Armed Forces Entertainment takes Blue Island Tribe on inaugural tour

Iowa-based Blue Island Tribe is heading to the Pacific Rim on their first Armed Forces Entertainment tour, taking their reggae/jam band infused sound to military personnel stationed in Japan, Okinawa, and Korea June 17-July 5. “We are grateful for this opportunity to travel overseas while entertaining the troops serving our country,” said Brandon Clark, bass player for Blue Island Tribe. “We viewed this tour as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give something back to the people who give us so much everyday.”

Blue Island Tribe formed in 2001 with James Frey, lead singer; Brandon Clark, bass player; John Schminke, guitarist, Mike Schminke, drummer; Kelly Powers, rhythm guitar; and Garrett Theilking on saxophone. The 2003 independent-release of their first album The Road to Hana secured Blue Island Tribe a corporate relationship with Quicksilver/Roxy Clothing. The opportunity landed their music on MTV’s “Surf Girls” gaining them national exposure.

Blue Island Tribe has released two more independent-label albums: 2004’s Ready and Waiting and 2007’s The Essentials, which was recorded and produced by gold record-winning producer Tom Tatman at Catamount Studios. “The band’s members are proud of the fact that they have been able to embrace the heritage of the music they play, without infringing on it, “None of us have ever had dreadlocks, we don’t try to be anything we’re not,” explained Clark.

“Blue Island Tribe may come from Iowa, not the most likely place to find reggae, but these guys really get down. They are all energetic live performers and their shows are always crowd pleasers,” said Frank Tagatac, regional and circuit manager for the Pacific circuit.

Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.