Yard Squad

We are a reggae band from St. Louis, MO. We travel all over the U.S. We also back many major international artists, so if you're looking to tour and need a wicked band, look no more!For bookings call Blackbird Melody 602-688-2473.

Yard Squad - The Band

Yard Squad is a St. Louis based reggae band formed in 1994. Since the band’s inception, Yard Squad has performed with numerous regional and international acts across the country, in the Caribbean and Jamaica in shows ranging from small clubs to large festivals.
Yard Squad recently toured with Kenyatta Hill, son of the legendary Joseph Hill of "Culture." They have also performed with Ossie Dellimore, Daddy Muss, Warrior King, Admiral Tibet and Tosh One, son of Peter Tosh. Yard Squad has shared the stage with many of todays national acts. Along this journey, Yard Squad also recently toured with JahDan Blackkamoore as they have done in the past and will do tours with many more acts to come.
Yard Squad has emerged as a premier reggae act in the United States. The band is best known for its unique blend and performances of socially conscious roots, reggae, and dancehall.
Yard Squad, like the originators of reggae music, proudly accept the duty of spreading the message of "Love and Unity" through the inspirational music they bring to the people.
Don't miss Yard Squad live!

Yard Squad - The Band Members

Art “Artical Bass” Richards - Bass Guitar.
Art is from the beautiful Caribbean island nation of Dominica. Art is a proficient musician with experience in various genres of music, and he has a passion for “music of the sun” like reggae, lover‘s rock, roots, dancehall and soca. Art has been carrying the roots message for eighteen years and has performed all over the country and the Caribbean. Art founded the group Yard Squad. In addition to his work with Yard Squad, Art also performed with Boston based reggae group, The New Generation Band, Natty, The Infrared Rockers, The New Reggae at Will and Border Patrol. Art also plays drums and percussions. He is currently working on Yard Squad’s first commercially released album where he and the band will continue to spread the message of roots dancehall reggae.

Dane “Tazzkeyz” Cole - Keyboards
Dane is from the island of Jamaica, but followed his heart to the United States, first to St. Louis, and he now resides in Arizona. Dane has been playing keyboard and piano since the age of 10. He got his start working in the music industry in Jamaica. His first big break was touring in the Caribbean with various dancehall and roots rock reggae artists. The first gigs ultimately earned Dane a positive reputation and additional gigs working with dancehall reggae sensations T.O.K. and Wayne Marshall, and legends John Holt, Maxi Priest, Tony Rebel, Culture and Jimmy Cliff. His love for music has taken him all over the world. Dane has backed numerous local Arizona artists and visiting artists from around the world. Dane has played with many touring acts throughout Europe, the U.S. and the Caribbean. Dane is a lover of all types of music, especially jazz, R&B, blues, funk, reggae, gospel and soul. He pulls his inspiration from the likes of Bob Marley, Santana and Herbie Hancock. His appreciation for the magical and inspirational work of these artists is what keeps Dane motivated to continue his work of spreading the love for music. Stevie “Genius” Wonder is one of the musical legends that even to this day makes Dane's head spin uncontrollably. Dane remains both grounded and focused, always finding time to work on the basics and constantly searching for new music and techniques to improve his talent. When not touring Dane stays busy building rhythms.

Dyrol Randalla
Born in Jamaica, Dyrol Randall's early interest and talent for drumming came as a surprise to his family where none of the members was a musician.
At 13, he started playing at church and later received his first professional level training at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay, a cradle for several of Jamaica's leading internationally renowned musicians.
While Dyrol is versatile in any genre, he quickly adopted roots reggae drumming as his specialty, quickly gaining a following as one of the top drummers in the Montego Bay area. His mentors included Mr. Peter Brown, a 7-stringed bass player who taught him to "hold the groove together and let the music glide through the soul;" Isaiah "Onie" Palmer, a well-regarded reggae bass player who taught him how to "cut the hi-hat (cymbal) for proper accents and phrases with off-time beats;" and Tony "Ruption" Williams, the drummer for Third World, who taught him "how to draw a positive vibration from the instrument and communicate it to the audience."
Dyrol has performed and recorded with numerous bands in Jamaica. Two years ago he formed Vibes 4, selected by Royal Caribbean for its US-based cruises.
He currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale FL where he continues doing what he came down on earth to do: play, perform and teach drums.

Lead vocals vary depending on the show.