Bio

 

Artist Summary

Genres: Reggae / Reggae / Dub Label: Upgrade Records Management: Dennis Berndt

Artist Bio

Chalwa is based out of Asheville, NC and plays original High Country Reggae. The band consists of a diverse all-star line-up of local musicians from bands such as Ras Alan and The Lions, Asheville Horns, Hope Massive, Josh Phillips Folk Festival, and Wiseapple. After hitting the scene in 2006, Chalwa toured throughout the southeast US and Jamaica. The band has shared the stage with reggae greats such as: Midnite, Groundation, The Meditations, Bambu Station, SOJA, Pato Banton, and many more. Chalwa released it’s first CD in 2009 and was voted one of the top World Music, Reggae bands by the MountainXpress in 2010. In support of their CD the band performed a live set on-air interview on WNCW, along with radio air play on Dubatomic Particles and Local Color. In 2011, Chalwa is releasing their second CD on Pinnacle Records and giving the people what they want…live reggae music!

Chalwa is:

• Dennis Berndt – vocals, bass, and also the song writer for the band. Dennis has played with Ras Alan and the Lions as a bass player as well with the Durham based Mickey Mills and Steel. Dennis has a deep knowledge of all things reggae and has traveled in Jamaica to soak up the real vibes and styles.
• Ned Percival – percussion and vibes. Ned came to Chalwa with the experience of playing with reggae greats such as Anthony B, Steel Pulse and Burning Spear. Ned also was an active member of Ras Alan and the Lions up unto 2008. Ned splits his time between the mountains of North Carolina and the Naussa Mountain of Jamaica.
• Tim Marsh – guitar and vocals. A New Jersey native Tim attended music school at Appalachian State University while playing in bands Grassdance and the famous newgrass band Wiseapple. After relocating to Black Mountain, Tim formed the band Get Lost which included Jonathan Scales on steel pan. Tim currently has a solo band called the Tim Marsh Collective and a duo called Marsh/Zoll. – Marsh…gonna make you smile:)
• Evan Ackerman – guitar. A Virginia native and also a graduate from the school of music at Appalachian State University. Evan has been recording since the age of 12 and comes to Chalwa with a passion for vintage roots reggae. He has played with reggae bands Everton Blender, Bambu Station, and Ras Alan and the Lions. A founding member of Chalwa, Evan strictly bring the roots and dub!