WMSE Presents Pirate Steve’s Reggae Jam

PIRATE STEVE’S “REGGAE JAM” featuring

Indika Live at The Cooperage MKE

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Cooperage MKE, Milwaukee, WI

About the Event

Celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary Bob Marley with an unforgettable night of reggae, culture, and unity. Indika, Chicago’s premier reggae band, takes over The Cooperage MKE for a powerful evening of roots, rhythm, and positive vibrations.

The night will feature special guests DJ Eric Blowtorch, DJ Pistol direct from Jamaica, and will be hosted by WMSE’s Barry Johnson of Saturday Afternoon Boogie Bang and Thursday Night’s Reggae Vibrations.

Also appearing are special guest vocalists JD Rankin, Carla Starla, and Indika’s own Indykah Muslar aka Indy and Anastacio Muslar aka Prince.

This event promises a high-energy celebration of reggae music and community. Barry Johnson will bring a piece of the airwaves live and direct, connecting Milwaukee’s vibrant music scene with the soulful spirit of reggae culture.

Headliner: Indika Reggae Band

Indika is one of Chicago’s leading cultural ambassadors, blending world-class musicianship with the musical traditions of the Caribbean, Africa, and the Americas. Founded in the mid-1990s, Indika has grown into a dynamic collective known for electrifying performances and a deep commitment to cultural unity through music.

Led by Belizean-born vocalist U-Roy Muslar and his partner Ana, the band continues to evolve while honoring its rich legacy. Their leadership brings renewed energy and a strong dedication to reggae’s universal messages of love, resilience, and justice.

Indika’s diverse lineup reflects the spirit of Chicago itself, featuring musicians from Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Rooted in reggae, their sound is infused with dancehall, soca, calypso, punta, R&B, jazz, and kompa—creating a genre-blending experience that transcends borders.

Indika has performed at iconic venues including Wisconsin State Fair, The Wild Hare, Navy Pier, and the United Center, and has backed reggae legends such as Gregory Isaacs, Luciano, Richie Spice, and Calypso Rose. Multiple Martin Intercultural Music Awards recognize their role in uplifting and uniting communities through music.

Special Guest Singers

JD Rankin

Born in Steer Town, Jamaica in 1964, JD Rankin has been performing since the age of seven. After moving to the United States in 1991, he became a hometown legend, performing with bands such as King Solomon and Kojo and the Love Monkeys.

Carla Starla

Sonic Alchemist: DJ, Vocalist & Spiritualist
Carla Starla began singing in her first reggae band at age 17 and later expanded into ska-punk and beyond, performing alongside bands like Special Beat. Over the years, she has collaborated with numerous soul and funk ensembles and has held DJ residencies throughout Chicago and California. Known for blending house music with live vocal freestyles, DJ Carla Starla will be featured in vocal collaboration with Indika for a truly unforgettable performance.

Indykah Muslar aka “Indy” & Anastacio Muslar aka “Prince”

U-Roy Muslar’s own children take the stage for a special performance of “Pass the Dutchie.”
DON’T MISS THIS!

Special Guest Guitarist

Jon Liedtke

A highly respected local guitarist, Jon Liedtke is known for his versatility across multiple genres. He has been featured numerous times on WMSE and at popular live music venues throughout Milwaukee and Chicago. Jon is also the main organizer and headlining performer of Milwaukee’s Zappa Fest, and plays lead guitar in another popular Chicago reggae band.

Guest DJs

DJ Eric Blowtorch – “King of Dub”

Singer, guitarist, and songwriter DJ Eric Blowtorch delivers a fearless fusion of reggae, ska, rocksteady, soul, funk, hip-hop, and jazz. Having recorded and performed across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Jamaica, his latest triple-vinyl LP Quality Items showcases his genre-defying creativity and has drawn comparisons to Sandinista! by The Clash. Come early, grab a drink, and settle in as Blowtorch opens the night with a deep dub set.

DJ Pistol – “Dancehall Master”

Straight from Kingston, Jamaica, DJ Pistol brings authentic island vibes and high-energy dancehall sets that command the dance floor. A staple of venues such as The Wild Hare, Cubby Bear, and Club Timbuktu, DJ Pistol specializes in Foundation and Early Dancehall. Bring your dancing shoes—this set will move you.

Host

DJ Barry Johnson – WMSE 91.7 FM

The evening is hosted by DJ Barry Johnson, the voice behind Saturday Afternoon Boogie Bang on WMSE 91.7 FM. A Milwaukee music institution, Barry has been part of WMSE for an incredible 44 years and counting. Known for his deep musical knowledge, passion, and community spirit, Barry brings the energy of the airwaves live and direct to The Cooperage MKE.

Event Schedule

• 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: DJ Eric Blowtorch (Dub Set)

• 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Indika – First Set (Reggae Hits)

• 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM: DJ Barry Johnson (Reggae Vibrations Set)

• 11:00 PM – Midnight: Indika – Second Set (Bob Marley Tribute)

• Midnight – Close: DJ Pistol (Dancehall Set)

Door Prizes

Reggae hats, shirts, zipper hoodies, and the grand prize:
🎁 Bob Marley Hoodie Sweatshirt
MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Venue: The Cooperage MKE, Milwaukee, WI
Tickets: Available now on Eventbrite
Ages: 21+

Don’t Miss This Night of Reggae and Culture

Join Indika, WMSE’s Barry Johnson, DJ Eric Blowtorch, and DJ Pistol for a powerful celebration of Bob Marley’s 91st birthday and the music that continues to heal, uplift, and unite. Feel the rhythm, embrace the culture, and be part of an unforgettable night at The Cooperage MKE.