Reggae Band Emerges from Odd, Yet Sacred Beginnings Composed of Unique Musicians with Different Backgrounds, this band is Certainly "The Reel Ting"

This lively Caribbean Steel Drum Band entertains island music lovers all around the east coast of Florida. The band that was assembled somewhat hastily and in unusual circumstances, "The Reel Ting" has emerged as one of the most pure and fascinating reggae groups around here. Leader, founder and steel drum/key-board/guitar player, George Pollis, explained; "The band started as an outgrowth of a musical worship team that was assembled at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Palm City a few years ago. The need for a secular band arose as various church members called upon us from time to time to play at private gatherings in their homes. The demands grew, we became known outside the church and we were called upon to perform at a number of large charitable events. Eventually, as the word spread, we were recruited to play in other venues. It was about seven months ago that we began to promote our sound and the bookings continued to grow."

Although "The Reel Ting" continues with the worship team at Emanuel Lutheran Church. it is not uncommon for them to be found playing at weddings, country clubs, private parties, various public events and in some area clubs. The band performs at Sugar Cane Island Bistro, Jupiter, every Thursday night, and at least once a month at the J.J. Muggs Stadium Grill in Abacoa Town Center, Jupiter.
The band has also played at The Pirates Cove, Port Salerno; Oseola Street Cafe, Stuart; Metro Blues Cafe, Stuart; David's, Stuart; a number of private parties in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St Lucie, Hobe Sound and Jupiter and events like Ocean Magic's Spring Fling Surf party each year in Jupiter. In mid-April, George and Bob were recruited to play with the Chris Bellamy band in North Carolina. A number of opportunities like (hat have come up several times, George advised, and he says it has been "very inspiring."

All of the musicians have had many years experience performing and come from vast musical backgrounds. For example, George's father was a professional musician, playing lots of old time music out of the 50s and 60s. His dad became quite well known with "The Four Jacks," Pollis said. "I grew up around music and started playing guitar at age l2.", he continued." My father taught me the basics, then I moved on from there. I had played with different bands through the years, while in Pennsylvania, before moving to Florida in l989. But I picked up the steel drum only about a year ago, as the calls for island sounds increased in the area. I learned the keyboard in just the last two months." All of this sudden flurry of musical activity over the past two years is somewhat remarkable for Pollis, who is also a mortgage broker in Stuart. He had not even been involved in music for nearly 15 years when the church musical team opportunity arose. "I guess it was a supreme calling," he quipped.

This hot Steel Pan Group has a fantastic time playing at any type of special event. Whether it is performing styles such as Soca, Calypso, Traditional Steel Band, Reggae or Samba, the ensemble’s Caribbean Island Music Sound will make the listener feel as if they where somewhere on a beach in a tropical paradise like Jamaica! For more information about the band or inquiries, or to schedule bookings, call george Pollis at (561) 215-7596 or e-mail georgempollis@aol.com