What happens when the rockstar on stage Friday night is the same guy flipping pancakes and driving to basketball practice on Saturday morning? That’s the reality for Scott Lonker, frontman of Southwest Florida’s reggae-rock powerhouse FLORIDAZE. We caught up with Scott for a down-to-earth chat about balancing music, fatherhood, and chasing big dreams without losing sight of what matters.
Scott’s life might look like a rockstar fantasy on stage, but the mornings tell a different story. “...making breakfast for my kids, packing bags for basketball, then heading straight into rehearsal,” he shared.
Even with the chaos of juggling four kids and a packed rehearsal schedule, Scott’s parenting philosophy is refreshingly real: “I don’t believe in forcing kids into boxes. I want them to be who they want to be, as long as they’re good people with good morals.” He laughed about his daughter’s trumpet phase, admitting sixth-grade trumpet practice sounded like a dying goose, but seeing her confidence grow has been worth every off-key note.
This summer, Floridaze is lighting up Florida’s music scene with two milestone shows. On July 12, they’ll hit Lighthouse Island Resort’s Tiki Bar in Fort Myers Beach for a free show perfect for reggae fans to kick back and soak up the vibes.
Then on July 26, they’ll take the legendary stage at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg with Supervillains and Wolfface — a show that also happens to fall on Scott’s birthday. “As a teenager, I’d stand outside Jannus Live watching bands from the sidewalk. I never imagined I’d be on that stage one day,” he said.
But Floridaze isn’t just about the party. Scott and the band use their platform to support causes like Awakening on the Water, a benefit for autism awareness and injured musicians. “It’s important to give back when we can,” Scott said, adding that playing for a good cause makes the music even more meaningful.
Behind every show is a dedicated support team Scott affectionately calls the “Floridolls” — their wives, who handle everything from merch sales to behind-the-scenes logistics. “They’re amazing, and they sacrifice a lot so we can chase this dream.” Scott said.
Scott’s journey proves how far determination can take you. From finding his first guitar in a trash can to headlining stages across Florida, he’s built a career on passion and perseverance. “Every low taught me something. You can’t appreciate the highs without going through the valleys” he shared.
Looking ahead, Floridaze is gearing up for more tours with bands like Elephants Dancing, Cloud 9 Vibes, and The Goodies, plus new music on the horizon. “We’re ready to take this as far as we can” Scott said.
📲 Stay connected with Floridaze:
Visit floridazeband.com for show dates, music, and updates, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify.
Watch our full interview with Scott Lonker here: