Joel Kopischke

Bio:

Milwaukee native Joel Kopischke has been performing professionally for over 25 years, proving that singing loudly can be a sought-after commodity. Joel is a regular in the regional musical theatre and cabaret circuit, having appeared with Skylight Opera Theatre, First Stage Milwaukee, American Folklore Theatre, Door County’s Third Avenue Playhouse, Madison Opera, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work here in Wisconsin, Kopischke’s expertise in cabaret-style performance has taken him to Chicago’s Royal George, Davenport’s and beyond. He has toured Europe and much of the United States singing everything from Gershwin to Mozart, everywhere from his mom’s Women’s Club to Paris and South Africa. In addition to live performance, he has been featured in radio and television commercials and jingles for several Fortune 500 companies across the nation. As a songwriter, Kopischke has written and performed original tunes, with local composer Jamie Johns, in cabaret performances at the Skylight Opera Theatre. He wrote “The Gift” with award-winning composer David Friedman. And he performed his original song “One World” at Milwaukee's 1996 Olympic Torch Run ceremony with Senegalese drummer N'Dongo "Lucky" Diopp and WAMI-award winning bands Oasis and Leahy's Luck. Kopischke has written several cabaret-style shows and revues, including Hooray For Hollywood produced by Broadway Baby dinner theatre; and has written original and adapted works produced by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. As part of an international Peace Run, Kopischke performed in Sedona, Arizona and at the closing ceremonies at the United Nations' Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza and can be heard on "May Peace Prevail On Earth—The Peace Music Initiative." Joel has studied with, performed with, and/or collaborated with Ann Hampton Callaway, Amanda McBroom, Ron Cohn, Shelly Markham, Julie Wilson, John de Lancie, Tony Randall, Monty Hall, Anne Jeffreys, Susan Watson, Van Johnson, Kurt Ollmann, Anthony Crivello, and David Friedman. Additionally, Kopischke is a member of WAMI, ASCAP, the Dramatist's Guild, and the Chicago Cabaret Professionals, and has performed stand-up comedy. He is a Milwaukee native and a graduate of Wauwatosa West High School (1982) and Waukesha’s Carroll College (1985).

Member Since:

December 08, 2005

Members:

Joel Kopischke with help from... Del Bennett, Chris Kringel, Larry Moore, Mike DeRose, Ralph Bruner, Steve Comeau, Noel Crowder, Kelli Cramer, Mark Kindler, Rick Kieffer, Ameerah Tatum, Jack Rodee

Influences:

Weird Al Yankovic, Allan Sherman, Stan Freburg, Cudahy Carolers, Bobby Darin, Sonny & Cher, Violent Femmes, Barenaked Ladies, Green Day, Da Yoopers

Sounds Like:

Weird Al Yankovic, Allan Sherman, Stan Freburg, Cudahy Carolers, Bobby Darin, Sonny & Cher, Violent Femmes, Barenaked Ladies, Green Day, Da Yoopers, Crazy Man's Basement