 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!
Steve Matz - Lead Vocal/Rhythm Guitar
 Having lived in a household dominated by sports, Steve grew up with dreams of playing “above the rim”. 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 returned 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, ridiculing people behind their backs and watching the calendar for various statutes of limitations to run out. Bob brings his performing skills and behind the scenes experience to "The Kingfish" until he should decide to fake his own death again.
Johnny Onthespot (aka "The Plus") - Guitar, Keyboards, Horns, Vocals...
 Occasionally, special events have required "a little more" than the 4-piece rock format. It's a good thing The Kingfish provide mulitple band formats that meet the needs of any event. For those special events that demand a unique dynamic, The Kingfish Plus format offers the addition of guest artists ready to infuse your musical experience! Thanks to "Johnny Onthespot", The Kingfish can bring you a custom performance!
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