Kelseyville >> “Our tongues are firmly planted in our cheeks,” said Tommy Rickard, a.k.a. Jackie Jackson, drummer of San Francisco-based party rock band Wonder Bread 5. “There’s definitely a campiness to the band.”
The other band members sometimes refer to one another as Michael, Jermaine, Marlin and Action, at least when they take the stage. “It’s not like we actually go around calling ourselves that,” Rickard added.
Wonder Bread 5 performs at Moore Family Winery in Kelseyville tonight for the Concert in the Vineyard series.
The group began nearly two decades ago as a Jackson 5 tribute band and they’ve only had two member changes since. “My longest relationships are with four men,” Rickard joked.
Their first show fell on Thanksgiving night 18 years back and their popularity grew quickly. People began requesting tunes that weren’t by Michael Jackson or the Jackson 5 and the band departed from their original song list. Now, their performances run the gamut, from pop to rock to hip hop. While the genres may vary, their high energy is unchanging.
“If the Chilli Peppers were a cover band,” they would be like Wonder Bread 5, Rickard said. “We play everything that aggressive and as if we’re playing in front of 20,000 people.”
In addition to a constantly buzzing energy, improvisation is another important aspect of Wonder Bread 5. Though they have a set list, that doesn’t mean they always stick to it, even if the audience doesn’t realize. “As much as we want to entertain the crowd we like entertaining ourselves as well,” Rickard said. Sometimes without warning, one band member will jump in with their own take on a song and another musician will adjust accordingly. “We all feed off of each other in that way. It’s almost like a game we play on stage the crowd doesn’t know about.”
This gives the band their vibe. They can be covering a Taylor Swift song and Rickard will be inspired to play a drum solo, during which he’ll keep the beat of the tune so the audience still recognizes the song. From there, the band will perform a 180, transitioning to something like Metallica. “We’re not afraid to go over the edge,” Rickard said. “Where most people just go to the edge, we just jump off, and there may or may not be a parachute.”
While the band members are all involved in another project or two, Wonder Bread 5 is still a full-time job for each of them. They juggle 120 shows a year, travel far and wide for gigs and meet up weekly for rehearsals.
Being in a cover band has its benefits. Rickard, who also plays original music outside the group, said Wonder Bread 5 gives him the financial freedom to work on other creative pursuits without worrying about a day job. Where it used to be simpler for a musician to get signed to a label, things have changed in today’s music scene. “Cover bands now are an outlet for musicians to continue to make a living in a world where it’s not as easy as it used to be,” Rickard said.
Playing covers has creative upsides as well, such as the opportunity for a musician to perfect their skills while also practicing their ability to adapt. “Plus, I get to hang out with my best friends and play music that I love,” Rickard added.
No matter the material a band performs, be it originals or covers, musicians and audiences alike appreciate the music all the same. “The fact that you play in a cover band, that almost becomes an afterthought,” Rickard said. “You’re just a musician. They don’t say, ‘oh, you’re not a real musician, you’re in a cover band.’ You’re the entertainment and they’re really excited.”
Through his drumming, Rickard feels as though he can really connect with an audience. It makes performing unlike any other experience. “If you’re playing a great groove, it’s infectious, the crowd will just start moving,” he said. “In a way you feel like you’re a part of that and that’s just the most amazing feeling as a drummer … There’s not a feeling like that. It’s addictive.”
Wonder Bread 5 has performed in Lake County before. They visited 12 years ago for the Summer Concert Series at Library Park and last year they were at Moore Family Winery for the same event they’re playing tonight. They enjoy visiting the area for the friendly, hospitable vibe. “They’re very excited to have us and, and we get equally excited from that energy,” Rickard said.
Anyone interested in seeing Wonder Bread 5 perform should be ready for a wild journey. “Just come down and have a good time,” Rickard said. “Every show of ours is different. We have a set but in that set there’s always going to be some improvising … Be prepared to enjoy the ride that we take you on.”
Wonder Bread 5 perform tonight at Moore Family Winery in Kelseyville at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.moorefamilywinery.com.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
