The Atari Age

The Atari Age members have achieved "headline status" in both nightclubs and concert venues throughout the Midwest. The founding members, after a brief hiatus, have reunited in the winter of 2009 to wave the 80's flag and create a premier 80s cover band. As a tribute, the band is booking a high profile campaign of events in 2010.

In the corporate setting, the band is experienced in private gatherings, wedding receptions and holiday parties.

The Atari Age’s stage show creates a party atmosphere filled with fun college and high school memories. Throughout a performance, the band changes lead vocalists and plays special requests from the 80’s. Musical selections although diverse in style, all share the "common thread" of success during the 80's decade.

The Atari Age: no Space Invaders, just the best music of the 80’s!

Band Members
Randy Kobat – Drums
Randy has been playing the Chicago music scene since he was 12 as a fill in drummer for his Dad’s jazz combo. Originally a percussion major at Northern Illinois University, Randy had the pleasure of studying with some of the world’s finest percussionists. While in college he also played extensively with Mr. Myers and marched snare with the DCI champion Madison Scouts in the 1987 season. Credits after college include all original projects No Resistance and Edge of Society. In addition to The Atari Age, Randy has marched with The Crystal Lake Strikers marching drumline; voted a fan favorite at the State Street Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008 and 2009, and plays monthly with the Praise team at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine, IL. Randy has played in some of the Midwest’s top venues – from intimate clubs to stadiums filled with 90,000 people.

Jim Murphy – Guitar
Pushing the limits of traditional guitar playing has long been a past time for Jim. Inspired by Andy Summers of the Police, and U2s the Edge, Jim seeks to move beyond traditional rock guitar playing by utilizing programmable guitar systems. While attending Northern Illinois University, Jim was a featured soloist for the wind symphony performing works by Lenard Bernstein. Jim was also a go to guitarist for the studio recording classes at NIU, and worked as a session guitarist for Real Music, and Bobby Thomas. After college he was in the original rock acts No Resistance and Edge of Society. Jim has been sighted working with Elvis Presley in Graceland The Band, but this has never been confirmed. He was also in Chicago’s ultimate R.E.M. cover band .M.E.R.M.E.R playing regularly at the Cubby Bear, and other venues in Chicago.

Paul McKinney – Guitar/Vocals
Paul has played guitar and sang for over 30 years. His formal training includes studying at Harper College in Palatine, IL and while there performing in the Classical Guitar ensemble. He has played many styles, including Bluegrass, Ska, Reggae, Fingerstyle, Ragtime, Classical and Jazz. As a member of the premier Milwaukee Ska /Reggae band The Invaders, Paul recorded 3 Albums and enjoyed local and regional success, playing venues such as Summerfest, The Rave/Eagles Ball Room, House Of Blues, Metro, Wild Hare and also touring the East Coast and Midwest. While in The Invaders Paul won 2 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Awards) and was privileged to share the stage with such bands as No Doubt, The Specials, The English Beat, and The Mighty Mighty Boss Tones. Paul spent time living in Chapel Hill NC where he taught guitar full time, quickly building up a roster of 30+ students, and recording and touring with Regatta 69 and Reggae artist Kimbute. Since moving back to Chicago, Paul has fronted The Paul McKinney Group. Nominated 6 straight years as Top Acoustic Band in Suburban Nitelife Magazine, The Paul McKinney Group has played in many Chicago venues including Durty Nellies, Abbey Pub, and JJ Kelly’s. PMG recorded a six song CD of Paul’s original compositions in 2007 called The Coachouse Tapes which has met with favorable reviews in the Illinois Entertainer and elsewhere. In addition to The Atari Age and PMG, Paul is currently playing in the Praise Band and with Acoustic Praise teams at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine, IL.

Shawn Johnson – Keyboard/Vocals
A musician from age 6, Shawn has been playing music for 30 years, originally studying music in college. Since beginning as a piano player, Shawn has diversified to specializing in multiple keyboard techniques. Very rarely is he seen on stage with fewer than three keyboards. He has played with a wide variety of Rockford area bands since the mid-1990’s, beginning with the original Christian rock group Paradise Found, RAMI-winner Slate, and sitting in with a half dozen other local groups with varying styles. He has played with the Rock Valley College Big Bands, doubling on piano and lead alto sax as needed. Other groups included the classic rock bands Curb Right and RAMI-winner The Missing Links. Shawn founded the RAMI-nominated 1980’s pop/rock band Re