TONIC ROOTS 

Tonic Roots started out as an acoustic duo featuring Ann Berchem (vocals/keys) and Jeff Kolar (guitar), covering a diverse range of artists and genres including soulful blues, acoustic rock, and original repertoire. Tonic Roots can now also be found playing as a trio with percussionist John Truttschel, and as a quartet with Adam DeSombre on upright bass. The group loves to mix things up and share the stage with other local special guest musicians. All song arrangements have been crafted with unique acoustic bluesy and artistic touches, in addition to organic improvisation during each performance. From Etta James and Billie Holiday to Susan Tedeschi, Melody Gardot, Eva Cassidy, Sara Bareilles, Nora Jones, and so many more influences in between, Tonic Roots is sure to provide something special for every musical palate.

ABOUT US

Ann Berchem: Vocals/Keys

Jeff Kolar: Guitar

Adam DeSombre: Bass

John 'JT' Truttschel: Percussion

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Ann has been singing and playing all of her life, performing in various realms and settings including musical theater, choral music, jazz, and writing/arranging. She was classically trained in voice, and holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in vocal/choral/general music education, teaching music in public schools for more than twenty years. Ann enjoys many genres of music, but has a passion for soulful blues and roots music.

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Jeff is an accomplished musician, playing guitar, bass, percussion, and arranging throughout his life. He is also an experienced, and well known brewmaster, creating craft beer many years before it became trendy! He enjoys blues, classic rock, 80's rock, and pop. Jeff and Ann happen to be brother in-law and sister in-law, and have been performing in other projects together for several years.

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Adam has been a percussionist throughout his life, taking up double bass during his adult years. He has played bass with the local group This Big Life, and percussion with Hot Jupiter. Adam plays double bass with the UWGB Sheboygan/Lakeland Chamber Orchestra, and has had his hands in  many local music projects over the years. Little fun fact: Adam's dad played percussion in the local band, The Eldorado's, with Ann & Jeff's father in-law in the 1960's! 

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John (JT) started drumming at an early age, receiving a drum set so he would stop banging on everything in the house.  He played with a few local bands in the 70’s and 80’s, then took time off to raise a family. His grown children also now have bands of their own, write and record music. John keeps an acoustic touch to our group with his unique Cajon drum set-up.  Rock, jazz, blues, and country are his favorites. John, Jeff, and Ann have been playing together locally for the past several years in their former group, JJARU.

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UPCOMING EVENTS