The reggae-infused funk, jam and rock band plays a special 20th birthday show in Cadillac this weekend, with plans for recording new material in 2024. The back story and a video at Local Spins.
An ‘Amazing’ Two-Decade-Long Run: Soul Patch (Courtesy Photo)
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO, UPCOMING SHOWS
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
Christopher “Wink” Winkelman likes to say that the Traverse City band Soul Patch got its start by accident, after a couple of gig cancellations brought him together with mandolinist Michael “Mando” Peck for an impromptu duo performance.
But 20 years after the band’s first official show at the debut of Hoxeyville Music Festival in August 2003, Soul Patch continues to churn out its intoxicating mix of reggae, funk, rock and bluegrass.
“If you haven’t checked out Soul Patch in a spell, you may want to,” Winkelman insisted. “These old souls are still putting on quite a show for audiences all over the great state of Michigan and don’t play to stop anytime soon.
“To say it’s still here 20 years later is surreal to say the least. I’m humbled, I’m grateful, I’m proud and still excited for our next shows.”
The 20th anniversary edition of Soul Patch features Winkelman on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and longtime members Adam Sleder on guitar, banjo and harmonica, and Marc “Animal” Alderman on drums and percussion, along with guitarist Sam Busk, keyboardist Nate Karnes and bassist Kevin Gills.
The Band: A ‘surreal’ legacy. (Courtesy Photo)
“There’s not too many genres we don’t touch, but we tend to fall in the ‘fresh coast reggae’ style mostly,” Winkelman said. “Our influences are vast for certain. I would say that reggae takes the driver’s seat and funk rides shotgun with our kids – rock, jam and bluegrass – riding in the back.”
Winkelman called 2023 “another amazing year” for the band, which performs as many as five times a month with plans for recording new material in 2024.
Soul Patch plays the Cadillac Performing Arts Pavilion in Cadillac on Sunday (8/20), a 20th anniversary show that also features The Patriot Choir as part of the Sundays by the Lake Concert Series. The show starts at 3 p.m., with Soul Patch performing at 6 p.m. More details at jamandbreadmi.com.
The band also plays Pond Jam in Rapid City on Sept. 1, Short’s Brewing Co. in Bellaire on Sept. 15 and Leelanau Uncaged in Northport on Sept. 30. Winkelman also plays The Pub TC in Traverse City with Gills on Aug. 25, as well as solo shows at Taproot Cider House in Traverse City on Aug. 27 and Lake Ann Brewing in Lake Ann on Aug. 30.
Winkelman called the band’s two-decade-long run surprising and gratifying.
“I came from literally nothing in this business to independently – with the help of bandmates, family and so many more – releasing three albums, touring the Midwest, booking countless shows and still being here with the same band, with very little changeover in members 20 years later. It’s so nuts,” he said.
“We’re going to keep making it bright with our family, friends and Soul Patch kids, and whomever else jumps on the bus.”
VIDEO: Soul Patch, “Ganja Babe”
Copyright 2023, Spins on Music LLC
