Meet the Members of Ken Chovan & Co.

 KEN CHOVAN
 Guitar/Vocals/Keyboard/Sax

Ken started taking guitar lessons at the age of 15 just before Beatlemania.  Before then he had played the piano and accordion by ear.  But the first rock songs Ken learned were the Fab Four’s.  And from there, all the other classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s, etc. 

Ken has played in numerous bands; i.e. The Rondelles, Futuras, Geneva Convention, Sound Investment, Acme Band Co., Reminiscing (Big Band).  It was this latter big band and his younger years listening to his father play sax in various combos and early musical television shows and old movies that Ken developed his love and ear for music - and eventually of the bigger band sound.  That also prompted him to learn the tenor sax as well (which he got from his father).  Ken went on to teach guitar at the age of 17 at the Music Center, the same place he took lessons from his teacher, Jim Hanks.

On certain occasions and venues, the band plays some of its songs with programmed keyboard accompaniment (which Ken programs in his Yamaha PSR 2000 keyboard (minus the drum and bass track). That gives the band a much bigger sound and Ken can pick up the sax on numbers like All of Me, Big Band Medley, At Last, etc.

“We enjoy playing for a variety of audiences and ages so that the repertoire and sound doesn’t become repetitious.  Whether it’s a rockin hit from the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s, a country foot stomper or the soft romantic sound of a ballad, we enjoy every song we perform.”   

Ken plays an American-made Fender Stratocaster; through a Peavey Classic Chorus amp (which Paul says belongs in the National Historical Society); and various effects pedals; and on occasion a Takamine Acoustic Electric 6-string.

Biggest Influence and Favorite Bands:  Beatles, Doobies, Eagles....


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 GAIL PLAISTED
Vocals

Gail started singing at four years old when her father (Victor Beltoya) taught her how to play the ukulele.  She would sit on the bumpers of the cars outside the Midwest Music Center while her dad was teaching and sing “Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley” with her friend Jenny DeCello.  Sometimes a passersby would give them money which they would promptly spend to buy bubble gum at the corner store. 

She has performed in numerous bands, starting with the “OGP” (Order of Guitar Players), a Christian church group; a folk singing duo with Brian Kipp in the late 60’s, several successful 50’s/60’s bands; and a 15-piece Big Band.  These bands have been main staples in the Kenosha area music scene through the years; i.e.  The Chevelles, The Cruisers, Acme Band, Reminiscing Big Band and now the Bain Station Band. 

Her splendid and versatile voice works very well on both fiery rock songs and sweet ballads.  She particularly enjoys singing Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt, which she does remarkably well. 

There are few bands in the area that regularly feature a female vocalist, and Ken Chovan & Co. is fortunate to have her on board. 

Main Influence:  Jeanette McDonald, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler and Annie Lennox; and many more great female vocalists. 

Big Dream:  To sing a duet with Sir Paul McCartney.

 

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Bill Jahnke
Lead Male Vocalist/Various Percussion

Bill has had a fervor for singing publicly since approximately 1990 when, while keeping score for local bowling leagues, he was invited to sing with what would become Karaoke (a word which means “empty orchestra.”   At that time it was called a “singing machine.”  Bill found himself  being drawn up to the stage to sing over and over again. 

His big break came when he was asked to join a 15-piece big band (Golden Era aka Reminiscing).  The regular singer had not shown up for rehearsal and Bill was asked to fill in. Since that sound was his first musical love, doing Sinatra, Tony Bennett, country and rock with a “live” big band came naturally for him and it was a dream come true.  He was highly influenced by his mother’s wonderful singing voice and his father’s love of big bands, such as Benny Goodman. 

After a successful stay with the big band, it eventually folded but Bill managed to keep himself busy by filling in here and there with other locals bands and Karaoke.  

Several years later he was asked to work with the Bain Station Band where he was still diligent in learning new songs and contributing ideas to the repertoire. 

Presently singing frequently with Ken Chovan & Co. 

Biggest Influence/Favorite Performers:  His parents; Sinatra and various other big band vocalists.


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KEN STENZEL
Bass Player

Ken is a native of Kenosha and a lifelong resident of Southeastern Wisconsin.  He began playing music at Age 13 when the Orchestra Director at McKinley Junior High put out an announcement that he needed String Bass players . 

Besides private lessons, he has completed courses of musical study at UW – Milwaukee, Juilliard in New York and UW – Parkside.

 Ken is still playing  over 40 years later!

Over the years,  Ken has performed with  Symphony Orchestras,  the John Bunic Big Band,  various Chamber and Church groups and, even, a Dixieland Band!  He now plays the electric Bass  (four and/or five string) on a regular basis with area bands for Civic Events, Nursing Home parties and family functions.

An offshoot of Ken’s musical career has included Sound Investment DJ service, which he has actively managed since 1986.

Ken likes all kinds of music and enjoys helping to make it all come to life for the audience.