1FUP Band Members

Robbie “Donuts” Wingler- Bassist

When Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow” caught his eye in 1991 at the age of 12, he knew he was destined to be a bass player. Jeff Ament’s influence playing bass in that video inspired him to start the next 26 years of his life. Later in the 90’s, he discovered Jack Bruce of Cream and everything changed. This is when he knew that bass could go beyond a supporting role and his mind was blown! Throughout this journey, he found that Flea would give him groove goals, Gene Simmons (the god of thunder) would inspire his showmanship, and he would choreograph all of his own stunts.

After studying jazz bass and playing concepts with excellent teachers, he became versed and accomplished in electric bass, fretless bass, upright bass as well as extended range basses. Some of his preferred equipment includes: Warwick basses and amplifiers, SWR cabinets, GHS Boomer strings and live wire cables.

Rob has played venues such as The Stone Pony and Lakewood Blue Claws. His passion is live performance because there’s nothing like putting on a good show where the crowd enjoys it as much as the band.

Mr. Donuts was once was rated in the top ten bass players by a guy who only has seen ten bass players…Very Impressive!

J. De – Lead Singer, Percussion & Harmonica

Jim has been singing and fronting bands for over a decade.  His enormous range covers everything from Motown and Blue Eyed Soul to Dance to Metal and Blues.  He can, for the most part, sing just about anything.

As a front man, Jim worked as an MC and Host for 1000’s of events and club nights over the last 20 years.  From the stage he likes to joke with the crowd and get the audience singing along.  His goal is to make sure everyone is having a great time!

 

 

 

 

 Jay “Killer” Karnatski – Drums & Percussion

Jay’s very first music influence was The Rolling Stones.  Classic bands, such as, The Beatles, The Animals, Jethro Tull and The Who drew him to Classic Rock and Blues  as did Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest.  As he got older it was Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax and the whole thrash metal scene.  As the 90’s approached there was the Seattle movement, which offered a brand new genre of talent and techniques. Jay just always loved Rock & Roll in all of it’s forms.
 
As far as drummers were concerned his biggest influences were Clive Burr (Iron Maiden) and Lars Ulrich (Metallica)  Like many drummers, Jay doesn’t read music, so he relies very heavily on his ability to listen and learn.  This way of learning songs has served him well. He’s played many types of music, covers and originals, but covering the classic rock movement is his go to!. the most   He’s been with One Flight Up since the beginning!
 

 Mike “J” Juros – Rhythm & Lead Guitar

 Mike’s musical journey began playing trumpet, followed by drums and percussion; but his family happened to have a classical guitar in the house and he took to plunking on it and learning bass lines to some of his favorite songs by ear. Fast-forward a number of years, and the fire that fed his infatuation with guitar and music only grew stronger, and he was able to save up and buy his first electric guitar and small amp.


Like many in the 80’s, he was exposed to the guitar heroics that flooded FM radio and TV, but also came to be influenced by earlier artists, progressive rock, jazz-fusion, and singer-songwriters. Along the way, he continued to absorb all sorts of musical influences and play in bands including Delta Hitchhikers, Jester’s Dead, and Bizarre Love Triangle (BLT). He also formed a small acoustic group, The Ferocious Termites, which focused on vocal harmonies integrated with folk and “unplugged” rock. Mike’s love for the blues grew, and he began digging deeper to unearth the early musicians that influenced his favorite bands. This was coupled by playing in blues and R&B-based bands including The Rippers, and Blues Tattoo. Now a family guy, he continues to pursue his love of music as part of One Flight Up!

Kevin Wingler – Lead & Rhythm Guitar

Inspired to play music from an early age, his mother always had the house filled with the sounds of the Beatles and Other British Invasion bands. Kevin cut his teeth in the now infamous Brooklyn block party scene, playing with various different bands. He gained a reputation for tasteful playing and showmanship. Throughout the years he would play with and lead a number of bands. As well as opening for national acts including Tavares and the Duprees.

Kevin favors Gibson and PRS guitars as well as Rivera amplification.