Ever since Mike can remember he lived in a house where music was a big part of his family. You see, Mike’s Dad was a great singer and entertainer. As leader of the Bobby K Trio, Mike’s Dad performed regularly throughout Wisconsin and it was his influence that played a major role on Mike and his two brothers.
To say the Keelan’s are a musical family would be an understatement. Mike’s older brother Robert plays the Harp and sings in the band Brew City Rhythm & Blues. His younger brother Pat is the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for Fillmore East.
For Mike, singing the songs of Elvis, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash is something he always wanted to do. “My very first album was Elvis in concert which I got when I was 12 years old. After that I was hooked on the King!” By co-founding The Memphis Connection, Mike has the opportunity to continue the family legacy. “Being a part of The Memphis Connection and singing the songs is a great feeling. I know we will bring back a lot of good memories of the time when the legends of Rock 'n Roll and Country were around. I plan to give it my all each and every time we play out and keep it going as long as I possibly can! Hope to see you at one of our shows.”
Band Profiles
Mike Keelan - Lead Vocals - Milwaukee
Paul Paikowski - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals - East Side Milwaukee
Paul answered Mike Keelan's request to put something together for music's sake. Where life interfered before it was our turn to play! Quickly realizing Mike's gift for singing, it became obvious to Paul that something special was in the works. Paul and Mike began assembling the pieces, and The Memphis Connection was born out of a strum, a voice and whatever leftover beer was in the fridge.
Paul feels blessed to play music, a long time passion and after 41 years took up the guitar, and at 48, is ready to rock a billy from here to the grave.
Paul loves God, Jesus, his wife Susi and kids Caitlin and Vincent, the band, the music and serving it up to whoever shares that love. "Life is worth living ONLY at full speed and sharing the gift. :)"
Paul feels blessed to play music, a long time passion and after 41 years took up the guitar, and at 48, is ready to rock a billy from here to the grave.
Paul loves God, Jesus, his wife Susi and kids Caitlin and Vincent, the band, the music and serving it up to whoever shares that love. "Life is worth living ONLY at full speed and sharing the gift. :)"
Jim Goelz - Drums - Mukwonago
Jim started playing drums at the age of 18. Mostly self taught, Jim started out jamming in his basement with friends. A frequent visitor of Milwaukee Blues bars, Jim would join in on open jams.
Jim credits his Uncle Jim for his love of drumming. Says Jim, "Once I heard him play I knew exactly what I wanted to do."
An accomplished blues player, Jim has played as a member of The Down and Out Blues Band, The Center of Attention and The Trespassers. Jim found his way to The Memphis Connection by answering a local website ad.
Jim is a fan of Jazz, Blues, Country and Rock genres. He lists Phil Collins, Dave Weckl, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, John Bonham and Animal from the Muppet Show as his main influences.
Jim credits his Uncle Jim for his love of drumming. Says Jim, "Once I heard him play I knew exactly what I wanted to do."
An accomplished blues player, Jim has played as a member of The Down and Out Blues Band, The Center of Attention and The Trespassers. Jim found his way to The Memphis Connection by answering a local website ad.
Jim is a fan of Jazz, Blues, Country and Rock genres. He lists Phil Collins, Dave Weckl, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, John Bonham and Animal from the Muppet Show as his main influences.
Buffalo Al - Lead Guitar, Vocals - Parts South
Many of you may know Al as a local Waukesha musician with his musical roots based in country, western, folk and classic rock. Al performs on his own, as part of a duet and now with The Memphis Connection. While Al is known for his acoustic guitar prowess, you've definitely got to hear him wail on his electric 6 string with TMC.
Matt Graff Bass Guitar - Waukesha
Inspired by hard rock, alternative and punk music. Matt began playing bass at the age of 13. Over time he discovered a true passion for the blues and classic rock. His style is perfect and contributes to the unique rockabilly type feel that the Memphis Connection has to offer