Meet the Band
Eddie Volkman
Eddie Volkman is a longtime fixture on Chicago morning radio, having spent more than two decades as half of the “Eddie and Jobo Morning Show.” Eddie now hosts a solo show on 103.9 The Fox, playing classic rock for the northern suburbs of Chicago. A broadcasting teacher and television spokesperson, Eddie joined the band in 2009 and has since assumed the majority of lead vocals, hence “The Eddie V. Band.”
Jerry Volkman
Jerry works for McDonald’s, making the next great products for the well-known burger chain. He learned piano and band instruments in his grade school days.
As an adult, he learned to play the bass for the Eddie V Band to help raise money for worthy charities like the Ronald McDonald House. Jerry lives in Lake Zurich, IL.
Paula Marshall
Paula Marshall is CEO of Bama Companies, a family manufacturing business that supplies food products to McDonald’s.
Paula has had a passion for music for as long as she can remember. She has been in choir since childhood, and learned to play the drums at sixteen. She sings backup vocals and does percussion for the Eddie V Band.
Jerry Johnson
When Jerry is not playing in the band, he is Vice President of Technical Services for Alamance Foods, makers of Fun Pops and Aerosol Whipped Cream! (He is a laughing gas expert.) He is a founding member of the band and has been playing piano since the 4th grade. He loves classic rock; however, he has a deep appreciation of all music from Bach to the Beatles.
Dave Smolarek
Dave first picked up the guitar at age seven. He studied with Zen Golf Master Ty Webb, but became frustrated quickly as the Zen Master knew little about guitars, music, tube amp modification, or even personal hygiene. Undaunted by this, he was driven to be a musician. Driven everywhere, he was. Lessons, band practice…
Dawanda Fletcher
Dawanda is a former McDonald’s employee that started with the band in 2009. She has been singing the melodies of various genres such as gospel, R&B, and classic rock for over 30 years. She has a great ear for finding awesome harmonies and enjoys teaching singing parts. Her hometown is sweet home Chicago, IL.
Mike Trnka
A native of Algonquin, IL, our very talented drummer works by day at PepsiCo-Quaker Oats as an engineer. You may have seen him as Izzy Wylde in the ’70s rock tribute band 8-TRACK. He started banging on things early in his childhood and eventually got his first drum kit in the 5th grade. He started playing clubs at 16 and has been in the Chicago music scene ever since. He likes long walks on the beach, candlelit dinners, and curling up in front of a cozy fire.
Don P.
Chief Financial Officer of a major organization and long-time rock musician.