Band Bio
The Upbeat Project!
Since 2005, we have performed original and cover music in the genres of funk, reggae, and hip-hop!!
Based out of Laramie, Wyoming, The Upbeat Project is known for its unique style of music, dubbed “Wyoming Reggae.” This style is a blend of reggae, funk, dub, jazz, and hip hop. The Upbeat Project has gained a reputation for energetic and entertaining shows while performing at a variety of events and venues.
In September of 2009, we had the distinct honor to open for Grammy®-nominated reggae legend Pato Banton.
The band has also been a five-year feature at the What Festival in Cody, WY, including opening performances for award winning bluegrass artist Jalan Crossland in 2009 and award winning "Dub-Hop" group Peace Officer in 2011.
The Upbeat Project has made multiple live studio appearances on Wyoming Public Radio’s “Morning Music with Grady Kirkpatrick” and has been a featured artist in numerous concerts at the University of Wyoming, becoming a favorite amongst college students in Laramie.
This year the band earned Runner-Up at the 2011 UW Battle of the Bands!!! Thanks to all of the fans that showed up and helped us out on that one!
The Upbeat Personnel
Andy Culver, Founder, Guitarist and Vocalist.
Andy is heavily influenced by Sublime and loves writing and performing reggae-infused hip-hop music! Andy started the Upbeat Project and has worked with several musicians throughout the years to develop and firmly establish the repertoire and sound of the Upbeat Project.
Damian "D-Cypher" Kirkwood, MC.
D-Cypher has been rapping for 9 years and has opened for The Flobots and Adrian Molina. He is also a professional DJ.
Luke Dosiek, Drums.
Luke has a background in Punk and spent several years performing with the band 1066 in New York.
Josh Paredez, Bass.
While performing with trumpet legend Jon Faddis, Josh realized that reading music was the bane of too many local musicians’ audience experience.
Jasmine Feliz, Auxiliary Percussion and Vocals.
Hailing from San Diego, conguera Jasmine Feliz has played and sang for 12 years for various bands, including the reggae/calypso group Island Fever and the flamenco band Maldonado Music Group.
The Brass Facts (The Upbeat Project Horn Section)
Jonathan "Blues Rodriguez" Hoffman, Tenor Saxophone.
Blues has played with celebrated jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, as well as a part of the "World's Biggest Big Band". Additionally he has performed multiple times in the Northern Arizona University Jazz Festival.
Kyle Lilly, Trombone and Vocals.
Kyle has toured throughout Japan with the Luther College Concert Band. He has also performed at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and with the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble.
Doug Benton, Baritone Saxophone and Flute.
Doug has performed with motown legend Mary Wilson and composer, arranger, and pianist Frank Mantooth. He has also performed with the University of Wyoming Jazz Ensembles, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony and Symphonic Bands.
A very special thanks:
The following folks have made significant musical contributions that allowed us to firmly establish the musical concepts and sounds our fans enjoy!!
MC Sasquatch, Peter Gallins, Adam Johnson, Andrew Catellier, Sean Francis, Joe Locatelli, Grady O'Rear, Chuck Chase, Marty Camino, Luke Woodbury, Alex Mason, Erik Clark., Amyntas Hinckley Leonhardt, Wes Isbell, Mike Peterson, Jerred Stoll, and Carter Parks.
