band

JERKS OF FATE

Steve Earl Brantseg "Reno" to "Buzz"
Longest surviving continuing stretch with the Curtiss Agency. Guitar Monster first came to our
attention with the PHONES. When Bob Stinson left the Replacements Tommy said to Paul, "Let's get
that guy from FIGURES" Jeff Waryan got the call. Oh well. Slim Dunlap got the job; but Steve did
join Tommy in his first "post" 'mats band BASH AND POP(with Steve Foley and Caleb Palmiter).

Hailing from the Dakotas one of his many talents is charming "Rattlers". He'll soon be headed to the
subcontinent to work with cobras and polish his award-winning Ed Grimley one man show.

Johnny Haga "Bongo"
Founding member of the HYPSTRZ and the JERKS OF FATE he knows every drummer you've ever
heard of. Independently wealthy; he doesn't let his globetrotting get in the way of his musical
endeavours. From his vast estate he controls the recording empire. His projects include; "No
Ambition" and the DALIAHS, Gini Dodds' band. Both due sometime early this century.

A true Minnesotan, his passions include iced hockey and catch and release. Highlight of his career?
Curt sez: "The first of many was getting him on stage with me at M-80."

Jeffrey Willkomm "Al"
One of less than a handful (!) of graduates of both the Gary Rue Institute and the Curtiss A School of
Music and Home for Wayward Girls (not to mention Berklee). Home was western Wisconson, just
south of Mayberry. Now he's a Nordeaster.

Providing ample bottom (!) on the bass, Curt sez: "I always look forward to his classical stylings on the
six-strings during the Lennon Tributes. He's also the best most consistent vocalist I've ever worked
with." Enough ass kissing. He's also the world's only expert on the arcane Allen Sherman and the
band's resident accredited musical instructor.

T. "Rance" Isachsen (Some call him "Dact")
Checking in from the southern Iron Range, another Gary Rue discovery I've utilized for my own
personal musical vision. When not bettering society or sleeping, his axe wielding talents fill every
waking moment. Currently filling the guitar slot with the DALIAHS, the FLAMIN' OHS, SNAPS, not
to mention JERKS OF FATE...and something called RAVEN'S TRAVELING CIRCUS and
FREAKFEST. Evidently, Terry can lift at least 50 lbs with ease.

AMEN

Steven Thielges "Tilly"
Since 1968, the first of Gary's bunch I swiped to enter my nether world of nuance. A noted mind
reader, Tilly is the ultimate anticipater and radical reactor. High praise indeed. An unidentified flying
aircraft, with the "UMMO" insignia plainly visible, followed the SLEEPERS from Garvin Corners to the
limits of Tracy in 1967. (We have similar "Abduction" shin "Scoops"!) So with all that going for us,
why stop now. Recently returning to the Twin Towns from some somewhat smaller twin towns. His
high harmonies are quite often the icing on the cake.

Russell Jones "Rusty"
"I believe I was introduced to the Rust by W. Christopher Nelson or Seth Schwartz. Some genius or
other. Thanks." He's got a wonderfully appealing rootsy approach that's always uplifting. He's also
always right, but doesn't rub your nose in it (unless you deserve it). A Twin Cities Staple as (to me
anyway) the main LIQUOR PIG. No, really that's a compliment. It should be noted, SAFETY LAST
was the band Curt and Slim sat in with to create the first Lennon Tribute.

Victor Johnson "Vik"
I'll be quick. Don't get sick. Here's the trick. Victor knows every 45, including b-sides, ever
produced. Thus, he's a handy guy to have around. I gave him the gig because he dropped Steve
Cropper's name. Currently commuting from San Francisco. Personally I think the West Coast could
use a guitarist of his calibre. Thankfully, he's back for this year's Lennon show.

BAND