Betsy Ade and The Well-Known Strangers with special guests Would You Kindly?

 

Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers (BAWKS) have been entertaining Midwest audiences with their cello-infused alternative pop/rock sound since 2015. Members Betsy Ade (lead vocals, guitar), Joe Adamek (guitars), Cameron Fair (cello, keyboards), John Kulas (bass guitar), and Scott Fox (percussion) have released 5 CD’s. This includes a full-length album, several EPs, and an exciting range of fun and influential videos.

Ade’s rich lyrical gifts are essential and her vocal delivery is simply unmatched in contemporary pop/rock music. In addition to Ade’s talents, the band members have an amazing mix of musical knowledge and education that provides a unique sound that is reminiscent of familiar music from the ’90s while being expressively groundbreaking and melodically rich. They have been humbled by their success, performing with international acts that include Blind Melon, Blue October, Candlebox, The Gufs, Skerryvore, Sebastian Bach, and many more. While Ade and Adamek do most of the songwriting, it’s the band’s creative spark and sonic diversity that are the driving force behind their sound.

Well-Known Strangers grew out of a 15+ year friendship between Ade and Adamek. Then, after performing at a mutual friend’s wedding in May 2014, the two discussed the possibility of a music collaboration and began seeking out talent. In February 2015, Well-Known Strangers were born. Their name comes from the idea that they were all individually “well-known” in the local music scene when they got together, but on a personal level some of them were “strangers” to one another. BAWKS are proud supporters of the fight against human trafficking, LGBTQ community, first responders, Veterans, and the ongoing battle against cancer. Ade is especially passionate about cancer research, after losing her mother to Hodgkin’s disease when she was just nine years old. Well-Known Strangers continue to raise awareness of these important issues through community events and through their talents as musicians and artists.

2019 was an exciting year for BAWKS! Ade was a Top 24 Contestant on NBC\’s \”The Voice\”, where she had the rare opportunity to work with 3 different coaches, including; John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, and Adam Levine. Ade’s experience on “The Voice” has brought international attention to the band’s talents and charitable efforts.

BAWKS have been recognized through numerous awards and nominations since inception. This includes, but not limited to; Winners of the 2019 Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s Best Rock/Pop Band, 2018 Shepherd Express Best Band, 2018 WAMI awards for Best Rock/Pop Band, and a monthly award for Best Song on Songwriter’s Universe. Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers music can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon, and heard on Pandora and Apple Music.

Would You Kindly?

Over the last three years, Would You Kindly? has become a powerful female-fronted rock band throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. First hitting the stage in 2019, lead singer Gina Marie and guitarist Paul Hoskins could be found performing at the Sazzy B and Rustic Road open mics almost every week in downtown Kenosha. They were known for playing a combination of covers like “Zombie\” by The Cranberries and originals such as “The Aftermath”.

\”Paul led the melody with his strong guitar skills—with a percussion element to his playing because of his drumming background. Gina wowed the audience with her vocal range and control.\”

— Daniel Thompson (The Uptown Observer)

Later in 2019 Would You Kindly? expanded, introducing drummer Jake Kleinhardt, followed by bassist Daniel Harrison, and then violinist Megan Weaver. They have had the tremendous opportunity to collaborate with a variety of local talents, such as Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers, Resistance, Spare Animals, and 3 A.M. Saints.

In 2020, Would You Kindly?\’s profile grew earning various standing gigs, as well as new opportunities like the 2020-2021 Taste of Wisconsin. Believing in being a huge support to the local community, Would You Kindly? has played for benefits such as Songs of Freedom, Captains + Canines partnered with Safe Harbor Humane Society, Into The Space for the Kenosha Creative Space, and the grand opening of The Vault at Historic 625.

\”The band entertains with a variety of hits and their own tunes from their upcoming debut record.\”

— Paddy Fineran (Kenosha News)

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Would You Kindly? released their first official music video for \”The Aftermath,\” and participated in many online events. Some highlights include International Make Music Day (watch the My Song is Your Song 1959 by Jarred Venti) and Isolation Music Festival II (check out the 30 minute set).

In early-2021 Would You Kindly? received the bittersweet news that drummer Jake Kleinhardt had the opportunity to pursue other passions in digital art and animation. With great love and support for Jake, the difficult task of finding a new drummer began. Later that year, Would You Kindly? was proud to introduce Haven Wells (a.k.a. Miss B Haven) as the girl #BehindThePurpleDrums!

This year Would You Kindly? is participating in festivals such as Make Music Kenosha. A part of the international Make Music Day presented by NAMM Foundation. Gina Marie has personally partnered with Francisco Loyola of the Kenosha Creative Space to coordinate this year’s Block Party Celebration on June 21st. The entire band has volunteered to support through social outreach, setup/takedown, and teaching events during the festival.

For those few days Would You Kindly? is not on stage, they are at Cherry Pit Studios in Menomonee Falls recording their first, full-length album. They plan to release a new single in the coming months, and the album by end of Fall 2021.

So, would you kindly come say “hello.” Check us out on Facebook and Instagram, or meet us at one of our upcoming shows. Thank you, thank you!