Jackson Haddad: lead guitar, vocals
Jackson began playing with many musicians when he first moved to SF, and it was during this time that he met and briefly played with John Dering (bass), with whom he would eventually reunite in 2009 to form his most current project, Soda Pop Junkies. From 2006 to 2008 Jackson gigged with his band, The Flip Squad, around San Francisco at such venues as Connecticut Yankee, Hotel Utah, Grant & Green, Rock-it Room, Giordano Bros, The Starry Plough Pub, and a few shows on the east coast. After the disbandment of The Flip Squad in 2008, Jackson teamed up with work colleague and drummer, Nick Vatalaro, and they have been playing together ever since. In his free time Jackson loves to see live music, to shave the ice on the hockey rink, and, of course, to write and perform his original music.
Nick Vatalaro: drums
Nick, a San Francisco native, has tremendous focus and a perfect pocket for drum beats. With 10 years of playing with another project, Not For Not, Nick has performed in a slue of venues from San Francisco to San Jose. Nick and Jackson began playing together in 2008, but it was only recently, during the early summer of 2009, that the two friends realized their potential taking their musical-love-making beyond the practice space. Currently, Nick is backbone of the power trio that comprises the Soda Pop Junkies, and provides a consistent tempo over which the band can improvise.
John Dering: bass, vocals
Originally from Kentucky, and known by many monikers depending on your location, John brings a thumping bass tone that makes your hips shake to the beat while your heart skips one. After meeting Jackson in 2005 through a Craigslist musical project, John joined the local act called HECKLE where he performed live for several years at venues through out San Francisco. Less than a year after Heckle disbanded, John and Jackson reunited, joined by Nick, to begin work forming and defining the sound of the Soda Pop Junkies. As an avid surfer, business consultant, non-profit operator, musician, and artist, John spends his free time engaged in the pursuit of his passions.
TROY BLANCHARD: KEYBOARDS
A native of Berkeley, California, Troy's first memories are of listening to The Beatles and Bruce Springsteen on the family record player. This early love developed into a lifelong passion for preforming live music. A guitarist by training, Troy's experience extends from musical orchestras to big band jazz ensembles to college rock bands. After moving to San Francisco, Troy polished his skills at the keyboard and began playing with a series of local groups before being recruited to for the Soda Pop Junkies. When not preforming or practicing, Troy enjoys skiing in Lake Tahoe, the occasional golf game, and seeing live music.
KENNY CROWLEY: RHYTHM GUITAR/VOCALS
Virginia grown and later planted in Ohio, Kenny Crowley formed his musical roots around Appalachian string music, traditional folk songs and down-south blues. Throughout high school and college he dabbles in various acoustic projects and electric rock bands, playing multiple instruments but remaining rooted in the rhythm of the music. In his twenties, some well earned time was spent travelling in the Carribean, Hawaii, and South Pacific islands, soaking in reggae and sunshine and greatly influencing his musical flavor. Later, he picked up his guitar and explored the American West, living the life of a minstrel carpenter. His adventures eventually led him to the Bay Area, where he fell deep into the pockets of funk music. he formed a band and jumped headfirst into the local scene, which eventually led his introduction to the Soda Pop Junkies. After a couple of jams, the fit was evident, and the rest is history...
