Bios

	click for larger photos	*Big Nick (Tom Nickel)* Big Nick, along with Cy, is the team’s founder. Before the accordion, he had played guitar and piano in numerous bands prior to discovering the incredibly impressive heritage of Cajun and Zydeco music, right in his back yard (well, almost his back yard: Milwaukee’s Summerfest Leinenkugel's Zydeco tent). Big Nick frequents Louisiana, and has spent time studying the Cajun Accordion with Louisiana’s Paul Daigle and Chicago Cajun Ace's Charlie Terr at the Folklore Village workshops. Big Nick has also studied with famed accordionists; Dirk Powell (Balfa Toujours), Steve Riley (Mamou Playboys), Goldman Thibedauex (Lawtell Playboys), Ed Poullard, Jesse Lege, and dance with Kristine Balfa and Mona Wilson.
		*John Sieger* John’s guitar solos are esoteric, playful, challenging, and steeped in character. His vocals are powerful and commanding. His compositions have been performed by: Greg Trooper, Phil Lee, Robbie Fulks, Flaco Jimenez, Libbi Bosworth, Jerry Harrison, Dwight Yoakam, the Bodeans, Etta James, Gurf Morlix, Prairie Oyster and Bob Dylan. No, wait; he didn't do any of John’s songs! Dang!
		*Kelli Brown* Kelli is a high-spirited performer and vocalist. She really loves to belt out the blues. And, she’s enthusiastic about trying new genres and techniques. Big Nick is her first appearance featuring her rub board and triangle playing. And it's an excellent opportunity for her to showcase her years of studying the French language!
		Mike Sieger Mike covers bass, vocals and percussion. He's been pounding the stages in Milwaukee -- and far beyond -- for a few decades now. His past endeavors include the R & B Cadets, Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans, The Pat McCurdy show, and Semi Twang. Mike has an unusual talent for providing a rock solid, integrated ‘musical’ bottom end.
		John Carr (Dang! We need to get a photo of John to place here!) John is the newest member of the band. He has recorded performed extensively in the Midwest with groups such as "The Swingin' Cools" and "El Supremo". Music is his heritage as his father is also a drummer, performing regularly in big-bands and swing orchestras.