Singing the world’s anthem

Suzie Harrison

World Anthem Band isn’t just a group, it’s also an experience. The

popular local-based group brings together a culturally diverse

blending of reggae, soul, R&B;, hip hop and dance hall. The music is

not only heard but felt, and the typical audience is lured to its

feet and never wants to stop dancing.

The band’s style brings a regular crowd to the Sandpiper Lounge on

Thursday nights -- a crowd that follows them to shows around Southern

California.

Frontman, lead vocalist Ronnie Alexander grew up in Laguna Beach

and has known bass player Kevin Smith since they were both 15 years

old.

Before forming the band in 1993, the players worked together on

different projects.

World Anthem Band’s first album was recorded live at the Sandpiper

and its second album, “World Anthem Band,” has been a hit as well.

“We’ve spent a good chunk of ’02 and ’03 with the latest release,”

Alexander said. “The whole production was done by Jai Vatuk, and

Jelani Jones. They produced and engineered it -- Jai has his own

production studio at his place.”

Vatuk plays guitar and keyboard and Jones does vocals and plays

the keyboard. Chuck Morris is the drummer.

“We worked tirelessly, there was a big party July 19 for the

release -- it was a great turnout ... we sold over 100 CDs on the

spot. Everyone loves it,” Alexander said. “We appreciate the fans

that have followed us.”

Jones writes most of the songs and hails from Trinidad, while

Alexander adds some Latin flavor to the band having spent time

performing in Costa Rica.

“Our band has played with every Jamaican headliner that has come

through Southern California,” Alexander said.

Band members said they have done a lot of gigs trailing up and

down the West Coast performing with various pop acts like Sugar Ray

and Barrington Levy, as well as some of Reggae’s finest, including

shows at the Coach House, Belly Up, House of Blues and some music

festivals.

“Currently we’re back in the studio working on re-mixes,”

Alexander said.

Vatuk said the first album, “World Anthem Band Live,” captured

what was going on up to that point. The new album added a different

artistic direction and evolution.

The band has broad appeal and isn’t targeted specifically to any

age group. Alexander said the group appeals to people ages 15 to 50.

Though they play a lot of venues the Piper is their favorite.

“It’s home, it’s like playing in your front room,” Alexander said.

“We’re able to expand and explore having that comfort level. We feed

off the people -- their energy flows back and forth.”

They pack in the crowds every Thursday. Last week they were

working on the video for “Tell Me Why.”

“We take the love of Laguna Beach with us wherever we go, up and

down the coast,” Alexander said.

The band also likes to help others in need through playing various

benefits.

“We’ve done benefits for children and a lot of times for musicians

who don’t have health care,” Alexander said. “We kind of look after

our own.”

The newest gig is performing at a new club called Wabo’z in

Huntington Beach on Sunday afternoons. For more information or to

purchase a CD, go to www.worldanthemband.com.