Joseph "Joey" Rivers
Creator

I represent the third generation of a family business that is rooted in the Music Sector. My grandfather, Eustava Rivas was of Venezuelan heritage and migrated to Trinidad as a Luthier, crafting Guitars, Cuatros, Mandolins and other musical instruments.

 

My father, Raymond Rivers, inherited and developed this art and supplied various stores, schools, parang bands and individuals with tuition, instruments and repair services.

 

In my tenure, I created a small network of luthiers who were mentored by my father. I have written books on the methodology of playing the Guitar and Cuatro and established a career as a professional musician, educator and producer, continuing the tradition set by my forefathers.

Music has given me the opportunity to travel extensively, throughout Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean region and Internationally from a very young age.

Being a member of the Pranasonic Express and a founding member of the emerging entity Machel Montano & Xtatik afforded me the opportunity to experience and explore our wealth of natural, cultural and human assets as well as experience international best practices. Several artistes, musicians, folk theatre groups, choirs, steel bands, parang and conventional contemporary bands have sought my assistance and support over the years.

I have toured

England, Germany, United States of America, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Vincent, St.Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Bahamas, Bermuda, St. Marteen, St. Croix, Tortola, Anguilla, Martinique, Cuba, Guyana and Belize.

I have worked with

The Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Black Stalin, Brother Valentino, Mighty Shadow, Explainer, Trinidad Rio, Lord Funny, Luta, David Rudder, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, MX Prime, Brian London, Myron B, Errol Fabien, Erphaan Alves, Turner, Destra Garcia, Denise Belfon, Len Boogsie Sharpe,
Dane Gulston and Earl Brooks Snr.

I have shared the stage with

Freddie Jackson, The Jets, The Boys, Gloria Estefan, Chubb Rock, Hi Five,
Buju Banton, Chalice, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Red Rat, Garnett Silk, Beres Hammond, Tanya Stephens, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, the cast from “The Young And The Restless”, Bennie Man, Montel Jordan, John Forte and Billy Ocean.

AND NOW
With the creation of CASTT Music Centre, I can now work with current and future performers to Discover, Develop and Display their talent.

There is so much that my team and I want to impart and share with the people in this music industry. Stay tuned for much, much more.

Joseph "Joey" Rivers