By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Friends of Rapids Music (FRM) Music Fest is taking over Robinson Park on June 17, and with it a headliner that has played all over the world.

The Jimmys is a seven-piece blues and R&B band based out of Madison, Wis. that have been playing around the world for eight years. Not satisfied with just playing within the states, the band has traveled as far as Switzerland, Norway, Romania, and even takes a group of fans with them every year to the Caribbean to enjoy their unique, but fun sound.

“We have a three-horn section which makes us loud, but diverse,” said vocalist and pianist Jimmy Voegeli.

The Jimmys take influence from many older rhythm & blues acts, including modern influences — the likes such as Albert Collins and Marcia Ball. However, if one isn’t familiar with these names, rest assured that The Jimmys will be collaborating with many local acts throughout their performance.

“It’s just going to be a bunch of raucous, rowdy fun,” said Voegeli. “I’m proud to say we’re a pretty fun band and people get into it — we have so many friends in Rapids, and there’s so many great musicians in the Rapids area that we have plans to do collaborations with some of them.”

This includes a special collaboration with former Wisconsin Rapids Alderperson Chad Wirl. You can catch The Jimmys live at Music Fest on June 17, or check out their sound at https://www.thejimmys.net

The Jimmys Lineup:
Jimmy Voegeli – Hammond Organ, Piano, Electric Rhodes, Vocals
Mauro Magelan – Drums and Percussion
John Wartenweiler – Electric and Acoustic Bass
Perry Weber – Guitar and Vocals
Pete Ross – Alto Saxophone
Darren Sterud – Trombone
Mike Boman – Trumpet