Wakos

Kevin Crowley
Started writing and playing songs around Buffalo NY back in 98 and has enjoyed the persuit ever since. Kevin hooked up with the WAKOS a few years later to pen some great sounds. Also known throughout the jam community for the meanest harmonica on the block. His influences range from Jerry Garcia to Mos Def and back down to the mighty Led Zeppelin.

Adam Schmidt
Adam Has performed in venues around the world before landing with the Wise and Kind Old Souls. His Jazz-fusion stylings add another dimension to the band's chilled rock sound. Influences include Herbie Hancock, Chic Corea and John Medeski.

Chris Young
Blending Blues-Funk Rock with Celtic battle hymns is all in a day's work for writer/guitarist Chris Young. Chris grew up in a music life. On his mom's side are all professional musicians including his grandparents. Past Family groups were The Loveless Singers Loveless Family Country Band and The Colleens, an Irish group. His influences are varied from jazz greats like John Scofield to craftsmen like Mark Knopfler to blues legends like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.

Jay Schulz
Starting as a progressive jam virtuoso on the guitar, Jay Schultz turned to the bass a few years later and quickly developed a love for thunderous foundations and funky revelations. His influences are across the board but he finds a certain home in 60's soul and 70's funk. He brings an element of depth to the band's arrangements laying solid foundations while remaining nimble for when the jam is ready to take-off.

Luke Bluman
Known for his energetic rythyms and keen sense of timing Luke toured the country as drummer for the legendary Buffalo reggae band Juxtaposse. Over the years he has honed his craft and can be found on the kit all across town. His influences include legends Mickey Hart, Carly Barret, and Billy Martin.

Mike Evangelista
As a veteran of the Buffalo rock scence and a powerful engine on the drums, Mike brings heat to the fire for the WAKOS. Hailing from St. Catherine's in Canada the drummer has played everything from speed metal to bossa nova and has a groove and force reminiscient to that of the great John Bonham.

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The Wakos began in Buffalo, NY in 2005 as a collaboration between Jay Schulz, Kevin Crowley, and Chris Young. Folky and Funky, the acoustic sound evolved into a great live rock act with the addition of drummer Mike Evangelista. For the next several years the band played all around Buffalo and Western New York polishing their skills. in 2007 They released East of Eden in 2007 and their fan base continued to grow.

The live set is full of great improvisation and epic songs about love and the changing of the seasons. In 2009 the band added keyboardist Adam Schmidt and multi-instrumentalist Brian Gorman to the mix and the sound has shifted to include more elements of electronica and hip-hop. Always exciting, the band looks to the new decade with a feverish eye ready at all times to bring you their unique brand of American Rock Music. Stay tuned!!!!