Band Bios

Kai 'Pita' Katobalavu — Founder and Lead singer, Rhythm Guitar:

Pita, a native of Fiji, brings his own take on roots Reggae music to the Midwest.  Sounding hauntingly like the beloved Bob, he has a family heritage steeped in music from the Pacific Islands and a personal drive to share these Jah-given gifts with the world. Pita strives to unite the world by writing, playing and sharing music with his diverse fan base.

Jason 'Red' Brown — Bass Player and vocals:

Red began playing bass in Pasadena, California before moving to the mellow vibes of Humboldt County, where he shaped his music playing in many of the North Coast’s best known bands. Red’s impressive musical journey includes touring with NOFX as their guitar tech, working in Branson, Memphis and Nashville as Hank Williams III’s bassist and band leader, playing blues at clubs on Beale Street, appearing on Late Night With Conan O’Brien, The Grand Ole Opry, Prime Time Country, BBC Radio, Europe Radio One, and many other shows. Once in Wisconsin, Jason recorded with the critically-acclaimed Sam Winch making music that has appeared on Grey’s Anatomy and Comedy Central’s Comedians of Comedy

Kelvin Ayres – Drummer and vocals:

Kelvin got his first gig at a house party in Indiana at the age of ten, playing with his dad, a Jazz musician with his family band. He traveled and played extensively throughout the United States at many venues as well as political functions and corporate events.His early musical influences were John Coltrane and Weather Report. With early favorites including John Coltrane and Weather Report, today Kelvin cites Usher and Producers Timbaland and Pharrell of the Neptunes as key in influencing him as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

Tom Jones — Saxophone and keyboards:

Special guest. Tom Jones (Saxophone) has been playing saxophone for over 27 years. While studying Music at the University of Houston, he played throughout the Houston area in various blues, Jazz, and pop bands. A few years after college he took a leave from music to start his family. Gradually, he reintroduced himself into music playing at a church in the Houston area where he developed a higher passion for music. When he moved to Appleton Wisconsin, he continued rounding his skills within the Christian music scene. During this time, he has been exploring new sounds and new instruments but keeping with his saxophone skills. In 2010, Tom chose to get reintroduced into the mainstream music industry. At the end of 2010, Tom joined Unity the Band and recorded on their latest album “Oceania”. Tom continues to hone his skills on saxophone and other instruments to be able to share his passion for music throughout the Midwest.

Jeremy 'Chunk' Schroetter – Percussion and vocals:

Chunk began controlling vibrations about eight years ago, after acquiring a doumbek.  He finds his inspiration in Jazz, Native American, Latin, Indian, and Nyabinghi. To the musical lilt of Unity he adds the nyabinghi style, which was originally used in roots reggae. Since everybody and everything has a vibration, Chunk hopes to catch every person’s vibe, and apply it to the rhythm, so that they may connect with the unifying message of the band

John (JZ) Zuleger – Lead guitar:

JZ is a musician with a pedigree and tons of street cred! A Musicians Institute Top Honor Graduate Class of "94 he has been a playing professional since the age of 17. Spending more than 20 years on the road, he has played in Australia, Korea, Europe and 38 states of these United States. Some of his favorite memories in playing the New Orleans Jazzfest (2x), in the New Orleans Superdome (2x), NOLA and Houston House of Blues, opening for B.B.King, Black Crows, Keith Urban, Jimmy Vaughn, Al Green and The Neville Brothers. JZ has been featured on Fox TV and PBS. He spent 11 years playing lead guitar with Cajun Legend Doug Kershaw, honing his heavy Texas and Louisiana influences. Recently moving to the cooler Midwest, JZ adds the hot spice of the cajun to the world beats of Unity the Band.

Dave LeBlanc — Guest:

Music has been at the center of David’s life since his youth in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He started playing piano at the age of five, and to his parents amazement, he could quickly repeat a melody he had just heard by ear on the piano. Dave attended the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences. After completing the program, he moved to Wisconsin with his friends and joined their band. His style and sound combines any and all forms of music that cross his path.

Matt Kerkhoff — Guitar and vocals - guest:

Matt showed a flair, early on, for taking burned out old rock songs and giving them a fresh new groove. Starting his musical career with Yamaha Primary Music School training at 8 years old, Matt quickly moved from the basics of harmony for singing and keyboard, to guitar lessons from age 10-13. Matt’s punk rock inclinations emerge in his guitar playing and add a unique edge to the bands original sound. 

Alana Miron — Vocals and Shakers:

Guest