Meet the Jokers
Rockin’ the New Year 2023 Joker-style: Jokers Wild provided the hits while diners enjoyed French toast and eggs at Clearwater Church’s New Year’s Day pancake breakfast.
Jeff Wood – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, harmonica, Irish tin whistle, vocals
Residences: After growing up in West Texas, Jeff has lived the last 23 years in Alaska.
Musical Influences: They range from Jim Croce to Pink Floyd. “I like everything but K-Pop.”
Hobbies: Sailing and backpacking with his 3 kids. Served as youth hockey coach for 13 years.
“I like the friendships we’ve developed in Jokers Wild – with each other in the band, with other musicians, and with our listeners.”
Jessica Watson – Bass guitar, backup vocals
Residences: Dallas, Texas; Tampa/ Pensacola/ Jacksonville, Florida; Tokyo, Japan. Moved to Alaska in 2015.
Musical Inspiration: Bass greats Oteil Burbridge, Victor Wooten, John Entwistle, and bass teachers: Harry Anderson & Andy Irvine.
Hobbies: Spending time with her husband, Rodney, her stepkids & the 6 dogs they have between them.
“I love that the members of Jokers Wild have all known each other for a while, and we’ve seen each other grow as individual musicians, but also together, as a group.”
David Burgess – Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin, trombone, and vocals
Residences: Born and raised in Alaska. Attended college in North Dakota.
Musical Influences: Nat King Cole, Chet Baker, Duke Ellington, the Dillards, Johnny Cash, Dire Straits, the Police, Five Iron Frenzy, Relient K, the Killers, POD, Snarky Puppy, The Punch Brothers, Juliane Lage. To name a few…
Hobbies: Outdoor activities, like Biking, Skiing, Ice Hockey; Spending time with his wife, Liz; Photography.
“Jokers Wild is about more than just sound. We definitely care about each other, and we can all set our egos aside to create better music and more meaningful connections.”
Brandon Ludwig – Drums, various percussion, subtle humor
Residences: Born in Montana and grew up in Oregon; 18 years in Alaska.
Influences: Earth, Wind & Fire; Journey; Muse; Primus; and everything else he’s ever listened to.
Calvin & Hobbies: Bicycling, video games, general computer technology
“I like the laid-back nature of the band. We’re here to have a good time while we build ourselves as musicians. Also, the lack of cocaine.”
WELCOME to our newest Joker, Ron Kichura! (piano, keyboards, vocals)
Residences: Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, with summers spent in the Catskills Mountains.
Musical influences: Mostly the music of Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninov, Bird, Trane, and Chick Corea, as well as the entire Motown, Rhythm and Blues, Beatles, and pop, rock and musical theater sounds of the 60s, 70s, and 80 and thereafter.
Hobbies: Relationship building with my Creator, family and friends. Special thanks to my wife, Denise for the music time.
“As a part of Jokers Wild, I like connecting with the players and listeners through the music that we all love.”
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