Based in Charlotte, NC, and Wilmington, NC, the Tsunami Wave Riders combine the high energy of rock and reggae rhythms with traditional island instruments - such as the Hawaiian ukulele and Caribbean steel drums - that instantly puts listeners on their favorite beach. In fact, that is the goal of the Tsunami Wave Riders - to help people to relax and de-stress with some feel-good music.
Although band members love the beach and the surf, the name of the band actually comes from the belief that we can overcome "tsunamis," huge challenges in life that threaten to drown us, by "riding the waves" with the help of friends, family and some feel-good island music. With the right "surfboard," you can learn to not only ride the waves - you might actually enjoy the journey.
Are you a "wave rider"? Surf's up, so grab your board. It's time to ride da music...island style!
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The Members of the Tsunami Wave Riders
Ronnie Tsunami
keyboards and ukulele
Although originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Ronnie Tsunami has lived all around the world from Germany to Georgia to Japan, which has instilled in him a greater appreciation for different cultures and styles of music. Ronnie is the founder, lead singer and award-winning songwriter for the Tsunami Wave Riders, and his passion earned him the nickname "Tsunami".
Gerardo Velez
percussion and harmonica
It’s a little concert you might have heard of, 1969. Woodstock. When Jimi Hendrix took the stage and pointed to the crowd of thousands, sitting right behind him was his percussionist; Gerardo Velez. Since then, Gerardo has performed in virtually every genre and every country,Collaborating with artists like David Bowie, Sir Elton John, Duran Duran, Slash from Guns & Roses, and everyone from Stevie Wonder to Jessica Simpson. If the movies has the “Kevin Bacon Game”:, the music industry has the “Gerardo Velez Game”; everyone links back to him. He’s been nominated for 7 Grammy’s. He’s romped through the charts of Billboard and is in several Halls of Fame’s.
As an event producer and music director with over 25 years experience, he’s produced events for clients like: HBO, Miramax, The New York Stock Exchange, Comedy Central, United Way, the NFL, and now the Tsunami Wave Riders "Rock Around the Islands" Show.
Joanna 'Tropical Lady'
double-second steelpans, ukulele and percussion
Raised on the east coast, Joanna became the 'Tropical Lady' after moving to the island of Oahu in Hawaii and falling in love with island music and culture. She is a songwriter and co-wrote a number of the Tsunami Wave Rider songs. Although she is the most shy of all the Tsunami Wave Riders, she seems to draw the biggest crowds after each show. She teaches Zumba and tropical wellness in her spare time.
Arda 'Big Kahuna' Bagcioglu
rock guitar
Arda 'Big Kahuna' Bagcioglu brings a little bit of the islands in the Mediterranean to the Tsunami Wave Riders. He is a killer rock, blues and country guitarist from Turkey that has opened up for legends such as Uriah Heep, Chuck Berry and the Blues Brothers. Arda also teaches guitar in Charlotte, NC.
Keilani
lead steelpan and ukulele
Keilani is one of the founding members of the Tsunami Wave Riders and performs on the lead steelpan and ukulele. With a passion for helping animals, she is majoring in Marine Biology at UNC Wilmington. Also a talented actress, she performs in plays and musicals whenever possible.
Nate 'The Coconater' Andrews
bass guitar, rhythm guitar and drums
Nate Andrews, also known as "The Coconater," is a lead vocalist and brings the bottom end to the Tsunami Wave Riders while laying down funky grooves for all to dance to and enjoy. Having played for many bands over the years, Nate can be heard on various recordings and advertising work. His spare time is spent lying on the beach, fishing and sleeping in a hammock...livin' island style!
'Hurricane Chris' Bullard
drums
"Hurricane Chris" Bullard has been playing drums since he was two years old with his first professional gig at the age of 5. He's a very diverse drummer that's always smooth & tight. Chris is also an award winning TV music producer, so whether it's playing music or directing it, he's drive is as fierce as a hurricane.
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