Backstage at the Food Hall: Music, Stories, and More with Inspirado Trio Reggae Reggaeton Dub
Flagship City Food Hall is about to heat up this January with the tropical sounds of Inspirado Trio. Known for their infectious blend of reggae, reggaeton, and dub, this dynamic band brings a summer vibe to the Erie music scene—even in the heart of winter. With Miguel at the helm, their music transcends the cold, offering an escape into warm rhythms and soulful melodies.
Before they perform at the Food Hall this week, I wanted to learn more about the inspiration behind Inspirado Trio, Miguel’s love for reggae, and how he sees the genre growing right here in Erie.
The Birth of the Band
Inspirado Trio has brought such a vibrant energy to Erie’s music scene. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this band? Was there a specific moment or influence that sparked the idea?
Miguel: I’ve always wanted to create a reggae band, but I didn’t know it would come together as a trio. Reggae has been part of my identity for as long as I can remember—growing up as the son of immigrant parents, its uplifting message made me believe my voice could be heard. The meditative rhythms and conscious lyrics resonated deeply with me, touching my spirit in a way that other genres couldn’t. It gave me a sense of promise, unity, and connection.
Choosing Reggae
Reggae is such a unique and soulful genre. What drew you to reggae specifically? Is there something about its message or style that resonates deeply with you?
Miguel: I began my journey as a solo Hip Hop artist but over time, I found it difficult to connect and collaborate with other musicians. That’s when I decided to learn guitar and start singing, which allowed me to bring more to the table and connect with like-minded musicians. By the summer of 2024, everything started falling into place. I had some gigs booked out in advance that required a full sound and thankfully JonnyNice (keys/drums) had recently moved to Erie from California, and Jake Dubwise (bass) had some availability in his schedule from other projects, which allowed us to link up. Both are incredibly talented musicians/producers, and when we had our first rehearsal, the chemistry was undeniable. And that’s how the Inspirado trio was born.
The Reggae Scene in Erie
Erie’s reggae scene seems to be growing, and it’s amazing to see! We’ve hosted at least three different reggae bands at the Food Hall in the past four months alone. How do you see reggae evolving in Erie? What do you think makes this genre special for our local audience?
Miguel: To be honest, it’s about time that reggae is starting to take root in Erie. As somebody who has been listening to reggae for a very, very long time, it’s incredibly rewarding to see this happening. The reggae community in Erie is growing, and it’s amazing to see more people connecting with the uplifting and positive message that reggae brings. It’s about creating a space where people can come together, feel rejuvenated, and leave with a sense of unity and consciousness. As reggae continues to grow, we’re excited to keep offering something fresh and dynamic, bringing in influences like reggaeton, hip hop, and singing in both Spanish and English, which allows us to reach even more listeners while staying true to our roots.
Final Thoughts
Before we wrap this up, what’s next for Inspirado Trio? Any exciting projects or performances you’d like to share? And lastly, what message do you hope your music leaves with the community?
Miguel: As we look ahead, we’re excited to be back at the Flagship City Food Hall on February 22nd for the Winter Carnival. Our focus is to continue performing, writing new song’s, building relationships with venues, and meeting new people who share the same love and passion for reggae music. We’re also thrilled to announce that we’re teaming up with local legends Preach Freedom, as the reggae ambassadors of Erie, to put on the very first-ever tribute to Bob Marley here in Erie, Pennsylvania, in the late summer of 2025. It’s going to be an awesome event, showcasing not only Bob Marley’s legacy but also the incredible local musicians who will help put Erie on the reggae map. We’re excited to help give reggae music the platform and respect it truly deserves!
Don’t miss Inspirado Trio live at the Flagship City Food Hall this Wednesday, January 15th, from 6-8 PM.
Get ready to vibe to their unique mix of reggae, reggaeton, and dub while you kick back with Ippa Pizza’s Happy Hour specials—half off bottles and drafts, plus $2 off cocktails. It’s the perfect way to shake off the winter slush and soak up some tropical vibes, right here in the heart of Downtown Erie. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and make it an awesome night out.
See you there!
-Ryan