Cactus Island is a Progadelic folk-rock band based in Boston, MA. Their music brings a unique, fresh, and unexpected sound to the abiding ear. They strive to connect people through their music and assist individuals to feel a sense of oneness within. Each member of Cactus Island feels inclined to create awareness of the trappings of the human mind and how it directly relates to the state of our environment and the beings that reside here. It is with this message in mind that Cactus Island creates and performs their music. 

The group formed in the fall of 2017, after former highschool bandmates Nico Avella (Guitar/vocals) and Ron Bernhaut (Bass), reuinted at Berklee College of Music. They began writing music together, and were soon joined John McCarthy (Drums), and N8 Ko (Violin).

The name “Cactus Island” was inspired by graffiti of a cactus in a Boston alleyway. In the spring of 2018, the band took a quick hiatus as some of the members went to study in Valencia Spain, for the semester. After reuniting the next semester, they began to play various gigs and house shows in Massachusetts, as well as record their EP in the Berklee studios. 

In the  2019, Cactus Island was selected to play at the Berklee Rock and Pop Guitar Night, a prestigious event, featuring Berklee’s best guitarists at the Berklee Performance Center. They were also selected to play at the Songwriter’s Squared Showcase at the David Friend Recital Hall, as well as the Berklee Climate change Event outside of 7 Havilland. Cactus Island has appeared on the BIRN(Berklee Internet Radio Station), as well as CCTV(Cambridge Community Television), and Tiny Dorm. They have also played in various venues around Massachusetts such as: The Middle East, The Burren, O’Brien’s Pub, the Bebop, and The Armory. Currently Cactus Island is working on an EP which tis expected to be released in the Spring of 2020.