Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood? The Ozaukee County Jam Band

An early 1970's photo of the Ozaukee County Jam Band, featuring three of the current members: From left, Paul Fonder, Michael Sipin and Tom Sipin.

Anyone familiar with the music scene around Oz may well have heard of the Ozaukee County Jam Band.  Since the 1970's, the band has incorporated numerous musicians around the area, playing rock and blues to audiences of all ages.

At the core of the band is Michael Sipin, a guitarist who once hailed from Oz, but now resides in West Bend, and who has been in too many bands and played with too many musicians over too many years to count.  What makes the Jam Band interesting, though, is the family ties.

Michael's son, Mike, was just a baby when the OCJB made their first appearance in the early 70's.  Michael's brother, Tom, played bass guitar in the band, and little Mike had his first crack at a drum set during a break in one of the band's performances, when he was just a toddler.  The crowd applauded, and a drummer was born.

Back in 2000, the OCJB reunited at the encouragement of one of its prior members, Jim Bohn, from Grafton, and even released a CD of original music entitled Old Dog, New Tricks.

Now, the band is back together again, with three of its original members:  Michael Sipin on guitar, Tom Sipin on bass, and Paul Fonder on sax and flute.  This time around, though, Michael's son, Mike Sipin, will be on the drums.  Furthermore, one of their first shows will be for a good cause in the county they're named for.

This Sunday, March 6th, the Ozaukee County Jam Band will play for a Mel's Charities Pig Roast Event to benefit the Grafton American Legion Rose Harms Post, as well as other Ozaukee nonprofits.  The event will take place at the Grafton American Legion (1540 13th Avenue in Grafton) from 1-5.  The band will be playing from 2-4, and Mel's delicious pulled pork sandwiches will be available to purchase.  

As Mel's Charities says, "Great times for Great Causes."  This event is sure to be a great one - don't miss it!

---