Steve Weams, (rhythm guitar, vocals) founder, leader & booking agent of the Caribbean Cowboys. Steve has been entertaining people around the Southeast for over 18 years and is especially adept at getting audiences to participate in the party-at-hand. When you arrange for the Caribbean Cowboys as your entertainment-of-choice you can be sure that Steve will have everyone up and moving! When not playing music, Steve works on the coaching staff at Enka High School, coaching Enka Jets Football & Sugar Jets Softball. Steve graduated with a Masters Degree (in Physical Education & a minor in History) from Western Carolina University, where he also played baseball and soccer and was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Steve resides in South Asheville with his wife Gail and their black lab "Spooner".
Mike Rothacker laying down the bottom end on the bass guitar, and on vocal harmonies, he provides the foundation on which the Cowboys music is built. Mike’s 20+ years of professional playing & recording along with Jack’s grooves makes the Cowboys "rhythm section" one of the most versatile & impressive you are likely to hear. Mike resides in Oteen, NC.
Jack Nitterauer (perccussion, vocals) lays down the back-beat for the Caribbean Cowboys. In great demand as a percussionist, Jack’s dedication & professionalism are well-known & his ability on drums & vocals are an invaluable contribution to the whole package that is...the Caribbean Cowboys! Jack also works as the Music Director at his church, Outside the music field, Jack works at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He resides in East Asheville with his wife and three children.
Mike Barnes (lead guitar, vocals) is probably the most proficient musician of the Caribbean Cowboys. Also in great demand locally as a studio guitarist and instructor. Mike is on the faculty at the University of North Carolina in Asheville, teaching music, where he received a B.A. degree in music graduating with honors. He has also served on the Appalachian State University music faculty. Mike teaches individual lessons at Musicians Workshop in Asheville, NC. Mike’s musical influences have been John McLaughlin, Duane Allman from the Allman Brothers Band, Jeff Beck, who was with The Yard Birds, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jimmy Hendrix. Mike also likes great jazz. Mike began playing the guitar in 1971 & first studied classical guitar with Jerry Young & then moved on to Jazz and other styles of music. A few of the bands during junior high & high school included Warren Haynes now of Gov’t Mule and The Allman Brothers Band. After graduating from Asheville High School in 1978 he then attended the University of Miami and was enrolled as a Studio Jazz major. From Miami, Mike then formed a group with Grammy award winner, Elliot Wadopian (now of The Paul Winter Concert) and toured the southeast . After a year or so of touring Mike then enrolled at Musician’s Institute in California in 1980 & graduated in 1981. During his time at MI he studied with some of the world’s finest guitarists & musicians, such as, Pat Martino, Robben Ford, Joe Diorio, Howard Roberts and Howard Alden to name a few. He was chosen by Tommy Tedesco to perform a solo on the Musician’s Institute graduating class album. After graduation Mike played in groups & performed studio work in & around the Los Angeles area & soon went on the road again performing all over the U.S. & Canada. Mike has worked as a session guitarist and performed in recording studios in L.A., Memphis, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Jacksonville, etc. He was signed as a recording artist for Polygram Records & Geffen Records and some of his work has been featured on shows such as Star Search, various T.V. commercials, and also on MTV with The Rock City Angels. He has had publishing deals with Cherry Lane Music & has performed & shared the stage with such artists as John Scofield, Greg Allman & The Allman Brothers, Maynard Ferguson, Jimmy Page, The Black Crowes, Branford Marsalis, Johnny Neel, Jeff Coffin, John Popper, Jeff Sipe, Jimmy Herring, Toy Caldwell, Col. Bruce Hampton, Joan Jett, The Georgia Satellites, Derek Trucks and Joe Walsh to name a few. Mike has played locally with numerous bands, including Dixie Deluxe, Praying for Rain & shares the stage each year with Warren Haynes at the Annual Holiday Jam in Asheville.
Watch for Mike’s inspiring licks on the guitar!
Influences
Jimmy Buffett, Music of the 60's and 70's as it is the most diverse. This is evident in live performances, providing something for everyone! In recent years, Peter Mayer & The Peter Mayer Group ... "The best music on the planet"
Steve Weams and the CARIBBEAN COWBOYS BAND from Asheville, North Carolina are one of the "most popular" bands...wherever they go! With 18 + years of experience, the Caribbean Cowboys Band will provide you with a wide variety of music from Jimmy Buffett to other troubadours such as Peter Mayer, Scott Kirby, Jesse Winchester, Fingers Taylor, and the best of Classic & Southern Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Beach (Shaggin) Tunes, Country and last but not least...a few classics such as Frank Sinatra and an awesome "Elvis" tribute along with the Caribbean Cowboys originals! Their original tunes bring you an island-sound consisting of reggae, calypso, and good old rock 'n roll.
Steve will provide entertainment that is appealing to people of all ages and musical tastes, "solo" or with the cowboys, depending upon your individual circumstances. Restaurant bars, dance clubs, private parties, fraternity functions, weddings, corporate events, country club theme parties, charity events, festivals, conventions and last but not least, those ever infamous "Parrot Head Phlockings" ... just to name a few! Regardless of the occasion, rest assured you and your guests are in for a fun filled event and an escape to "Life on Islandtime"...Caribbean Cowboys style!
They are the "official" band of the Western North Carolina Parrot Head Club, a charter member of PHIP. The Cowboys have been known to rock Duval Street in Key West during their national convention. Steve and members of the Caribbean Cowboys Band are always glad to help out with a worthy cause as they believe in giving back to their community & environment, leaving the world a little better place.
Of interest, they were voted "Most Popular Rock Band 1995" Asheville Citizen-Times, "Best Local Band" Back to Back ~ 1999 & 2000 Mountain Xpress Readers Survey and placed 2nd in the 2008 Earth Day Asheville Latin/World/Reggae Musical Showcase!
Hey guys, Thanks for the great music and all you do for the WNC Parrot Head Club. Whether it's playing and entertaining at our meetings or supporting the events we do. You guys make everything we do more enjoyable. Thanks Again !
Thanks for the great music. I just wanted to wish you luck on Earth Day Asheville. I am spreading the word! Keep rockin' and I can't wait to see you guys Thursday at Norton's. Have a great week and fins up!
Hey Guys, Thanks for the comment! Earth Day at the Orange Peel will be awesome! Feel free to post a blog on myspace. I am sure all my friends would love to participate. You Guys Rock! Looking forward to seeing you soon.. Orange Peel for Earth Day and Myrtle Beach for the "Big Birthday Bash!" Take care! Becks! What is the date for the Earth Day Gig at Orange Peel? Also, what is the cut off date for final votes?
Glad to see you are part of the musical showcase for Earth Day Asheville. Love those island sounds ~ Alabama Jacks & Bomba Shack Flashback!!! Followed the details in your BLOG to vote! Registered with name & email, then followed the link in the email received from Earth Day Asheville! Spread the word ... Caribbean Cowboys under Latin/Reggae/World music category!
I wanted to thank you guys for an awesome party Saturday, February 9 at the Orange Peel in Asheville. It is great to attend a fundraiser where over 250 people are dancing all night long. It says a lot about your band to be able to keep the music coming and the dancing continuing for four hours or more. This event was my 3rd annual 'Flip Flop Hop', Dancing for Down Syndrome. Thanks for donating your time and energy to this great cause. I look forward to seeing you guys again soon. Thanks again and fins up!
HI, HOPE YOUR THANKSGIVING WAS AWESOME... NOW COMES CHRISTMAS & NEW YRS. WOW ARE THEY HITTING US FAST THIS YR.. I'M STILL IN SUMMER MODE!!! GOT MY CHRISTMAS TREE YESTERDAY, DECORATING IT TONITE, HOPEFULLY I'LL GET IN THE SPIRIT AFTER THE DECORATIONS ARE UP ETC... HAVE A GREAT DAY & WEEK, MUCH LOVE & HUGS!! PHINS UP!!!
HI HAPPY FRIDAY!!! HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU & WHERE YOU ARE?? I'LL BE RELAXING IN A NOR'EASTER TOMORROW (REMNANTS OF TROP. STORM NOEL) & SUNDAY I'LL BE GLUED TO THE TV WATCHING THE PATS/COLTS GAME... THINK OF YOU OFTEN!! HAVE AN ENJOYABLE WEEKEND... TAKE CARE & MUCH LOVE!!! PHINS UP & ROCK ON!
FOR MOST, THIS IS THE BIGGEST VACATION WEEK OF THE SUMMER.... SO TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY/WEEK. HAVE FUN & BE SAFE BUFFETTING/TAILGATING, SURFING, BOATING, DIVING, BEACHING, BAR HOPPING & RELAXING.... FINS UP & MUCH LOVE!
There just isn't anything better than the Caribbean Cowboys playing an outdoor concert!! July 20th the "Cowboys" will be rockin the Liberty Hall Ruins in Lexington, Virginia at the "Lexington Jaycees" Friday's Alive Concert Series. The Jaycees host this series each year and raise money for charity with the proceeds. We can't wait to see Steve and the men play in a historic spot and we will be ready for them to get to town. Come on out... admission is free!!!!
