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This summer Windjammer celebrates 23 years of continuous musical activities. The Florida-based pop Caribbean group was the first full-time ensemble of it's kind performing in the northern half of the state and has proven not only to be quite durable, but continues to set the musical pace for many other groups. Over the years Windjammer's personnel has changed, but the current line-up of Lawrence "Laree" App (bass, lead vocals and the only original member), Peet Winders (lead guitar, vocals), and Eric Mason (drums and vocals) have been together over five years now--longer than any of the other WJ groups. Additionally, the fourth member, Ray Guiser (saxophone, EWI, vocals) has been with the band for two years. Although many talented musicians have played in Windjammer over the years, App says, "this group is the best by far. The guys are all great musicians and we work together so well. No ego hassles at all. And the drive and the versatility of this group is amazing."

After being based in Jacksonville for six years, the band shifted its focus back to central Florida (where it was based from 1982-91) two years ago. This, in part, through the relocation of App and Mason from Jax Beach to Ormond and New Smyrna respectively, and in part through the joining of long-term Daytona resident Ray Guiser. The move back to central Florida was designed to put the band closer to more markets for performing. During this season Windjammer has performed from Tampa to St. Simons GA and everywhere in between. Although three of the members now reside in Volusia County, Windjammer still performs regularly in northeast Florida due to the fan base they've built over the years.

In addition to the geographical shift of the band in '97-98, the mission and performance strategy of the group changed as well. After becoming more of a cover band in the early '90s, Windjammer went back to focusing on their original material. Part of this change involved limiting the live appearances by the group, a move that has made everyone happier. "We had to get more selective, more focused, " says App. "We were drifting towards becoming another bar band instead of playing the stuff the got us known in the first place." This shift also coincided with the 1998 release of The Best of Windjammer CD, a 15-song retrospective that has been widely praised. Sales from the CD and a lighter gig schedule have allowed the fellas time to concentrate more on songwriting and recording. The quartet currently has two CD projects underway: one is a four-song EP of "death metal meets soca" that will be released pseudononymously, and the other is a full length CD of more mainstream Windjammer original material mixed with covers. Plans are also underway for a 20th anniversary Windjammer reunion concert. For more info call (904) 441-0692 or email AppLarry@aol.com.

Lawrence App (bass, vocals): D.C. native; began touring in 1974; leader of Windjammer since 1980; Bachelor of Music in Jazz studies from UNF; Master's in Ethnomusicology at FSU; twice nominated best Island vocalist by JAM Magazine, published articles on Afro-Caribbean musics.

Eric Mason (drums, vocals): graduate of UNF Jazz Studies program and the Jamaica School of Music; has been a member of many top reggae groups including Innasense, Pili Pili, Monkey Wrench, and Mystic Dino; co-producer of Florida reggae anthology, Da Boom.

Pete Winders (guitar, vocals): Tampa native; B.A. injazz studies from UNF; studied with Jack Petersen; has played with Pat Metheny, Elaine Elias, and Clarke Terry, as well as at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

Joe Yorio   (saxophone, Keyboards) studied flute, clarinet, and saxophone at Eastman School of Music and he holds a degree in Jazz Studies from UNF. He has also studied Indian classical music as well as Tibetan and Tuvan throat singing techniques