ABOUT THE SONGWRITERS: "Picus" Jim Soldi hails from the inner circle of the nation’s most respected guitarists. He toured and performed for many years with the likes of Johnny Cash and Ricky Skaggs. Johnny claimed he was the “best in the business”. You’ll understand why once you’ve listened to the CD. Rick "Maximus" Sparhawk, like Soldi, first found fame as a 70’s bluegrass musician in a bionic bluegrass band known as Montezuma’s Revenge. With several independently produced albums to his credit, Sparhawk has performed on stage with numerous recording artists including appearances at the Grand Ol’ Opry, Calgary Stampede, and Academy of Country Music Awards.
ABOUT THE BAND: Soldi and Sparhawk are working with some of San Diego's Finest players to bring The Tragedy of Johnny Patriot to the stage in all of its glory. These cats can play and you just have to get out and see them lay it down live. The Band includes:
"Cowboy" Rob Kennard - Lead Guitar, Vocals: Rob is an east-county music mainstay, gigging and recording with just about every big name in town. Rob also leads his own band, the HONKYTONK KINGS "SAN DIEGO'S HONKY TONK BAND" which can usually be seen laying it down at the Renegade on weekends.
John Leedy on Drums: Playing music in San Diego since 1970, John has played in bands of many styles. Everything from lounge lizard to punk. John played and recorded with Glam Rock band Freddy Silvers and the amazing Wiff Band, Punk bands The Exterminators, New Wave band The Visitors. and The Southwestern, Jazz Bands Robyn Rivers band and of course the very famous "garage band". John started Criminal Records with the guitarist from Freddy Silvers Band and The Visitors, Ronny Evans, and produced the band New Girl featuring Evette French. John is also an artist and furniture maker and is a San Diego native currently living in Mission Hills.
"Grateful Ed" Knowlton plays rhythm acoustic and electric guitars and can also be seen around town jamming with his own band: nimbin.
Mark "Moonpie" Knoll -Keyboards: Keyboardist Mark Knoll is a professional sessions musician whom has studied & played music for more than 25 years. Mark has played with and opened for several bands including Simply Complex, The B-52's, Natalie Merchant, Echo Revolution, Flashback, Go-Girls-Music Foundation, The DownStroke & VIP. Mark Knoll's wide array of musical knowledge & talent adds the necessary seasoning required for the delicious taste of Picus Maximus!
Ron Evans - Lead and slide guitars, dobro, vocals - In additon to being a bonified, card-carrying shredder on guitar, Ron is a song writer, arranger, and was a studio and live sound engineer for many years. Ron also has a masters in electronics. Ron played with John Leedy in many bands throughout the years, including the The Amazing Whiff Band, Nu Girl, and The Boyz.
Wolfgang Grasekamp - Organ, Keyboards - Lifetime musician hailing from his native Germany. 1970-1973 attended The Conservatory Bremen. He spent many years as a European touring & session musician of note. Moving to Ireland in 1989, and later to San Diego in 1999. Credits include recording & touring with Tony Sheridan, Hazel O'Connor, and Gordon Waller.