Q&A with Christian Yacono | Hat Trick, Drummer/Vocals
Born & raised on Marco Island, Age 30
Family – Just married to Hailey Yacono
What attracted you to reggae-style music?
Reggae music has that natural draw to it, it’s happy music. It’s a genre for all ages. Many people pair me with Reggae Music, as I played it professionally nationally for nearly a decade but to be honest, I’m a big country music fan. I really like all (good) music, what can I say - I’m a musician.
How did the band come together?
Hat Trick was built by the Pandemic.
Danger, Gio, and I have been jamming together since 2009. Actually, Gio and I had a band together on the island back in 2003 to about 2007-“Lost Cause” all classic rock.
Danger and I toured the country with SOWFLO for nearly 10 years, released 3 albums, 2 of which charted #2 on Reggae Billboard Charts. Some of the best times of my life (until I met my wife of course)
SOWFLO came to an end with the pandemic as did a lot of things around the world. My love for music was too strong to stop- then Hat Trick was born. Danger, Gio, and I are all good buddies and live relatively close to each other, it was a no-brainer. We started playing on every outdoor patio that would hire us, and filled our schedule. Started doing a good handful of private parties and was just truly thankful to be so busy. We were thriving in our great state of FL, we found our passion and our people.
What’s the best-kept secret on Marco?
Besides my fishing spots? Seriously – It’s the amount of history on our island. Marco was inhabited by Calusa Indians over 4,000 years ago. Since then some of the most impressive artifacts have been discovered under the ground we walk on, take yourself a visit to the Marco Island Historical Museum, and you’ll thank me.
One wish you have for our island?
For everyone who visits to respect the island like the locals do. Respect the fisheries, clean up after yourself. There is no doubt Marco is becoming more and more popular, it’s going to happen. It was only a matter of time before people found our paradise, so please support local businesses and help keep businesses local!
Best spot for an authentic Marco meal?
You can’t beat a cook-your-catch meal, bring a fresh bag of locally caught fish to Cocomos. Get it done Jalapeño Encrusted, now that’s something special.
Team Tigertail beach or Southbeach?
Southbeach. I grew up there – that’s my backyard.
What do you do on a day off?
Going fishing or playing pickleball, entertaining friends at the house, having a cold beer. If the wife and I have a couple of days off- we’re quick to get up and go. we love to travel & explore.
Best live music venues?
The Boardroom Tavern in Olde Marco Village, live music almost every night. Its a truly authentic Marco island atmosphere. The music is always quality, and the people are always friendly.
Also, it’s tough to beat Stans on a Sunday. High energy, cold beer, and a packed house.
I’m sure Marco holds great acts regardless of where you go, these are just two of my personal favorites.
Drink Picks on the island:
Bloody Mary at Sunset Grill – from Greg (Bartender)
Mojito - The Boardroom Tavern- Hailey Yacono (it’s my secret recipe)
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