I’ve been playing music since I was 9 yrs old. My first instrument I learned to play was drums then I traded my drums off to a friend for a guitar and amp. I later bought another set of drums and ended up playing in the jazz band in Jr. High School where I actually got interested in the sax. And took up playing sax as well and loved it. When I got into High School I added bass to my repertoire for the jazz band. I now play a variety of instruments including the piano but my forte is playing bass and drums.
I grew up in a little town called Rochester, Indiana. Where I played drums for a band out of Goshen, Indiana called Hit or Miss, an alternative rock band. Played drums for a couple years in a Tennessee band called Authority, due to everyone in the band being Police Officers. I have played opening bands for celebrities such as: Kenny Chesney, Brooks and Dun, Davie Jones (The Monkeys), and Confederate Railroad. Indianapolis based bands have included: The Back Draft Band (drums), The Decades Band (Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, Lead Vocals), Josh Mahoney and the Second Chance Band (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals), Rock Alley (Lead Vocals, Guitar, And Keys.), The Night Crew Band (Bass, and Vocals). With KikAxe, I now primarily play drums but will jump in on a variety instruments throughout the show. I use a Yamaha Custom Stage Kit, Aquarian and or Evens Drum Heads, and Zyljian Cymbals.
Meet the KikAxe Members
James Artist: Drums/Guitars/Bass/Vocals
Jeff Hudson: Keys/Trumpet/Bass/Vocals
I've been fortunate enough to play music for 42 years, starting piano at age 6, and I've really experienced alot over the course of my musical career. When school band started, trumpet became my primary instrument for the next many years, and I studied with Paul Hilgeman of the Indianapolis Symphony. I've won numerous awards in music during school, and went on to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA for 2 years before deciding that what I needed was a "real life" musical education. So, I went on the road with a band for a couple years and have played actively in bands of most all genres ever since. I got back into keyboards, and began singing, playing bass, and writing songs in high school. All that continued thru and beyond college, and eventually, I became primarily a keyboardist/Vocalist/Singer-Songwriter, and had my own original band in Boston in the mid 80's called Mirage. I got some airplay in Boston as well as some favorable reviews in the Boston Arts & Entertainment magazine, The Beat. I continue to promote my own original music on Myspace, at www.myspace.com/jeffhudson3. I've been lucky enough to have played with many very gifted musicians over the years. After living and playing in the New England area for the past 29 yrs., I've moved back home to Indy, as a professional musician and teacher (at All About Music), and have now been lucky enough to hook-up with Kik Axe, a fine group of people, and musicians, and hope that I can make a positive impact on an already very good band.
Sherri Wilkerson: Drums/Guitar/Vocals
I have been involved with music for as long as I can remember. I started out seeking a career in music education long ago but decided to redirect by taking a 10 year tour in the United States Navy. I sold my drum set to a student of mine before leaving for duty and didn’t play for over 16 ½ years while I finished my military tour and established my current career. My position immediately following the Navy required extensive travel so it wasn’t until I landed a job here in Indianapolis that time allowed me (in 2004) to pursue my musical interest once again.
I couldn’t have found better guys to work with and appreciate and respect the talents of my fellow KikAxe members. They allow me to drive the beat, sing lead, harmonies and even play a little guitar once in while!
Musical Resume:
• Studied music education concentrating on percussion performance at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) Illinois. (1984-1987)
• Performed with SIUE orchestra, symphonic band, jazz combo’s and Dixie land band.
• Performed with Southern Illinois/St. Louis area Rock and Country Bands from 1983-1988. Longest running band of this time was an all female county band (Rainbow Express) that consisted of three sisters and myself.
• In 2004-2005, resumed musical hobby by joining an Indianapolis Blues/Rock group called Bluedog.
• December 2005-February 2007 drums and vocals for Indianapolis Rock Band “4Sum”.
• February 2007 stayed with 3 previous band members to form the new Rock Band KikAxe.
I couldn’t have found better guys to work with and appreciate and respect the talents of my fellow KikAxe members. They allow me to drive the beat, sing lead, harmonies and even play a little guitar once in while!
Musical Resume:
• Studied music education concentrating on percussion performance at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) Illinois. (1984-1987)
• Performed with SIUE orchestra, symphonic band, jazz combo’s and Dixie land band.
• Performed with Southern Illinois/St. Louis area Rock and Country Bands from 1983-1988. Longest running band of this time was an all female county band (Rainbow Express) that consisted of three sisters and myself.
• In 2004-2005, resumed musical hobby by joining an Indianapolis Blues/Rock group called Bluedog.
• December 2005-February 2007 drums and vocals for Indianapolis Rock Band “4Sum”.
• February 2007 stayed with 3 previous band members to form the new Rock Band KikAxe.
Harley Taylor: Bass/Vocals
I started singing in second grade at my Christian school and continued until I was 15 when I joined a gospel quartet. the quartet consisted of 2 girls 2 boys. The other three members were musicians so I picked up playing bass. The name of the group was the 4 gospels. We performed churches throughout Indiana. I later started playing bass and traveling with the mens quartet from our church.
Taking a break to raise my three children I found my way back to the love of music and started playing in a variety of country, blues and rock bands ever since.
Comment about Harley: Harley is the driving thunder of the group on bass but has many musical talents as he can play a variety of instruments including some keys and guitar. His vocal experience is evident in his singing as he spans ranges from melodic songs like "Still got the blues" to "Renegade" to "Play that Funky Music" to "Crazy train"! He might even sneak out a little rap once in a while! Just when you think he is shy....he'll surprise you!
Taking a break to raise my three children I found my way back to the love of music and started playing in a variety of country, blues and rock bands ever since.
Comment about Harley: Harley is the driving thunder of the group on bass but has many musical talents as he can play a variety of instruments including some keys and guitar. His vocal experience is evident in his singing as he spans ranges from melodic songs like "Still got the blues" to "Renegade" to "Play that Funky Music" to "Crazy train"! He might even sneak out a little rap once in a while! Just when you think he is shy....he'll surprise you!
Marvin Rader: Lead Guitar/Vocals
I first learned to play guitar around the age of fourteen and found that I had an undying interest in the instrument. I took every opportunity to develop my skills by working with other guitarist and performing every chance I could.
Until my early thirty's I played off and on in the bars before making the decision to play full time on the road. Spending 4 years in the traveling circuit I then returned home to resume performing weekends around the local Indianapolis area.
I later took a seven year hiatus until a dear friend influenced me into picking it back up. He was an excellent guitar player in his own right an I had the great pleasure of performing with him for a short time before his passing. I'll never forget him and I thank him for reminding me how music fills my life.
This KikAxe group has a group of people with wonderful personalities and talent. This is the combination that feeds my soul. I look forward to every rehearsal and performance. Check us out and you will notice the chemistry that makes great music!
Until my early thirty's I played off and on in the bars before making the decision to play full time on the road. Spending 4 years in the traveling circuit I then returned home to resume performing weekends around the local Indianapolis area.
I later took a seven year hiatus until a dear friend influenced me into picking it back up. He was an excellent guitar player in his own right an I had the great pleasure of performing with him for a short time before his passing. I'll never forget him and I thank him for reminding me how music fills my life.
This KikAxe group has a group of people with wonderful personalities and talent. This is the combination that feeds my soul. I look forward to every rehearsal and performance. Check us out and you will notice the chemistry that makes great music!