Best Caribbean Band

Chances are if you've heard any of the big-name Jamaican toasters or crooners in concert here, then you've heard Hal Anthony and his Millennium Band backing them up. The ensemble of choice for visiting vocalists holds up quite well on its own. Playing regularly for the past two years at South Florida venues such as Bayside in Miami and Alligator Alley in Sunrise, the six-piece outfit brings on real roots reggae with two keyboards, drums, bass, and two guitars. The group mixes soul-stirring original tunes like the praise song "Blessings" with innovative arrangements of reggae standards. A recent tour took the Millennial sound to 44 U.S. states and a number of Caribbean islands. The recent release of their CD Cool It means fans still can groove to the righteous rockers even when the band is out of town. Always true to the roots philosophy, the members of the Millennium Band say their motivation to play comes not from money but from love for their listeners, which is why we love them, too.