The GREAT UNKNOWNS - So who are these guys? The best band you never heard of - until now. . .
Chuck Hendrickson never met a stringed instrument he couldn't learn to play. Guitar, fiddle, banjo - and who knows what else. Chuck's guitar work is both versatile and outstanding - from country to jazz to rock. Have a listen and you'll agree. Chuck is also our "fiddle man", playing sweet melodies or crankin' out smokin' fiddle runs. You'll also find Chuck helping out on vocals, sometimes singing lead or adding harmony. Chuck takes his music seriously - but has a lot of fun making it.
Jim Wright is the guy in the cool hat behind those drums. A drummer who can play many styles of music from country to jazz. Jim not only ably handles the drums, but he is equally at home on a microphone. Jim's vocal talents are as much an asset to the GREAT UNKNOWNS as his solid drum rhythms.
Kevin Ryan lays down those solid bass lines that make everybody want to move. Even non-dancers have been heard to say "Honey, I can dance to these guys". Kevin is equally talented on both the six and twelve string guitar. His finger picking style is a joy to the ear. Kevin is a versatile and talented musician who also lends his strong voice to both lead and harmony parts.
Brian Baumgartner spends most of his musical performance time with TGU behind the keyboard. He can make those keys sound like a symphony, a "squeezebox", a concert grand piano or a Hammond B3. Watch out though, because sometimes we unleash some of his versatility and feature Brian on one of his saxophones, flute or the harmonica. Brian's wealth of musical performance pays off big with the GREAT UNKNOWNS. Brian can even be found on the guitar and often adding a needed harmony part. True to his German heritage (Baumgartner means "tree gardener"), Brian operates a successful family landscaping business in Sioux Falls.
Tim Polzin was born and raised in Luverne, MN, and graduated from high school there. Tim went to Bemidji State College and participated in choir and band. Tim and wife Jackie have 3 children and have become "empty nesters" with the graduation of their youngest in spring 2009. They have been married since 1986. Tim has been in sales and marketing for over 25 years and is currently employed by Esurance in the Loss Reporting Unit. Tim and Jackie have owned and operated Soul Man Music Company as a DJ and Karaoke service for over 10 years in the area. Tim has always loved the stage and performing, and is very excited to be a part of The Great Unknowns. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of a band with such talented musicians.
These are The GREAT UNKNOWNS - the best band you never heard of !!