B I C K L E Y R I V E R A
B i o g r a p h y
About Bickley Rivera's Music
"Super Moody", "Euphoric", "Magnetic Magic", "Hypnotizing" are just some of the words listeners have used to describe Bickley Rivera's compositions. Recognized throughout New England and Southwest Florida, and the world from her music hits, Bickley is a reggae, soca and calypso performer capturing global interest after the release of three albums which made it to Top 20 charts. The newest contemporary album, entitled "Positive Vibez" has had radio play on over 100 radio stations in the US and other countries such as UK, Greece, Japan and Africa. Bickley's music is heard on national television on The Weather Channel's forecast, TV's Music Choice, hundreds of internet and terrestrial radio stations including Africa, Japan, UK, and Greece, and hotels in Europe.
In 2014, Bickley was awarded by GHP Radio the Best World Island/Reggae Music and nominated for Best Smooth Jazz Soul Female Artist, Best Female Producer/Songwriter and Best Latin & Brazilian Jazz. Bickley has directly worked with acclaimed musicians such as Steve Oliver, Tom Schuman (Spyro Gyro), Will Donato, Praful, Andy Narell, Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe among others. She is the arranger and orchestrator for Dr. Martha Velez.
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About Bickley Rivera, the Artist
Ms. Rivera began her recording career in 1985 and branched into the Latin and Caribbean genre when she and her husband, Nelson, formed the group "Cuba Libre" in 1992, where she was keyboardist and lead singer. They originated and produced "Caribbean Madness", the only Caribbean Riverboat Cruise series on the Connecticut River, which sold out for 5 seasons. She transitioned to Steelpan in 2005, training under many seasoned island artists. She has opened for national groups, such as "America" and performed with many other international artists, Tony "Kitch" Paine (son of legendary Lord Kitchner), Jazz singer Joan Cartwright, Eugene Grey (touring guitarist for reggae-star Burning Spear), performed in Trinidad's International Panorama 2015 semi-final competition under the leadership of Andy Narell and most recently in Trinidad's 2023 Panorama with HADCO PHASE II STEELBAND under Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe.
Bickley Island Chill Band is Bickley Rivera-steelpan & lead vocals; Nelson Rivera-percussion and vocals as the duo and a variety of seasoned musicians complete her 4 and 5-piece group, combining world flavors to her original music. Her group has performed for WMNF 88.5FM Karibbyan Kruze Festival for 5 years, Tampa Carnival Festival, as well as venues in Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Michigan, Ohio, Bahamas and Trinidad.
Bickley was the music orchestrator and arranger (2015-2019) for Pro Comm's Theater Group, under the leadership of Dr. Martha Velez.
Releases
Innovative Chill and Reggae artist Bickley Rivera releases:
"Don't Stop the Dance" Deep House single (2021).climbed to #1 on the UK Indie Alliance Chart.
"The ULTIMATE CHILL" album (2021) & PSY/CHILL singles(2020) "Mumbai Glow" and "Liquid Theory".
"Positive Vibez" reggae album (2016), #13 on Relix/Jambands.com chart and #37 on CMJ New World Charts
"Breaking the Mold" (2015), 2 singles which were on Smooth Jazz Charts Top 20.
"Chillin' After Five" (2010) have garnered international acclaim, producing 3 singles on the National Weather Channel's Local on the 8s.
Reviews
"Over the last 15 years I have had the pleasure to work and hire Bickley Rivera's group for different events for my clients. Each time they have performed to resounding success with their professionalism, dynamism and high quality of their performance. Their repertoire of favorite island tunes and crowd participation has delighted my clients' audiences. I definitely would recommend them for any concerts or special events and look forward to using them again and again."
Mike Morissette, Owner, Michel Entertainment, East Hartford, Connecticut
"FYI--Our party was a hit and we loved Bickley. It was such a nice touch to have the steel drum and she was VERY nice! She was professional, courteous and had a great playlist. We are thinking of doing another similar party in the fall and will probably request her again :)"
Client of Breezin' Entertainment
"I have worked with Bickley Rivera's tropical music groups for many years, booking them for concert series in East Hampton, CT. Most recently I had the opportunity to hire them in July 2008 with her Florida group and was extremely pleased with the enthusiasm of concert attendees. The music was fantastic, lively and the audience throughly enjoyed the show. Their music is so upbeat, rhythmical with lots of variety and fits any venue or age group. I have also seen them perform at festivals and find them to be consistently entertaining."
Chris Schrager, Coordinator Goff House Concert Series, East Hampton, Connecticut