Roots Collective is Madison's hottest roots rock reggae band in the finest one drop tradition featuring flawless vocals sung by keyboardist Michelle Flood who also writes the band's original material. She effortlessly entertains listeners singing popular Bob Marley songs alongside more obscure songs written by female artists like Marcia Griffiths & Judy Mowatt. Michelle organized Roots Collective in 2005. The band won a MAMA for Best World Song of the Year 2007, was nominated for Best World Song in 2008-2011 and was nominated for Best Female Vocalist & Best World Album in 2009 & 2011. The band has performed at Summerfest as well as other community events like "Tunes at the Monona Terrace" and "Lunchtime Live!" on the Capitol Square. The members bring over 25 years of experience to the stage and have also played with national acts like Steel Pulse and Matisyahu.

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Roots Collective gearing up for a busy summer, check out Reverbnation.com to see what we've been up to!

The Band

Michelle Flood - Born and raised in Madison, WI Started playing piano at age 5 and studied piano and voice at UW LaCrosse. Left UW LaCrosse in 1994 and was singing at a Madison Karaoke bar when she was discovered by an area reggae musician. Over the next several years Michelle would hone her skills to become Madison's best reggae keyboardist playing with local reggae acts Blackstarr, OPTA and I-N-I. Vocals featured later in 1999 when she started the funk/r&b/reggae band Basil where she was the primary songwriter/singer/keyboardist. Started Roots Collective after being inspired watching Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers.


Steve Truesdell is a seasoned guitar player who weaves his excellent guitar playing into the Roots Collective songbook. Steve also plays with Kingtown Rockers, Weapons of Mass Defunktion and is a past member of Natty Nation.


Jason McGoldrick - Locking into the pocket of the one drop with Flood is veteran bass player Jason McGoldrick who has earned his chops touring over the past ten+ years as an original member of Reason for Leaving and is a current member of the popular Sublime Tribute of Jose and the Sumlines.


Jared Flood - This talented band is anchored by drummer Jared Flood who drives the Roots Collective train, with serious style and massive beats. Flood, who has earned his chops while studying under Clyde Stubblefield and Vincent Davis, also provides the beat behind local musical groups, such as The Full Watts, James Rolland Band and Dig. Jared now brings his upbeat, polished approach of laying the reggae foundation to this outstanding outfit.



Jon Hoel brings the cool factor to the Roots Collective crew having seasoned his sax leads and fills while leading his own improvisational jazz group Nuggernaut and funk masters The Mustache. Hoel works closely with Flood's melodic keyboard playing and vocals adding to the traditional reggae sound that only a tuned in horn player can create. Jon also plays in bands Que Flavor!, Nuggernaut and the Jonathan Hoel Quartet and is one of the primary organizers for the annual summer event Recreational Rhythms Music Festival benefitting the local charities.

Mariono Weaver- the newest member of the RC group is Mariono Weaver (a.k.a Mic Pro) who hails from the Milwaukee, WI area. Mic Pro is a formerly retired Hip-Hop artist. Also, he is a founding member of the Blaqlizt Entertainment brand. He came out of retirement when presented with the eccentric opportunity to perform with Roots Collective.

RC Achievements!!
~ Winner Best World Album of the Year MAMA's 2011-2012.
~ Nominee Best World Song MAMA's 2011-2012.
~ Performer at MAMA's 2011-2012
~Performer at Summerfest the world's largest outdoor music festival!
~ Performer at the Monona Terrace "Tunes at the Terrace"
~ Performer at the 20th Annual Marquette Waterfront Festival
~ Performer at the Lunchtime Live! Downtown Madison music concert series
~ Madison Area Music Award for best world song of the year 2007
~ Nominee for best world song and album of the year in the 2008, 2009,2010, 2011 MAMA's
~ Performer at the SOCO Music Festival at Alliant Energy Center's Willow Island