Strictly For Kicks

Formed in 2001 when given an opportunity to open for Karen Tyler at a private BBQ & Blues, SFK has grown up as a band with energy, charisma, talent, and a strong and loyal following. Now performing at a variety of venues in California, including Blues Festivals, Brewfests, private events, and clubs, SFK is thrilled by the enthusiastic response of dancers and fans at their shows. SFK is also honored to be the Sacramento Blues Society President’s band of choice for her own Blues events. Although slow and soulful songs find their way into the mix, SFK’s specialty is high-energy, danceable music with an emphasis on fun.

The highlights for the band up to now are headlining a sold out show on Grammy Weekend at B.B. King's Blues Club in Hollywood, making it to the semi-finals of the selection process to appear on NBC’s band search reality show, Star Tomorrow in July of ‘06, and their repeat appearances (the only band to be invited back four consecutive years) at the Northern California Blues Festival. There they have shared the stage with Chris Cain, Daniel Castro and Shana Morrison, Zakiya Hooker, and the Ford Blues Band. SFK also managed to score a gig at the Sacramento Hard Rock Café for a rare night of live music at the world-famous club.

SFK’s first CD, Love, Sex, and Romance, is now available on their own label, Random Rhythm Records. Since the CD’s release on CDBaby.com, Amazon.com, and other internet outlets in January of 2006, the response for the CD has been tremendous. Within the first week of release, radio stations in the United States, France, Canada, and Belgium requested the CD for airplay.

Meet the Band

Harry "Chopsticks" Baumgardner – Harry is veteran drummer who has played with the likes of Rolling Stones all-time great guitarist #40 Eddy Hazel from the "P. Funkadelics”, Terry Goral from "Heir Apparent", Fats Johnson from the "New Christy Minstrels" fame, Cash McCall from the "Drifters", and Mearle Bregante and Larry Sims from the "Loggins & Messina Band". He has had some great moments in his musical career, but his enthusiasm has never been higher than now with his new band mates in Strictly For Kicks. Along the road, Harry has met and been influence by drummer greats Ron Bushy, Michael Deroiser, Denny Carmassi, Ceasar Zuiderwijk, Chester Thompson, and Mr. Billy Cobham. Although Harry Baumgardner is not yet a household name for drummers, he has graced the cover of "Westword" in Denver with band "Wanker", and "The Auburn Journal” and the “Colfax Record” in California.

Jason Haxton – A guitar addict since he got his first electric guitar at age 16, Jason has played both lead and rhythm guitar in club bands through his late teens and twenties. When the band Strictly For Kicks formed, Jason found a new love, the bass guitar. Playing finger, pick, and slap styles, Jason loves to strap on his wireless system and join the crowd in tearing up the dance floor. Watching Jason’s body language and huge smiles as he revels in the delight of the performance is undeniably infectious. On the back end, Jason grinds away the nights mixing and mastering Strictly For Kicks' best new tunes for their next CD.

Clark Bishop – Born and raised in the south, his first performance was at the age of four when he sang Away in a Manger for the Christmas program. Clark was instantly hooked. He began singing solos in church and eventually branched out to sing the other types of music he loved. Influenced by Gospel, Soul, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Clark blends them all together to create a style that is rich, warm, powerful, moving, and true to his soul. A confident and fun front man, Clark has the time of his life in every energetic performance and takes everyone along for the ride.

Dirk Van Stralen – Inspired to take up guitar by his mother’s love of music and talent for the clarinet, Dirk first found a guitar in his hands at age ten. He teethed his technique on classical guitar, and then became a passionate follower of rock guitar pioneer Eddie Van Halen. Dirk was so devoted to his studies of guitar that his high school girlfriends referred to his guitar as his wife. Since those early days, he has played lead guitar in a number of Northern California bands. During Dirk's time with Strictly For Kicks, his love for his instrument and the music has blossomed as he has become a devout student of the techniques and musical feels of Kenny Wayne Shepherd and legendary guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton. Through his varied influences, Dirk has created a compelling and emotional style all his own.

"It was all my pleasure. It's always great to get out and see fantastic bands. You guys stood out above the rest not only because you play great music but you had fun and smiled. That is the key right there. You were smiling all the time:) As a quasi promoter that is one of the things I look for. If you are having fun and happy the crowd is having fun as well. Dirk kicked butt on the guitar as well.