NYE PARTY! Music Road Co + ALLiENS & MORE!!

Music Road Co

A powerhouse band known for its dynamic stage presence and a focus on vibrant dance music that feels good and spreads positive vibes. With a world-beat approach, the band brings together a collective of accomplished musicians to create original music with a fusion of genres including funk, rock, island reggae, afrobeat, & Latin tunes. This project digs through a wide and deep catalog of tunes and musical traditions to get you groovin’ and your hip bones movin’!!

Where does Music Road Co find its inspiration? And why does it connect so perfectly with audiences of all ages and backgrounds? The answer might lie in their widespread roots. Coming from such diverse places as South Africa, Ecuador, Cuba, Key West, Maryland, New York, and Virginia, the band brings many cultural influences together to produce music without boundaries.

The band’s rhythm section is made up of expert musicians, with a driving bass line that anchors each song and propels the audience to move. The percussion adds depth and texture to the sound, incorporating traditional rhythms and intricate beats that keep the audience engaged. The horn section is a standout feature, adding rich layers of melody and harmony that are both soulful and powerful. The guitar & keys are equally impressive, with electrifying solos and grooving rhythms that showcase the band’s versatility.

MRCO has opened for chart-topping Michael Franti & Spearhead at Rocky Mount’s Harvester Performance Center and for The Original Wailers at Roanoke’s Elmwood Park amphitheater. They regularly perform at regional venues, community gatherings and festivals, including Floydfest for several consecutive years.

Music Road Co is bound together by one common ideal: Music should feel good and spread positive vibes. They get on stage to lift themselves up to a higher frequency and they won’t stop until they bring the entire audience with them!

Alliens (pronounced Alley-ins)

Many of us recall Alliens’ memorable performances at FloydFest between 2007-2011 & especially the late-night after party to close out the festival each year. They also brought their infectious Caribbean-Fun & World Groove sound to regional festivals in the NRV & Roanoke Areas in additional to annual tours down to Key West & back during those years. Now, for the first time in 10 years, they are finally coming back together to share their talent & music with us again!

Alliens is a powerful caribbean-funk, world groove sensation led by brothers Jamiel and Janiah Allen along with cousin Zeph Allen, merges diverse world rhythms into a magnetic musical tapestry. With Cameron McLaughlin on bass and Nyo Allen on percussion, the band effortlessly blends rock, reggae, funk, ska, Caribbean soca, electronica, cumbia, and more, creating an infectious sound that defies borders. Their music carries a powerful message: forget your differences and dance!

Through multilingual lyrics and harmonies, Alliens invites listeners to connect deeply. On stage, they craft an electrifying atmosphere, celebrating shared humanity and promoting love, understanding, and acceptance. Alliens’ music isn’t just a performance; it’s a transformative experience, urging audiences to surrender to the universal groove that unites us all.

Father Sun

Father Sun embodies the true spirit of reggae with a blend of experienced artistry and youthful energy. Laying the bassline of this musical journey is Janiah Allen, a seasoned musician known for his collaborations with Alliens, Music Road Co, Solazo, Jordan Harman & the Humble Brags, Sol Roots and The Ambassador.

Alongside Janiah is his son, Nyo Allen, whose exceptional drumming skills bring life to Father Sun’s beats. From an early age, Nyo developed a love for rhythm, and he lays down a solid foundation for the band.

Janiah & Nyo’s original compositions are rooted in reggae traditions and infused with modern creativity. They are joined by guitarist Aram Skenderian, whose melodic prowess adds depth and dimension to their music.

Father Sun’s repertoire encompasses reggae covers and original compositions, each note carrying the authentic vibe of the genre. Their performances are not mere musical exhibitions; they are heartfelt celebrations of life and the universal language of music. Join Father Sun on their musical odyssey, where the essence of reggae is embraced and shared, connecting soul and spreading positivity wherever their music is heard.

Sarai Sibéal

Sarah Bowles, also known as Sarai Sibéal, is a native Roanoker. She is a singer/songwriter and producer whose music combines electro-soul elements with R&B, & world music. Sarah and Jamiel Allen co-produced her debut album, Taboo (Tapua) that released November 11th. Jamiel also composed the majority of the music and mixed the final product.

Willis Greenstreet, Sam Lunsford, Matthew Bowles, and Cameron McLaughlin can be heard playing and or singing back-ups. The song “Secrets” features local poet Ashley Rhame’s original work. All the songs on the album were written between 2015-2022.

More on Sarai Sibeal: Instagram  |. Spotify

Zeph

At the start of the night, Zeph Allen will sing a few songs with his acoustic guitar. From fantastical fiction to deeply personal reflection, nothing is off limits when he sings his originals. You might remember him from his years with the Alliens. If not, we’re sure you’ll love a few minutes with his unique perspective and word play. You might even be inspired to make your resolutions before kicking off the dance party!