Funkclub wagon

During the pandemic Jesse and members of other local bands formed the FunkClub Wagon as an answer to closed venues and the need for social distancing. The band performed on a trailer driving through neighborhoods, in parks and at private events. The group has continued to play together even after clubs reopened, and has expanded to include the FunkClub Pontoon, and weekly MKE River RoundUp collaborations with local bars and the Brew City Kayak.

The FunkClub Wagon quickly became a hometown favorite:

“I’m just glad I can be useful right now,” said (Noll) Voelker. “Most musicians feel so stuck. I see people following us on their bikes and running out from their houses. Even just a few minutes of live music just brightens their day.” - Members of FunkClub Wagon have been playing socially-distant live music from a flatbed wagon, a boat or at neighborhood parks, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Like most great ideas, The Funk (Club) Wagon started as a sort of joke between friends that (Noll) Voelker took seriously. Suddenly, everyone else was along for the ride—quite literally.” - Funk Wagon Spreads Joy and Music from the Back of a Trailer, Shepherd Express

"Streams just weren't gonna cut it as a substitute for live music. Humans are social creatures and we believe that live music and dancing is one of the most important ways we connect and some of the best medicine you can get; even if you have to do it from your front porch." Jesse explained in FunkClub Wagon brings the music to the people: The FunkClub Wagon has been bringing live music to the streets (and waterways) of the Milwaukee area during the pandemic by performing on a trailer pulled by a van by OnMilwaukee

“…The Funk (Club) Wagon started as a sort of joke between friends that (Noll) Voelker took seriously. Suddenly, everyone else was along for the ride—quite literally.”

“Like most great ideas, The Funk (Club) Wagon started as a sort of joke between friends that (Noll) Voelker took seriously. Suddenly, everyone else was along for the ride—quite literally.”

“Funk Wagon Spreads Joy and Music from the Back of a Trailer”

—Shepherd Express—

"...the pandemic has caused a dilemma for musicians that requires creativity to overcome, but the camaraderie among them has helped. 'It's a lot of teamwork and looking out for each other, for sure...Everyone's forced to just think a little bit outside the box.”

Members of FunkClub Wagon have been playing socially-distant live music from a flatbed wagon, a boat or at neighborhood parks

—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel—

“When the coronavirus hit, many live musicians lost their gigs. But a passion for funk and a refurbished wagon was all a group of musicians needed to spread joy and continue playing in a unique way.”

'Funk Club Wagon' brings the party to the people during pandemic

—CBS 58—

Funkclub wagon

“…The Funk (Club) Wagon started as a sort of joke between friends that (Noll) Voelker took seriously. Suddenly, everyone else was along for the ride—quite literally.”

“Like most great ideas, The Funk (Club) Wagon started as a sort of joke between friends that (Noll) Voelker took seriously. Suddenly, everyone else was along for the ride—quite literally.”

"...the pandemic has caused a dilemma for musicians that requires creativity to overcome, but the camaraderie among them has helped. 'It's a lot of teamwork and looking out for each other, for sure...Everyone's forced to just think a little bit outside the box.”

“When the coronavirus hit, many live musicians lost their gigs. But a passion for funk and a refurbished wagon was all a group of musicians needed to spread joy and continue playing in a unique way.”