Profiles in Harmony: Michael Litwin of Sol Horizon

Part of a series on Peacetown performers

Sol Horizon's front man and chief Energizer Bunny Michael Litwin (Photo by Jason Baldwin)

By Jim Corbett

Michael Litwin is the effervescent front man for Sebastopol’s very own Reggae Band, Sol Horizon. On stage he exudes the spirit of Reggae music, which is uplifting lyrics, a joyful appreciation for life and caring for others and the earth. His many original lyrics convey the universal vibe of love, encourage living in harmony with nature and the joy of living.

Michael grew up on a farm on Bloomfield Road, where he tended animals and a vegetable garden that gave him the appreciation of nature and the importance of sustainability. His family was steeped in the community. He grew up with big brother Craig, who served on City Council and sister, Karen. His parents are Ken and Pam. One of his earliest musical memories is his mother recording her own singing on an old-school boom box in their living room late at night. Dancing wildly to Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ with his siblings, were the roots of his dance moves on stage today.

Obviously Bob Marley was his Reggae influence, but Michael says, “one line that truly inspired me to want to sing positive reggae lyrics was from ‘Three Little Birds” where Marley sings, ‘Sing, don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing is gonna to be alright.’ He added, “That single line became the theme and heart of my music. I saw a chance to lift people up, share a positive energy and inspire others to feel the love.”

Michael admits that singing was not always a part of his life, but listening to music, was a huge influence. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson and James Brown were the most prominent on his list of admired artists. His dominant stage presence certainly reflects those last two artists. The boy can jump around and feel good.

The Sol Horizon band came into existence in 2000 when Michael sang one of his original songs on the stage at the Health and Harmony Festival. The owner of Real Goods in Hopland was throwing his first Sol Festival and the band that debuted there was also debuting their new name, Sol Horizon. Since then they have recorded five albums, with several videos, and toured the Hawaiian Islands with reggae artist Pato Banton. Nice gig for a very deserving band.

The Sol Horizon Band (as described on their web page) is renowned for its energetic live performances, powerful lyrical content centering on themes of peace, positivity, community, sustainability, and the revitalizing power of nature. The players consist of: Clayton Hunt on lead guitar; Daniel Swezey on keys; Paul Spina on trap set; Mingo Lewis on percussion; Luis Garcia, bass and Geo Abramson on rhythm guitar; with Michael as the front man keeping every body grooving. Their manager is Joshua Siegel.

His day gig is working at Permaculture Artisans on sustainable landscaping and working the earth. His other loves are playing soccer and his lovely girl friend Zoe Ruiz Aleman.

Proud to have Sol Horizon on the bill as Peacetown returns to Ives Park on August 23rd from 5:00-7:30pm. Come early and set up your chairs. It will be a lively scene.

Sol Horizon