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The Juke Joint Jokers officially formed in 2007. The band has little history since this name change, having metamorphosed from The Whiskey Low Band, which has entertained audiences at clubs and festivals throughout the San Joaquin Valley. The Juke Joint Jokers have been lying in wait, searching for the perfect line up of musicians. The time has come. The talent has catalyzed and they are ready to make you dance. The Jokers dig deep into their influences from the world of rock, blues, R&B, soul and gospel, to weave their own infectious style of entertaining and danceable, contemporary blues, while always being mindful and respectful of the blues tradition.
Cynthia Huddleston fronts the band with her impressive vocal range, engaging style and captivating performances. Whether belting out an impassioned ballad or telling a story in an upbeat tune, she always “wows” the audience and brings the dancers to their feet. Cynthia moved from Los Angeles to the Livingston area when she was about a year old. She has been singing gospel music since she was old enough to stand in her dad’s church. Cynthia has performed with Blue Moon, Whiskey Low and as a guests vocalist with numerous local bands. Her influences include Etta James, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Koko Taylor.
Bill Barger keeps the Jokers on track and in the pocket with his rock solid, no nonsense drumming style. He also takes his turns at vocals. Bill is professionally trained and has been involved in music in the local area for over 30 years. Bill is also a former member of Blue Moon and Whiskey Low along with numerous other area bands and projects. His interest in rock and blues has been influenced by artists like the Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Led Zeppelin, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and B. B. King.
Gary Kyhn provides the rhythm guitar work as well as some vocals. Gary is a self taught guitarist who’s quest for “that tone” has led him to build some of his own instruments. He has fooled around with guitars, on and off, for several years. There have been a few garage bands and short term projects, such as The University of Funk, but mostly just playing around the campfire with his brother. Things finally got serious a few years ago when he joined the Whiskey Low Band. He has been influence by many rock and blues acts including Ronnie Montrose, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Junior Brown and Leslie West.
Jim Quinley came to the band and has pushed the sound to a new level with his impeccable tone and overall mastery of the harmonica. Jim has been formerly trained, including private lessons with professional player Dave Gage. Jim has played and practiced with friends and in casual jams for a number of years. He then joined Modesto based No Borders Blues Band and played with them for a couple of years before moving on to the Usual Suspects. Jim’s heart and passion has always been with the blues and that is what he loves performing, whether it is a fast scale riff in a shuffle, or a heartfelt slow blues number.
Kevin Matson plays lead guitar and sings. He got his start as a young boy in upstate New York, going to rehearsals and sitting back stage while his father played guitar with his band in the mid sixties. Those early sounds of tube amps and single coil pickups left a permanent impression and have helped model his tone of today. Kevin started playing guitar as a teenager, mostly jamming with friends and playing in garage bands. He got serious about his playing several years later when he met harmonica player, Jim Quinley. They started getting together on a regular basis, attending open jam sessions and then playing together in No Borders and The Usual Suspects. Kevin achieves his unique style of smooth rhythms and warm, full- toned, heartfelt solos, while drawing from the legacy of blues greats, both old and new.
You Guys Rocked!! Winton Spring Festival Commitee would like to thank you for making this years festival a huge success!!! Best of luck to you in the future.
Thank You for adding Holistic Xchange, We Appreciate your support! Stop by sometime,We are in Bob Hart Square above Fernando's Bistro. It's Cold out there!!! Keep warm & Enjoy your week!
whats up jokers?i am just checking in to say hi to hi,hope you all are doing well.kevin&jim i miss playing with you all,but i am sure bill is taking care of you guys!
hows it going jokers?just stoping in to say hi.hey dean heres a video i want you to see.it takes a little bit to get going but the bass&drumer rock. tell me what you think!
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