Reuben studied privately with jazz woodwinds player James (Jimmy) Hamilton, a 27-year veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He moved to Los Angeles and continued his music studies with the legendary saxophonist Bill Greene (improvisation lessons). He also studied music and marketing at Los Angeles City College and West Los Angeles City College Mekiel worked with icon reggae artist Eek-A-Mouse U.S. west coast touring band and participated in numerous gigs and festivals across the U.S. west coast including the 2002 USA Winter Olympic festival, Salt Lake City, Utah with Gregory Isaac. Mekiel toured and recorded with the legendary "Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm" he toured Europe, North America and Canada. Mekiel had the opportunity to play with Legendary Blues Icon Pinetop Perkin who sat in with Ike Turner at The Kings Biscuit Blues Festival 2002, Helena Ark.