Events/Schedule 2022:

Tonic Roots features Ann Berchem (vocals/keys), Jeff Kolar (guitar/vocals), John Truttschel (percussion) and Adam DeSombre (bass). Based out of Sheboygan, WI, this group covers a diverse range of artists and genres, including soulful blues, jazz, acoustic rock, reinvented classics, and original repertoire.

Tonic Roots reaches every audience with smooth and soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and creatively crafted arrangements featuring their own unique, bluesy, and artistic touch. From Etta James and Billie Holiday to Susan Tedeschi, Melody Gardot, Eva Cassidy, Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones, with a dash of Led Zeppelin, and so many more influences in between, Tonic Roots is sure to provide something special for every musical palate!

Ann Berchem: Lead Vocals/Keys

Jeff Kolar: Guitar/Vocals

Adam DeSombre: Bass

John 'JT' Truttschel: Percussion/Vocals

​

​

Ann has been singing and involved with music all of her life, performing in various realms and settings including musical theater, choral music, jazz, writing/arranging, and recently took part in an independent musical drama film. She was classically trained in voice, and holds both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in K-12 vocal/choral/general music education and vocal performance, teaching music in public schools for twenty-six years. Ann enjoys many genres of music, but has a passion for soulful blues and roots music. She occasionally sits in on vocals & keys with local group,The Connemara Boys, trad. Irish group.

​

Jeff is an accomplished musician, playing guitar, bass, percussion, and arranging throughout his life. Jeff can play just about any song you ask, right out of his head! He is also an experienced, and well known brewmaster, creating craft beer many years before it became trendy around here! You can find him these day at Sheboygan's own, Torke Coffee. He enjoys blues, classic rock, 80's rock, and pop. Jeff also coaches football and basketball for his son's teams during the fall/winter months. Ann & Jeff are brother in-law and sister in-law, and have been performing in other projects together for several years.

​

Adam has been a percussionist throughout his life, taking up double bass during his adult years. He played bass with the former group, This Big Life, and percussion with Hot Jupiter. Adam played bass with the UWGB Sheboygan/Lakeland Chamber Orchestra, and has had his hands in many local music projects over the years. Adam is a chemist as well as recently opened a new local business, Green Bicycle Co, with his wife. They also raise chickens! 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! 

​

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 has recently retired from the working world, and loves to spend time being a grandpa, lucky guy! Rock, jazz, blues, and country are his favorites, and if you ask him any music trivia from those genres, he will amaze you with his knowledge! You'll also hear him chime in on some vocals as well! John, Jeff, and Ann have been playing together locally for the past several years with their former group, JJARU.

​

​

​

For more demo samples, please click here for our audio/video page link!

Providing Music for:
Special Events
Private Events
Festivals
Weddings/Cocktail Hour
Wine Bars / Wineries
Pubs / Restaurants /Breweries

Duo, Trio, and Quartet Options!

We will create a specialized set for your event or venue needs, contact today for booking and rates!
tonicroots@gmail.com

Fri, Sept 9

TR DUO

Camp Sinawa Movie Night

Valders, WI

​

Sat, Sept 10

PRIVATE EVENT

Fond du Lac, WI

​

Upcoming Events 2023:

Be sure to check back for updates!

© 2018-2022 Tonic Roots