Meet The Flight Crew
TIM PERKINS, Bass & Vocal
Timothy Perkins (Upright bass, electric basses, and lead vocals) has developed his skills as a true all-around bassist. While living and performing for several years in Kansas City he honed his skills as a Classical, Jazz, Rock, and Fusion musician. Tim consistently provides rock-solid bass grooves and is equally able to move into the spotlight with solo work ranging from fluid, lyrical melodies to the energetic speed work and finger gymnastics typically associated with the guitar and saxophone. While actively participating in the classical and jazz scenes in Kansas City, Tim had the opportunity to perform with many of the acts that toured across the United States.
"CAPTAIN" GREG PAGEL, keys & vocal
Often considered the most unusual keyboardist in Wisconsin, Greg Pagel began playing piano and composing at the age of 9. In 1995, he received a Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory in Boston. For much of the 1990’s, Greg was active in that city’s jazz and avant-garde music scene.
Greg has performed at Jordan Hall and Symphony Hall in Boston, as well as Lincoln Center in New York. He has shared the stage with such notable musicians as Kenny Wheeler, Benny Golson, Bob Moses, Luciana Souza, Janet Planet and Bobby Vinton.
In addition to The Flight Crew, Greg also performs with the jazz quartet, Groove Revolution.
THOMAS "St. Tommy Valentine" SOBEL, saxophone & vocal
Tom was only four years old when he first laid hands on the piano and he was immediately enrolled at a private music conservatory to study classical piano. At the age of 14, Tom fell in love with the soulful tone of the saxophone, and began to earnestly study that instrument as well. From that moment on, Tom dedicated himself to mastering both instruments. For over 40 years, Tom has taken the stage performing on all of the woodwind instruments, keyboards, percussion and vocals. Tom is also an accomplished musical director, vocalist, composer, and arranger.
Tom has performed, recorded and collaborated with Luther Allison, Bernard Allison, James Solberg, Jim Liban, Clyde Stubblefield, W.C. Clark, Buddy Miles, Ernie Watts, Myron Floren, Buddy Guy, Dave Mason, Vic Ferrari, Dave Steffen, and Jimmie Vaughan.
TYLER JONES, trumpet
After studying trumpet at Lawrence University, Tyler performed in bands of all kinds on cruise ships for 12 years. He has also played with many of the best bands in Wisconsin, including Vic Ferrari, Symphony on the Rocks, and Unity. Additionally, Tyler is the king of France. He led a revolution riding a white horse through the streets of Paris, waving a big loaf of French bread.
BRETT OEMIG, drums
Brett Oemig was born into this world annoyingly tapping on everything, eventually turning this annoying habit into an even more annoying habit on the drum set at age 13. After studying music at UW Stevens Point, Brett began teaching and performing professionally. He has played live and recorded with many musicians in Wisconsin in the years since, but hasn’t yet found a permanent home performing.
That is, UNTIL NOW. With The Flight Crew, Brett brings the boogyin’ beats you know and love, with a bit of his own spice to a repertoire that we’ll say is….a bit different.
Jake Opperman, sax
Jake resides in Fond du Lac, WI, and is a top-notch performer in Wisconsin. He has a very distinct playing style which follows the footsteps of saxophone greats like Jeff Coffin and Dexter Gordon and excites audiences with his electricity and effortless range that he has been perfecting for almost two decades.
Earning degrees in Jazz Studies: Woodwind Performance and Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, he now teaches in the band program at Fond du Lac High School. He is also an avid performer, composer, and, arranger and has performed in places such as New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Denver, Miami, Disney World, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Akumal and Cancun, Mexico; as well as enjoying a career as a regular performer around the state of Wisconsin.
Since picking up the saxophone back in 2004, Jake has had the opportunity of sharing the stage with national and international acts such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Jeff Coffin Mu'tet, John O’Hurley, Hailey Reinhardt, Donny Most, Eugene Landau Murphy Jr., Joe Piscopo, Miguel Zenon, Matt Wilson, Conrad Herwig, Jim McNeely, Martin Wind, Brian Lynch, Gordon Goodwin, Andrew Martin, Wayne Bergeron, Jose Valentino-Ruiz, Janet Planet, Tom Washatka, Dave Damiani, Ben Allison, Steve Cardenas, Allison Miller, Michael Dease and John Raymond.
Scott Davis, Guitar
Scott
Karen Mani, Violin
Karen Mani started playing violin at age 10 with the Sheboygan Area School District. Her passion to perform grew in junion high school when she studied guitar, piano and sang in several choirs. Karen earned a BFA degree from UW-Milwaukee. She managed and performed in a string quartet for 25 years. As a member of the Sheboygan Symphony orchestra for over 45 years, Karen has experienced many genres of music. She especially enjoys playing acoustic and electric violin. Some of her favorite styles include rock, swing, jazz, blues, Motown and classical. "It has been my lifelong dream to perform with musicians from different backgrounds. We gather together and experience the beauty of music, whether it's playing by ear in a jam session or at symphony hall performing Mozart. " Karen is married to Jim and they have two amazing children.
