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The story of the Kokomo Time Band

Submitted Photo Pictured are members of the Kokomo Time Band.

“A long time ago” in the year 2000, a Dunkirk resident by the name of Jim Steffan had an idea to produce a band whose image and style would visually reflect the type of musical sounds it offered. And so it was, that shortly after, the Kokomo Time Band set sail in the Chautauqua County and beyond music scene.

In its 17 seasons, the band has often been seen in local events wearing matching Hawaiians, or striped shirts and light Khakis like old-school Beach Boys. Their sound has gradually evolved from a calypso/pop base sound into what one might describe as a “Trop Rock” flavor sound which includes a lot of ’50s, ’60s, ’70s Oldies, Calypso, Zydeco, Tex-Mex, and Beach Party music.

“It’s all fun, feel-good party music,” Steffan said “We (lol) call ourselves the ‘festive-lookin’, feel-good soundin’ band.”

There have been many contributors along the way. Brian Bundy, Bill Kane, Doug Steffan, Jack Kujawa and Tom Gestwicki have all made significant musical contributions in establishing a good foundation.

Now, as the band enters its 18th season, current members include: Spencer Drake (lead guitar and vocals), Warren Sischo (bass and vocals), Jim Steffan (band leader, drummer and vocals), Russ Farracci percussion and web design) and Jeff McCheskey (keyboards and vocals). All of the current members have been with the Kokomo Time Band for between 5 and 10 years and are Chautauqua County guys.

“Our music has changed a lot over the years,” Steffan said. And, as the band has changed material, the variety of events that the band has performed at has also changed and expanded. The “family-friendly” band now performs at anything from picnics and backyard parties to festivals, cruises, concerts, holiday parties and car shows.

In recent years, the band has proudly represented Chautauqua County at Father Baker’s “Pennies to Heaven” festival, the “Taste of Orchard Park,” the Buffalo Italian Festival, Memorial Day and the 4th of July Independence Day events in the City of Niagara Falls, New York, Our Lady of Loretto Festival, St. Rose of Lima Festival, Blessed Mary Angela Festival, and the christening (so to speak) of the new floating stage on Cassadaga Lake.

“We have been around for a while now, and have been blessed with many opportunities. We’ve enjoyed it all, but it’s especially nice when we are able to perform in front of family, friends, and local folks,” Steffan said.

After each season, the Kokomo Time Band goes introspective and tries to refresh by adding tunes that improve the overall effectiveness of their repertoire.

“We want tunes that feel good, are full of fun, and are people-engaging,” Steffan said. In 2016, we added ‘Pink Houses,’ ‘Momma Told Me,’ ‘Some Kind of Wonderful,’ ‘Ain’t that a Shame,’ and ‘Do You Wanna Dance.’ This year, we’re adding very unique fun tunes like ‘Little Bitty,’ ‘Who Put the Bomp,’ ‘Quinn the Eskimo,’ KC and the Sunshine Band Medley, and ‘Werewolves of London’ to name a few.”

The Kokomo Time Band has many videos from the past two years that can be seen on their Facebook page. They also have a very colorful website at www.kokomotimeband.com. Anyone interested in more information about the band can call Jim at 679-4311.

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