The Kingfish
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Music
Press
“The Kingfish band: What a fun-tastic band! Our students, their families, & the alumni would not let The Kingfish leave the stage. They came back time after time and played to a much energized crowd. YOU GOTTA' HEAR THEM, SEE THEM AND DANCE WITH THEM! You won't be sorry! It was my first time attending one of their concerts & I am a 'hooked' on The Kingfish! Thanks to The Kingfish for making our alumni weekend a huge success!” - Paul Wm. Osterholm (Director of Alumni Relations at Marian University, October '09)
"The Kingfish played our wedding at the Chicago History Museum and were amazing! From the very start they were extremely helpful in everything from discussing the play list, to logistics for our indoor/outdoor reception. They sounded awesome and more than a few guests commented on how great they were. My husband Mark I and couldn't have been happier booking them." - Joelle Hayes (Wedding, September ’09)
“We were fortunate enough to book The Kingfish as the entertainment for our wedding in October of 2009. We had really done our homework on local bands and felt that The Kingfish had an authentic rock and roll sound and played a diverse range of music that other bands just could not match. We attended a few performances by the band in the months leading up to the wedding and were completely sold. We initially expressed to the band that we had a very specific set list that we would like to hear at our wedding. The band was exceedingly accommodating and agreed to learn more than a dozen new songs, including our wedding song!
When we arrived at our reception, the band had already done a sound-check and was ready to announce our bridal party. They did a flawless job of MC’ing our wedding and announced all of our speeches. The song learned for our first dance was a difficult one, but they performed it beautifully and my Dad could not believe that it was not a recording. Our guests were incredibly impressed with the band and several people commented: "This is one of the best Live Shows that I have seen in a long time" and "Best Wedding Band I've Ever Heard". Every song that The Kingfish learned was executed flawlessly - they nailed each one!
These guys are truly talented musicians, they play great songs, have an extensive set list and they have a funky, high-energy rock and roll sound. If you want a programmed generic wedding band experience with no soul, choose an area wedding band. If you want your event to truly rock and get people out on the dance floor all night, consider The Kingfish! The guys were incredibly accommodating and easy to work with. The Kingfish have my highest possible recommendation, and we were so lucky to have them for our big day; they are top notch musicians and truly made our wedding a fantastic event that we will fondly remember for the rest of our lives.”
- Jay and Courtney Daly (Wedding, October ’09)
“The Kingfish have been playing at Moher Public House once a month for the past few years now and every time they play, it is a great time! Not only do they bring fans in, but they keep customers there because of the atmosphere they create. They are a fun, upbeat band that ensures a great time every time!” - Erin Howard (GM, Moher Public House)
“I cannot tell you how many people have been raving about The Kingfish! We are all so happy they played for us & we will definitely find reasons to have them play in the future.”
- Diane Glass (Assistant Branch Executive, KSGMAC)
"We have utilized various formats of entertainment for our tailgate parties prior to our home football games at Benedictine. No band, DJ or other entertainment service has electrified our students, fans, alumni and guests quite like The Kingfish! Their level of professionalism is unmatched and they possess a unique ability to engage the audience. We are excited to have them back for the 2010 season and look forward to them energizing our fans!" - Mark McHorney (Athletic Director, Benedictine University, Fall '09)
The Kingfish played at our wedding in October of '07 and I still hear from friends and family about how incredible they were! The song list was great, but the performance was better. You couldn't drag me away from the dance floor. Live music was a top priority for us and The Kingfish went above and beyond our expectations. As my husband would say; “They burned the house down!” From the very start, they were accommodating, helpful and supportive. Thanks to Steve and all the guys for contributing their 'AWESOMENESS' to our wedding! - Mary Mahoney (Wedding, October '07)
"The Kingfish headlined our fundraiser and helped us draw over 250 people, raising thousands of dollars for our organization, far exceeding our expectations. The Kingfish brought the house down."
- Sean Bowie (Service Rocks! Live Music Event Committee Chair, City Year Associate Board) June '08)
Discography
The Kingfish Demo
Photos
Bio
Since 2003, The Kingfish have been entertaining the Wisconsin and Chicago-land areas through clubs, festivals, weddings and special events, performing extraordinary rock covers and utilizing various band formats to meet the needs of their clients and venues.
A “collaboration” in the true sense of the word, The Kingfish provide an authentic representation of your favorite music! Each member brings their own flavor and skill that beckons something totally unique yet totally recognizable. No musical discrimination here! The Kingfish catalog is loaded with great music from all eras and genres!
Whether you’re looking to book festivals, music venues or special events: it’s your event! Regardless of its size, you need it to be unique and memorable. The Kingfish will make the difference! Several organizations, venues and party-throwers have trusted The Kingfish to electrify their guests/patrons and they will work with you to customize the event. Former clients include but not limited to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, Benedictine and Marian Universities, KSGMAC Real Estate & countless weddings/private parties.
Listed below are brief biographies of the members that make it all work!
Steve Matz - Lead Vocal/Rhythm Guitar
Having lived in a household dominated by sports, Steve grew up with dreams of playing "above the rim"...which he did before he discovered Taco Bell. It wasn’t until college where those dreams of life on the hardwoods subsided to more realistic goals of rock stardom. Accompanied by Joe Howard and his rhythmic skills on kitchen countertops, Marian College received 4 1/2 years of quality after-bar entertainment. Acoustic musical revues began shortly after graduation due solely to the encouragement of a close friend from back home on the northwest side of Chicago. It was here where Steve was reunited with grade school friend, Nathan Niederkorn (thus the beginning of The Kingfish). Steve’s biggest attribute to the band? Well, it’s safe to say that Steve won’t melt any faces with shredding guitar licks any time soon. “Hey, I know a few chords”, boasts Steve, “but what I truly pride myself on is the fact that I’m going to put all kinds of passion into every performance. I truly enjoy entertaining a crowd and couldn’t find a better group of guys with whom to perform.”
Nathan Niederkorn - Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals
Nathan has been involved in music for so long, it would be easier to say how long he hasn’t been playing an instrument. With over twenty years of experience in music, it’s no wonder Nathan has been called “the second oldest member” of The Kingfish! “I started taking formal piano lessons when I was five, after I started plunking out melodies on the old piano my folks had,” he states, “and I guess I’ve always had my ear…I could play music by ear just fine before I could read music.” Nathan continued playing various instruments through school, focusing in saxophone, but always kept his guitar around when he wanted to “have fun.” “The guitar was always around when I was growing up…my dad is an accomplished guitarist in his own right. I only ever took actual guitar lessons for a year, so I guess I’d have to say I learned most of what I know from my father.” “What does The Kingfish mean to me? We are just a few guys trying to make a difference in the world…by entertaining people at bars. What could be more noble?”
Joseph Howard - Percussion/Backing Vocals
Joe Howard started playing drums at a young age. Playing tin cans and singing along to whatever his grandmother played on the radio was a daily event. Growing up in a Navy family helped Joe meet a lot of people and establish a well rounded musical taste. It wasn't until college that lead singer Steve Matz "bamboozled" Joe into starting a band. Howard exclaims, "I always told people as a kid that I never wanted to play in a band. Why? They break up. The Jacksons...The Beatles...The Zack Attack...no matter what band, it's not going to last." Well, that only lasted till about age 19. Steve and Joe started playing together in bands and eventually found the opportunity to play together with the Kingfish. "Yeah, I love playing with the guys in this band....and Steve".
Bob Tjarks - Bass Guitar/Someday Backing Vocals
Bob is the newest member of "The Kingfish". He returns to the stage in 2009 after a hiatus from playing bass following the tragic demise of the popular 80's new wave group "The Cartunes" that he co-founded. Bob's bass playing is reminiscent of the power pop musical stylings of Pete Farndon, John Bentley, Graham Maby, Bruce Thomas and dozens of other bass players you may have never heard of that form the foundation for some of the best bands in world. He is a veteran of the midwest music scene serving as an equipment consultant to musicians, bands and recording facilities through his executive position at Gand Music & Sound in Northfield. His hobbies include yelling at kids to get off the lawn, ridic
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