MEET THE current BAND
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ROB STEPEN - RHYTHM GUITAR, BACKGROUND VOCALS
Rob Stepen is a prolific musician best known for his role as the rhythm guitarist and founder of the renowned band “The Generations.” Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Rob showed a keen interest in music from a young age as he was influenced by both parents who exposed him to their musical talents. He picked up the drums at the age of 9 and quickly demonstrating exceptional talent and passion for the instrument. Rob then learned bass guitar and keyboards and played in several classic rock and roll bands. He picked up the guitar and was taught by his current lead guitarist, Pat Fleming.
“The Generations” came together in 2023 when Rob Stepen assembled the current band with the hopes of recording vinyl albums and playing out live. He recruited Pat Fleming on Lead Guitar and Adam Grais on Drums, He was introduced to Stacy McMichael by a mutual friend Mani Miglani. Bonding over their shared love for classic rock they formed the band with the intention of creating music that fused nostalgic 80’s sounds with modern influences.
Their debut album, “Alternative View” is to be released the summer of 2024. The album featured two singles written by Rob in 1985 as well as the 2023 rendition “Have You Seen My Heart” and “Your Way,” which garnered significant excitement from Third Man Records who are pressing the Album. The Album was produced and engineered by the Iconic Steve Albini and mastered by Bob Weston of Chicago Mastering Service.
This year, “The Generations” goal is to solidify their reputation as a must-see live act, featuring Pat’s electrifying guitar solos as a driving force behind the band’s sonic identity, Stacy laying down solid, driving rhythms that underpin the band’s sound in concert with Adam’s thunderous beats, blending rhythmic precision with raw energy. Coupled with Rob’s ability to fuse rhythmic distinctness with creative expression, this lays the groundwork for their memorable songs and electrifying live performances. Rob’s charismatic stage presence is becoming their trademark. The music is evolving with each subsequent album, exploring themes of love and personal growth while maintaining a signature sound that resonated with fans across generations.
In addition to his work with “The Generations,” Rob has collaborated with various artists and producers, contributing his guitar skills to several notable projects within the rock and blues genres. His versatility as a musician and dedication to his craft have earned him respect and admiration from peers and fans alike.
Beyond music, Rob Stepen is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes related to music education and youth empowerment. He remains actively involved in mentoring young musicians and advocating for the arts in schools. He sits on three board of directors including the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, and works with Loyola University of Chicago recently serving on a Board as well as mentoring students in the Q-Mentorship program.
As of 2024, Rob Stepen and “The Generations” continue to perform live and are working on their latest studio album, promising fans a new collection of songs that capture the essence of their musical journey. With a career marked by passion, talent, and a commitment to artistic integrity, Rob Stepen remains a beloved figure in the world of rock music, inspiring audiences with his music and dedication to his craft.
ROB STEPEN - RHYTHM GUITAR, BACKGROUND VOCALS
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ADAM GRAIS - DRUMS, PERCUSSION
Adam Grais picked up the sticks at age 10 when he and some friends wanted to pretend to play along to Kiss records and the other guys got to the tennis rackets first. For over 45 years, Adam has performed as a percussionist and drummer across musical genres from classical, big band jazz and country to alternative college rock, progressive and punk.
Early in his career, he toured Europe with the New Trier Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble on timpani and percussion while also playing in pit bands for musical productions. He was a snare drummer in the Columbia University Marching Band before rising to Drum Major, leading the CUMB at the game that broke Columbia’s historic 44 game football losing streak. During his time in New York, he studied at the Drummers Collective with Pete Zeldman. After leaving New York, Adam worked in the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 90’s as a drummer and music educator, while studying with noted teacher John Xepoleas.
Over the years, Adam has performed and recorded with Destiny, the RouX, the Rubbles, Doomsday Cafe, the White Trash Debutantes, Laughing Man, SuperGrover, the Pulaski Brothers, the Barrister’s Big Band, Rambis and Blind Trust.
Adam currently serves as the chair of the Board of Directors of the Grant Park Music Festival, a ten week symphonic music summer concert series in Chicago’s Pritzker Pavilion and parks around the City of Chicago.
ADAM GRAIS - DRUMS, PERCUSSION
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Janet Jones - KEYS, VOCALS
Starting at age 7, Janet started her musical path building her Voice and Keyboard chops including earning a Bachelors and Master degree in Music from the University of Illinois. All along the way she performed a plethora of music styles that make her an excellent entertainer and musician. Well equipped with only the best keyboards and percussion instruments, she is able bring an unmatched sound to True Vinyl’s live performances. Janet is currently busy with her new band “True Vinyl” and enjoys performing with these great musicians!
Janet Jones sings, plays, directs, teaches and advocates for music – all kinds of music… Genres include, but are not limited to : Jazz / Classical / American Songbook / Classic Rock / Gospel / Patriotic / Holiday / and MORE…Janet recently retired from teaching Music in Tinley Park District 140. She was Quarterfinalist for a Grammy Music Educators Award in Los Angeles. Janet was the Director of Music for the United Church of Christ in Plainfield for 15 years. She conducted he adult and children’s choir, chancel band and the contemporary group, ‘Inspiration’, as well as private teaching….Janet’s musical work in Tinley School District 140 with whiteboard technology was published in school band and orchestra magazine!
JANET JONES - KEYS, VOCALS
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Dave Jones - BASS, BACKGROUND VOCALS
In Dave’s world it’s always been “It’s All About the Bass”. Although it wasn’t his first instrument, he always knew bass gave the music the feel and foundation that makes it special.
Dave started playing bass in high school and earned his chops playing collegiately in the University of South Dakota Jazz Bands, and whether it was his Hofner, Rickenbacker, or Precision he hasn’t put it down since.
Dave’s first preference has always been classic rock, with his major influences coming from legends such as Paul McCartney and James Jamerson. He has been playing classic rock in various bands over the past four decades and is incredibly excited about what True Vinyl is all about.
Dave will always have the low end covered, 4 strings…. one note at a time.
DAVE JONES - BASS, BACKGROUND VOCALS
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KATE PAYTON - VOCALS
Kate Payton has been singing professionally for over 20 years. She started her performance journey singing for theme parks and cruise lines. After taking a short break from the entertainment industry to start her family, she returned as a lead singer for numerous bands around the Chicago area. When she is not rocking out with The Generations, you can find her singing for The Prairie Ghosts, The Electric Cars, and Tragic Blonde Vacation. Kate also enjoys playing several instruments, including guitar, piano, flute, harmonica, and ukulele.
KATE PAYTON - VOCALS, FLUTE, UKULELE AND KEYS
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GARY JACKLIN - VOCALS, ELECTRIC GUITAR, Guitar Synth, Acoustic Guitar, Electric violin/fiddle
Starting at the age of six on the violin and picking up guitar several years later, Gary has been performing virtually his entire life which has fashioned his virtuosity on both instruments. Gary’s eclectic guitar style is melded from his jazz, funk, classic, and country rock experiences making him one of the most versatile guitarists around. Gary has also been referred to as one of the finest rock fiddlers in the country. After touring the midwest throughout the late 70’s and 80’s with his own band “Syndicated Sound & Cook County”, during the 90’s and 2000’s Gary joined forces with some of Chicago’s Radio and TV personalities, radio station US99 Big John Howell and The Born to Boogie Band and ABC TV’s Joel Daly and Prairie Moon. Gary has opened for such artists as Charlie Daniels, Conway Twitty, Tracy Lawrence, America, Bachman Turner Overdrive, and The Marshall Tucker Band just to name a few. His passion for performance and the skills he brings to his craft is an experience not to be missed! Gary currently performs on violin with the Americana Band Shadowfields, his own band and various Chicagoland Musical Theater Productions. Gary has been a Professional Realtor in the local area since 1987 and the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Action in Lisle since 1996.
GARY JACKLIN - LEAD GUITAR
we can’t wait to share this night with you!
- March 28th, 2025
- 7:30 PM CST (doors open at 7:00 PM)
- Sideouts – 4018 W Roberts Rd, Island Lake
Tickets Start at $22.50
Where? Arcada Theatre –
105 E Main St
St. Charles, IL 60174
When? January 18@ 5:00 PM
Musicians Contributing to the generations
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PAT FLEMING - LEAD GUITAR
Pat Fleming was born in Marietta, Ohio but grew up primarily in Evanston, IL. He started playing the guitar at the age of 11, having demonstrated an interest in it long before that. He studied with many teachers, including Paul Strasser, Curt Lehman, David Bloom, Jack Cecchini, the renowned session player Milt Norman, the late jazz guitar master John Abercrombie, Jazz guitar legend Mike Stern and saxophone icon David Liebman. His scholarship and vast performing experience have embraced many types of music, making him well-versed in folk, Balkan, jazz, blues and rock styles. He was playing professional performances regularly by the age of 16.
His skill and versatility have made for a career of diversity and range. In the 1980’s, he was a member of two of Chicago’s most innovative and avant garde bands: D-Section and The Balkan Rhythm Band. In 1981, he was asked by harmonica virtuoso and musical phenomenon Howard Levy (Kenny Loggins, The Flecktones, Paul Simon, Donald Fagen) to join the Balkan Rhythm Band, and from 1981-85, they toured North America, playing notable clubs, popular radio shows and prestigious folk festivals, including the University of Chicago Folk Festival, and those of Philadelphia and Winnepeg. Their award-winning release, “Jazziest Balkan Dance Band Around”, came out on Flying Fish Records in 1983, and was frequently heard on NPR.
In the mid-1980’s, he began to collaborate with some singer-songwriters, most notably Anne Hills and beloved Chicago artist Michael Smith. He recorded with Anne Hills on her album “Don’t Explain”, and performed with her at yet more clubs and festivals in the U.S. and Canada, including the Kerrville Festival, Mountain Stage, The Chicago Folk Festival and Winnepeg. With Michael Smith, he has recorded four albums, played on various NPR radio shows (including WBEZ’s Flea Market Show), and appeared at the Fast Folk Festival in NYC, as well as clubs like Ann Arbor, MI’s The Ark and Delta 88 in NYC. He was in the cast of Michael Smith’s play, “Michael, Margaret, Pat and Kate”, which won four Joseph Jefferson Awards in 1994. The much-praised production had two runs, one in Chicago and one in Marin County, CA, and Pat was an integral part of both. In working with such singer-songwriters, Pat has shared a stage with several other noted musicians: David Amram, Bob Gibson, Bonnie Koloc, Jim Post, Tom Paxton, Paquito de Rivera and Josh White Jr., to name only a few.
He toured the nation with the Fareed Haque Quartet from 1990-94, playing in concerts and on television. That ensemble opened for Sting at the famous Montreaux Jazz Festival (Switzerland) in 1991. As a member of Chicago’s high-profile Bradley Young Orchestra, he has appeared with such celebrities as Jim Belushi, the Coasters, Rosemary Clooney, Roberta Flack, Ben E. King, Melissa Manchester, Barry Manilow, Rita Moreno, and the Shirelles.
As lead guitarist with the band ‘Mother Root’, a rock band that writes its own original material, he has performed at Chicago’s leading venues: the Riviera, Park West,Skyline Stage at Navy Pier, House of Blues, both the Rosemont Horizon (Allstate Arena) and the Rosemont Theatre, and the Midwest Bank Amphitheater. They have been asked to open for great rock legends like Deep Purple, Blue Oyster Cult, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Grand Funk, Government Mule, Ten Years After, Molly Hatchet, John Entwhistle, Chris Duarte, Steve Morse, Ronnie Montrose, Robin Trower, The Allman Brothers band and Joe Walsh.
In late 2005 and again in 2007, Pat was asked to participate in the NYC workshops of a musical written by master of mystery Stephen King and rock icon John Mellencamp. He was one of four live musicians performing for the two workshops of “The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County”, and can be heard on the CD release.
Currently, Pat is performing and recording with The Bad Sneakers Orchestra, an amazing Steely Dan tribute band; the New Standard jazz Quintet, an ensemble that features Pat’s original compositions; Howard Levy’s Acoustic Express Quartet, among many others. In 2005 & 2006, attendees of a prestigious harmonica seminar at NC’s Outer Banks were treated to daily workshops and performances by Pat, Howard and members of Trio Globo, including Glen Velez. Pat is also music Director for Tracye Eileen’s PTR Band, who have opened for The Stylistics, and appear regularly at Chicago’s premiere blues venue, Buddy Guy’s Legends.
In addition to his artistry as a performing musician, Pat is also a producer and a composer (BMI) of high regard. He has arranged for and played on many artist’s albums. He produced recording projects for jazz vibrophonist Kathy Kelly, and singers Michael Smith (the CD There), Sharon Stephens, The Bad Sneakers Orchestra and Tracye Eileen.
A sought-after educator, Pat has taught music since the age of 16 at many learning institutions over the years, among them Columbia College, the Music Gallery, the Bloom School of Jazz, Old Town School Of Folk Music, The Guitar Works, Flynn Guitars and Hogeye Music.
PAT FLEMING - LEAD GUITAR
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Mattie Pakenham - Keys
Mattie is a Master Level instructor for piano, guitar and percussion. Mattie has been with Guitar Center and Music & Arts since 2007. He has played in several bands and is a very talented musician. He is immersed in video and audio production and is an experienced sound and audio engineer. Mattie is the Co-Owner and Co-Founder of The Mind Faucet, LLC.
MATTIE PACKENHAM - KEYS
Tristan Abrams
Tristan Abrams - Vocals
Tristan Abrams has played in several bands and is an incredible lead vocalist. She is the Co-owner and Co-founder of The Mind Faucet, LLC. Film/Video Production and Audio Recording for Musicians and Artists in the Chicagoland Area Camera Operator and Video Director, Podcast Co-creator, as well as a musician.
TRISTAN ABRAMS - VOCALS
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STACY MCMICHAEL - BASS
At 8 years old, Stacy was excited to try an orchestra instrument with her classmates. She watched her teacher play a jig on the violin and a prelude on cello. Then, she heard the two notes – E and F – that changed her life: … (yes, the JAWS theme)!
She was determined to play the bass, even though her teacher thought she should choose something ‘gender- appropriate’ like the violin. So, Stacy kept going with her dream, and eventually got a Bachelor’s (classical double bass performance) from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Master’s degree (jazz bass performance & pedagogy) from the University of Miami-FL.
Now Stacy McMichael is a thriving professional Upright and Electric bassist & Educator, who has been featured onstage in Broadway shows/tours such as “”1776”, “Dreamgirls”, “Cabaret ZaZou”, “Hairspray”, “Teatro ZinZanni”, “Taste of Things to Come”, and the smash-hit “SIX: the Musical”.
This past July ’23; Stacy performed on cello at Lollapalooza Paris w/ International superstar DJ Kygo -in front of 70,000+ fans!
Apart from her performance career, Stacy also serves as a Governor on the Chicago Chapter Board of the Recording Academy, which she joined via the GRAMMYU program. It is her unique “GRAMMYU to GRAMMY Governor” origin story that provides constant motivation to work hard making sure the Academy provides the most value to our creative community.
Stacy’s diverse musical accomplishments include a #1 debut album on the Billboard Traditional Jazz chart (featuring Frank Catalano & Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin), an upcoming musical film / cast album by 2-time GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer “All Wigged Out”, multiple tv/podcast appearances, feature articles in national publications (such as Strings Magazine May 2017), International tours, a Joan Rivers televised special avail on Netflix, and an hour-long PBS concert featuring the band of which she has led for over 15 years: lePercolateur.
Ms. McMichael is also a dedicated mentor and educator. Along with her GRAMMYU work, she maintains the role of Adjunct Professor at institutions like Joliet Junior College, Olivet Nazarene University, City Colleges of Chicago, and Saint Xavier University. Thanks to her wide range of experience and talents, Stacy can handle a variety of creative situations with ease and confidence.
STACY MCMICHAEL - BASS
Tristan Abrams
LIZ - Drums
Liz formed her first band at age 10, with epic dreams of rock and roll glory. Her first instrument was guitar, but it wasn’t long before she fell in love with the drums and convinced her parents to buy her first kit.
Liz is usually playing with multiple music projects concurrently, late nights and flashy lights are her natural habitat. She’s best known around town for her drumming with Chicago bands Skirt Steak, The Ready Freddies, Foo La La and Arsenal Road, but she also takes the stage once in a while to provide gutsy lead vocals for local math punk band The Sentinels.
Liz has been a fan of The Gingers for years. While she’s the newest member in the band she’s no noob, as her nerdy guild mates will tell you in between raiding online dungeons.
LIZ ELE - DRUMS
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Emi Fukuda - VOCALS, GUITAR, FLUTE, BASS AND KEYS
Keys, Guitar, Vocals, Flute, Jeopardy Emi began playing the flute and guitar at an early age, and years later, she was drawn to the bass and became a committed player. Her bass prowess has earned her participation in multiple Chicago projects past and present, including Little Red and the Hoods, Kites, The Ready Freddies, Letters to Lillian, and Diva Kai. It was in the band Skirt Steak that she picked up a synth to help fill out the sound.
Emi became a huge fan of The Gingers after meeting them at a gig. She learned they wanted to add a keys/guitar player, and promptly added keys to her rig and learned their set. She currently also performs with Foo La La.
Emi shines with her versatility and ability to provide the grooviest cohesion possible…. and she’ll beat you at Jeopardy!
EMI FUKUDA - VOCALS, GUITAR, FLUTE, BASS AND KEYS
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Heather BEnnett - VOCALS
Heather landed her first lead role in a local theater’s musical at age 7, quickly joined her school choir, and has not stopped singing since. Her father was a drummer and her uncle, a Blues pianist. Family holidays regularly included impromptu jam sessions. During high school, Heather sang in school choirs, musicals from Camelot to Fiddler on the Roof, and show choirs. Her show choir competed singing everything from classical music in Latin to Jazz standards in four-part harmony to contemporary favorites from Disney movies and 80s/90s pop. Her high school rock experience includes singing with the band, The Gaffers, covering alternative rock bands such as Modern English and U2.
More recently, she has performed at weddings, regularly embarrasses her family at karaoke, and with her piano playing husband, is raising four musically talented children who sing and play a variety of instruments including: guitar, piano, ukulele, saxophone, harmonica, and trumpet.
Heather serves as Co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR.org), a 65-year-old organization helping deaf/hard of hearing children by providing music therapy, music scholarships, and free family concerts.
Working with FHSR reminds Heather every day how music can transform and improve the world one song and one person at a time.
HEATHER BENNETT - VOCALS
Tristan Abrams
Michael Kopstain - Lead Guitarist
Michael Kopstain is a teacher, composer, and performer with over twenty years of musical experience.
Michael has had formal training at the Adler Center of the Performing Arts, College of Lake County, and McNally Smith College of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance. Michael has been a music instructor for over 10 years; teaching guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, music theory, sight-reading, and composition. His creative mindset, admirable sense of humor, and individualized teaching methods benefit each student’s personal progress. He has performed in a variety of bands/musical projects in the rock, blues, pop, funk, jazz, music theater and metal genres.
Currently, Michael is working on original instrumental music to be released soon.
MICHAEL KOPSTAIN - LEAD GUITAR
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monika Jedrzejek - lead singer
Chicago native Monika J began her musical journey as the lead vocalist for cover bands like “The Slippers” and the acoustic duo “Monika and Jimmy,” where she captivated audiences with a diverse range of songs from the 70s to today. Known for her rock-pop energy, raspy, and soulful vocal style, Monika delivers performances with a distinctive edge and emotional depth. Drawing inspiration from icons such as Stevie Nicks, Gwen Stefani, Blondie, Lady Gaga, and P!nk, her dynamic performances span pop, rock, and country genres.
Her songwriting career took off with the original band “A is A,” leading to her debut EP, “Ghost Garden.” As a solo artist, she melded her passion for dance, rock, and pop into her debut single,“I Found Love” (2019), followed by “Slow Down” and “Don’t Leave Me in the Storm.”
Monika’s 2024 singles, “Human Connection” and “The Good Ones,” further showcase her evolving sound. She is now deeply immersed in songwriting for her first solo album.
Monika is also thrilled to join The Generations band for their record release show, where she’ll rock out to classic 70s tunes.
Additionally, she has assembled a new band—name to be announced soon—to feature her original songs and high-energy 90s pop rock influences, drawing from bands like No Doubt and Green Day.
MONIKA JEDRZEJEK - LEAD SINGER
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ERIkA MINER - Vocals, Guitars, And KeyBoards
Erika Miner began piano lessons at eight years old and has been playing ever since. A student of the viola and a member of numerous choirs throughout her school years, she was first and foremost an MTV kid, which inspired her to begin guitar lessons at 13. Although life as a musician was never far from her mind, other obligations came to the forefront of her young adult years, followed by marriage, motherhood, and a few relocations. After turning 40, Erika made the decision to return to music and began networking within the Chicagoland music community, writing and recording her own songs, and eventually playing with local cover bands. In July 2023, Erika joined Chicago-area Guns N’ Roses tribute band Sins N’ Roses on keys and backing vocals. She enjoys music-based charity endeavors, experiencing live music events, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Erika and her husband, Aaron, and three teenagers live in Plainfield.
