Andrea Leuck: Vocals: A sweet voice, a sweet smile and the sweetest personality. Andrea has been married to Jared, the keyboardist, for 25 years and they have 5 daughters. She graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a major in music education with a focus on voice. Andrea has taught vocal music to students from elementary on up to high school, and private lessons from time to time. She is also an assistant teacher at a daycare. Andrea’s soprano voice rings clear and pure but she can pull in some grit when it’s needed. Her professional background and choir experience have allowed the band to greatly expand their song list. Andrea’s experience mothering 5 kids gives her a great advantage when it comes to keeping the other band members in line.
Jared Leuck: Keyboard, Vocals: The Maestro! Jared is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint and holds a bachelor’s degree in music education, with a specialization in music composition. Jared is currently the choir director for Swartz Creek Community schools and is entering his 30th year of teaching. He also codes websites and services, DJ’S, and streams live events. He has a wide vocal range, with his most notorious sound being the low bass notes that you can hear and feel. His talent and technological prowess is instrumental in helping the band replicate the many different sounds and instruments needed to maintain song and sound integrity. His magic on the keys allows him to add the horn, fiddle, tuba, banjo and ‘80’s synth sounds that you’ll hear.
Jamison Jones (JJ): Bass, Vocals: JJ is a primarily self taught multi-instrumentalist/vocalist. Proficient in bass, acoustic and electric guitar, ukulele, he also enjoys dabbling with keys and percussion. Musically gifted at an early age, he started with some piano lessons but when he picked up a guitar at age 10, that’s when his passion for music took off. Jamison has been performing since the age of 13 in talent contests, fairs and open mic venues. By 14 years old, he began teaching music at A joyful Noise Music Studio in Fenton, Michigan. Jamison also plays live acoustic events and has been known to host open mic nights as well. His silky smooth tenor voice has earned him the nickname “Lindor Chocolate” and his voice adds depth and allure to any song. He is the youngest member of Kickin’ Back by almost 3 decades, but has a vast experience in performing that belies his youth. His fingers dance across the bass effortlessly as he sets the groove for the band, and the intensity with which he plays adds a level of depth to every song that reflects true musical soul.
Jerry Mathis: Guitar, Vocals: Jerry brings many years of guitar playing experience to help Kickin’ Back be all it can be. He can easily switch playing techniques and styles to mirror the myriad of different song genres that the band is proud to present to their audiences (Country twang? Yee-Haw! Jaw-dropping guitar solos? Shred-tastic! Disco Inferno? Funkalicious!). Back in the day he was a pretty basic guitarist from a gear standpoint (just a guitar, instrument cable, and amplifier, but make no mistake – that was all he needed at the time!). Well, time passes and things change, right? Jerry now fully embraces the exciting benefits that current technology enables, and he strives to mimic the classic sounds, tones, and textures which we all know and love from our favorite songs. He has truly mastered his instrument and he puts in the hard work and effort to make every song sound as if the original artist were performing it. A true testament to his abilities and desire to take you back in time to when these iconic songs were first played! Prepare to be awed.
Greg Pirtle: Drummer, Vocals: Greg is a self-taught musician who had much encouragement from his dad and aunt’s in his youth. They were all professional musicians and they pushed him to develop his own talent and love of music; especially rock-n-roll. Greg tinkers with guitar, piano and bass for songwriting purposes, but as the drummer, his drums are what really get him fired up. His energy, wit and love of music is contagious and entertaining. He’s always grooving behind his drums when he plays, and you’ll likely hear him throw out some witty humor in between songs. Greg’s voice ranges from bass to high-pitched rock and roll screams. His vocal prowess allows him to closely emulate original artists voices, and you’ll hear him throw in some twang when he’s belting out a country song. Greg has recently switched to electronic drums and he’s hooked on the range of sounds he can create with this newfound technology. The electric drums allow him to produce authentic sounds for the variety of music the band plays.