interview: the Drunkardly Bros.
Kent “The Colonel” Knapp began playing in local bars at only 17 and took his licks, being referred to as “The Baby,” “The Kid,” “Jr.” and so on. Over the years Milwaukee Blues legends have come to know and respect him. The Colonel spent ten years in New Orleans playing with the best of the local scene including John Carey and Jack Cole as well as with some great national acts including Bo Diddley. The Big Easy gave him the time and space to refine his unique tone and find his powerhouse voice.
Jason “J-Bo” Ciz (Cizinsky) taught himself how to play drums in 3rd grade. He started playing with punk rock garage bands while in high school and was introduced to the blues in 1990. Jason has played with many local bands/players such as Rick Holmes, Robert Allen Jr., Zoot Suit Boogie, Rev. Raven, Perry Weber, The Blues Disciples, Dante’s Bop, Barrelhouse Chuck, The Bulescasters with the late great Chuck Might, The late Willie Higgins, and world renowned bluesman Billy Flynn. He has also toured internationally with Chicago R&B singer Lou Pride.
Chris Lehnert:- had an early interest in music as a kid and began to play guitar at the age of 13. He took lessons from Ken Fought until he was 18 and it wasn’t until college when he took up the keyboards. He played in various bands, including The Blues Disciples and The Stacks Edward Band as the organist. He has sat in with Lou Pride, Billy Flynn, Bob Stroger, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.
Stacks Edward: Stacks learned from local blues greats “Lee Gates and Stokes” Started the Stacks Edward Band in 2001 and played locally and Nationally. The Stacks Edward Band was signed to Land O’ Blues Records in 2006 and recorded a Live album that Charted in the top 10 of the Roots Blues Music Charts.
Tune into Sonia’s Blues Drive on WMSE to hear about the band’s gig at Puddler’s Hall that night!