago entitled “When is Now.”

“We’re keeping the momentum moving,” said Celano, a graduate of Kellenberg High School and Hofstra University. “With our new album ‘When is Now’ dropping in late April on iTunes and now having the opportunity to share the stage with the legendary Wailers along with Dirty Heads, we are truly excited for the weekend and summer that lies ahead.”

In addition to Celano, the RBC lineup includes Andrew Gedacht of Long Beach (vocals/guitar), John Carey of Woodmere (bass/backup vocals) and Jimmy McGerald of Bay Shore (melodica). Gedacht, Celano and Carey formed RBC in 2005 when they were members of WRHU (Radio Hofstra University) and have made strides in recent years including having the opportunity to perform at the annual Bonnarroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee with the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder, John Fogerty and Jay-Z. The RBC also made an appearance on the Channel 11 PIX Morning News in March 2010.

For further information on The RBC, log onto the band’s website. To order tickets for Saturday’s show at the Beerfields Craft Beer & Music Festival scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., click here.