music – Nostaljah

The Music Sets You Free

“It doesn’t matter what your dialect or primary language is, music— reggae in particular— brings together people from all over the world.”

T’S BEEN A LONG TIME since I’ve ventured down past the Lee County border into Collier. I hate to say it, but this used to be my playground, and sometimes I really miss it. Especially South Street. I myself have played on their stage before and have witnessed a number of my fellow local musicians do so as well. It’s one of those venues all those with a taste for live music have come to know and love. Especially, if you have haunted the Naples live music scene for any length of time. They have a great set-up, and the crowd tends to be quite enthusiastic about being entertained. It’s just an excellent place to hear new and emerging artists. Which is why I am not surprised Nostaljah found themselves playing this venue. I was looking forward to seeing what they had to offer.

I got there a bit on the early side and watched as they made their way in, gear in tow. Slowly each piece of equipment was hoisted on stage and cords plugged in.

The main core of Nostaljah is Drea & Kardo. Nostaljah is known to work with a rotating lineup of independent musicians, but this evening’s drummer (Rothsberg) and keyboardist (Germain) are primary participants, and also great friends. At times, Nostaljah has also been known to perform as a duo, keeping themselves open to a variety of venues and opportunities.

It was about 15 years ago when Drea and Kardo established themselves not only as a band, but as marital partners. With two kids (ages 3 & 19) and a blended family, they work hard to balance their family life and entertainment. Even in just a short time of speaking with them, their commitment to their music

Iand each other is obvious. They talk a lot about love and Jah as their guide through it all. You can tell they both truly appreciate what it is they do, and the fact they get to work together as a couple and as musicians obviously keeps their relationship strong. Kardo says what he likes most about working with his wife is the time they get to spend together. “We’re so busy. By the time we get home, there’s so much to do, and suddenly it’s time to go to bed. For example, just driving to a gig we get to sit and talk about things we wouldn’t normally get a chance to. She’s great to work with, and she’s a very talented musician.” Nostaljah is well known for their creative spin on reggae. The couple explains they draw their sound from personal experience and a mixed heritage. Drea is Italian and Costa Rican, and Kardo is West Indian & Jamaican. They both believe their heritage gives them the ability to fuse different styles into one, creating a form of reggae specifically unique to them. The word ‘nostalgia’ typically invokes emotion and memory. With a twist of a few letters it takes on a double meaning quite personal to the couple. Drea explains despite the couple being from two different sides of the planet, Drea from New Jersey and Kardo from the Caribbean, they both happened to grow up listening to 90s rhythm & blues, neo soul, latin and reggae. It helped them find common ground. They are also both very spiritual. Jah is a constant force and influence in their everyday actions. That’s why they spell Nostaljah the way they do. They say it glorifies God, and blends the old and new musical influences they both share. At the time of our interview Nostaljah had lots of gigs lined up for the coming months, but said with Covid entering our world, the business of music has taken a turn. “As you know, with Covid a lot of things have slowed down. It’s very different, and we have to think about the consequences of being out in public with people, and bringing that back home to our friends and family,” says Kardo. “There’s always the concern in the back of our minds that we still have to be safe while we’re out having fun and working. That adds stress. A lot of businesses are suffering.” Despite the circumstances Covid brings to the entertainment community and businesses, Drea turns a positive spin on things. “There’s been a lot of negative effects of Covid, but we’ve also witnessed beautiful things. People have a desire

by Cindy-jo Dietz

“There’s been a lot of negative effects of Covid, but we’ve also witnessed beautiful things. People have a desire to get out like they’ve never gotten out before. They enjoy every moment, every song.”

to get out like they’ve never gotten out before. They enjoy every moment, every song and every aspect. It’s an experience. I really do have to give thanks to Jah, because if it wasn’t for Covid people wouldn’t love and experience life in the way they are right now, freely. Because it feels free to even be out of your house—literally. We’ve been on lockdown. You know what I’m saying? So to be free… Yeah, it’s dope.”

The positive message doesn’t stop there. The duo express to me that reggae in particular always has an underlying message hidden within the lyrics and the emotion behind the music. And what is Nostaljah’s message? “Love, universal love, because love changes everything,” says Kardo. Drea adds, “Out of many there are one. Love and creativity, it’s a universal language we all speak. It doesn’t matter what your dialect or primary language is, music—reggae in particular—brings together people from all over the world. It’s amazing. It just has something that makes you move.”

I asked the band a little about their favorites among their own songs and why. Kardo answers, “My two favorites are acoustic versions. The first one is of ‘Your Eyes’. The reason it’s my favorite song is because when I first met Kardo, he picked up an acoustic guitar. That was the way he told me [he loved me.] That song is about me. So, 10 years later, when we recorded it, it had a nostalgia to it [pun intended]. It’s very personal and very deep.”

He continues, “My second favorite is ‘Who So Ever Will Come’. It was a recording project where we got to work with Josh from EQ Multimedia. He’s an amazing local studio owner in this area. He did such a great job on both tracks and we love him for it. We’re hoping to collaborate more.”

Kardo adds that he’s partial to ‘Easy’. “That was basically us saying, you know, no, we’re not going to join the rat race. We’re just going to take it easy. No need to rush. It was more of a personal testament for who we are and what we’re doing personally.”

The duo are in the planning stages for releasing an EP. “We’re looking at January. It’s probably going to be like six songs,” says Drea. ‘Leave Me’ will be one of the tracks on the top of the list for that project, and the plan is to head back to EQ Multimedia to work with Josh once again.

The dictionary definition of the word ‘nostalgia’ is ‘a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.’ I asked the duo if they had any moments of their own they’d like to share. Drea had one in particular. “My favorite photo is being 9 months pregnant at the Cape Coral Reggae Festival and Kardo’s holding my hand, and I’m holding my belly. It’s the most memorable moment I’ll ever have because it was literally the weekend before I went into labor. So, I have that picture and that moment forever captured, and every time I see it it touches me.”

Nostaljah encourages fans to reach out when they can. Kardo says, “We’d like to ask for their love and support. Let us know where you want to see us play, so when we reach out to these places we can say we’ve got a tribe of hippies that look and sound just like us who are trying to hear this message of love we’re spreading. Reach out to us on social media. “

I thanked Nostaljah for their time, ended my interview and got myself back inside, finding a seat at the bar. Drea and Kardo made their way

Drea is Italian & Costa Rican, and Kardo is West Indian & Jamaican. They both believe their heritage gives them the ability to fuse different styles into one, creating a form of reggae unique to them.

to the stage and the show kicked into gear. It took no time at all for the crowd to develop. You can tell these were some hardcore fans dancing and singing along to the music. The audience consisted of people of different ages, all walks of life, all just enjoying the moment, enjoying the freedom to appreciate some great music and vibes. You could feel the joy emanating from the crowd and the musicians. I can see why Nostaljah has found themselves sharing the stage with legendary acts such as Nick Jonas, Toots and the Maytals, Kimani Marley, Third World, Max Priest, and Marcia Griffiths. If you dare venture out of your house, despite the current conditions of our society, going to see Nostaljah play should be at the top of your list. Definitely a good time, good music and good people. • For information about Nostaljah, to hear their music and find out where they will be performing, visit nostaljahmusic.com.

Americana Community Music Association

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation 2756 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-691-4069 americanacma.org

The ACMA Listening Room is located at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers. Each show has a local songwriter opening for a touring headliner. Shows are in a listening room, so the audience can enjoy the music and the stories behind the songs. Presenting acoustic performances by Americana artists and singer/songwriters. ACMA shows throughout the community. Please visit our website for more information and updated calendar of events.

schedule Dec. 4: Cliff Eberhardt, Louise Mosrie January 8: The Reckless Saints,

The Pearl Street Band Jan 22: Jesse Terry, Joe Virga Jan 29: David Mayfield, Carolyn Stanley Feb 5: Verlon Thompson, Bill Metts. Feb 12: Lipbone Redding, Ralph Leesberg Feb 26:. Gurf Morlix, Bob Williams

songwriters at the Plaza (downtown Ft Myers library) Dec 14: Ray Cerbone, Robert Bidney.

Kip Lawrence Jan 11: Bruce Gallant., Bill Metts,

Houseboat Jim Feb 8: Pearl Street Band Mar 8: The Reckless Saints.

Apr 12: The Obstructionists with David Hintz & Ross Jordan May 10: ACMA members

AlliAnce for the Arts (ft Myers) Dec 19: The Reckless Saints, Java Moon Jan 23: The Rough & Tumble, Carlene Thissen Feb 20: Muriel Anderson, Ray Cerbone Mar 20: Nouveau Honkies, Robert Bindney

lovers Key stAte PArK (ft Myers BeAch) Jan 6: JRobert, Ricky Baker Cegelis, Karen Cohen Feb 3: Marie Nofsinger, Bob Williams, Bill Steel Mar 3: Bill Veach, David Hintz, Paul Elliott Apr 7: Carlene Thissen, Mike McMillan, Alan Bradford May 5: The Reckless Saints

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Mertz Theatre 5555 N Tamiami Trail • Sarasota 941-351-8000 asolorep.org

Asolo Repertory Theatre is one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. One of the few theatres in the nation that performs in rotating repertory, Asolo Rep presents up to 10 productions each season including contemporary and classic works and provocative musical theatre experiences. Asolo Rep performs in the Mertz Theatre, located at Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, adjacent to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.

schedule Nov 20-Jan 1: Hair Jan 14-Mar 26: Our Town Jan 21-Apr 1: Grand Horizons Feb 11-Apr 2: The Great Leap Apr 23-May 11: Knoxville May 13-Jun 4: Eureka Day Jun 11-26: Hood

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

1380 Colonial Blvd • Fort Myers 239-278-4422 broadwaypalm.com

Broadway Palm is your ticket to escape! The theatre’s season features the best of Broadway, for all ages, combining your favorite shows of the past along with the most recent musical hit sensations. Broadway Palm features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes and a live orchestra.

schedule MAin theAtre thru Nov: The Sound of Music Nov 25-Dec 25: Holly Jolly Christmas Dec 31-Feb 12: Singin’ in the Rain Feb 18-Apr 2: Margaritaville Apr 8-May 14: In The Heights May 20-Jun 25: Rock of Ages Jul 1-Aug 13:The Wizard of Oz

off BroAdwAy PAlM thru Nov 6: Social Security Nov 11-Dec 25: No Claus for Alarm Jan 13-Mar 5: Over the River and Through the Woods Mar 10-Apr 30: Greater Tuna

BroAdwAy PAlM children’s theAtre Dec 3-24: The Nutcracker Apr 15-May 13: No Dogs Allowed May 27-Jun 24: The Emperor’s New Clothes

concert series Jan 30 & 31: December ’63 - Jersey Boys & Frankie Valli & The Four Season tribute Feb 7: Tribute to the King - Dwight Icehower’s Elvis tribute Feb 27 & 28: Abba Fab - Abba tribute Mar 13 & 14: The Piano Man - Billy Joel tribute Mar 19-21: The Rave-Ons - Buddy Holly tribute

Charlotte Players

Langdon Playhouse 1182 Market Circle • Port Charlotte

Charlotte Harbour Event Center 175 Taylor St. • Punta Gorda 941-255-1022 charlotteplayers.org

Charlotte Players is Charlotte County’s oldest Performing Arts Organization. They have been presenting live theater since 1961. Their Mission Statement is: ‘Charlotte Players, a volunteer organization, shall provide and promote quality theater arts programs to educate, entertain and enrich the Southwest Florida community.’

schedule Productions At lAngdon PlAyhouse Dec 1-5: A Nice Family Christmas Jan 6-16: Exit Laughing Feb 4-20: Bell, Book and Candle Mar 11-27: Curtain Up! Apr 13-22: There’s a Burglar in My Bed May 13-22: Wedding Belles

concerts Nov 16: Peace River Trio

(chArlotte hArBour event center) Dec 31: New Years Eve Show

(lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte) Feb 7 & 8: The Edwards Twins

(chArlotte hArBour event center) Feb 15: Late Night Catechism III

(lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte) Feb 27: Cahal Dunne

(lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte) Feb 28: Ted Vigil Trio

(lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte) Mar 8: The Martin & Lewis Tribute Show

(chArlotte hArBour event center) Mar 28: The Oak Ridge Boys

(chArlotte hArBour event center)