Tommy Carlyle
Hammond B3, Keyboards, Backup vocals
Tommy Carlyle, the keyboardist for F5, comes to Wichita via the west coast, most notably L.A. and Seattle, where he had a rather diverse musical career. In Los Angeles, he was a jingle writer, studio musician, and live performer, and his live and studio credits include recording with, performing with or opening for The Gregg Allman band, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath fame, Lee Oskar, Roger Fisher formerly of Heart, Delbert McClinton, Rainbow, and many others. Upon relocating to Wichita, Tommy joined the popular group "Gravy from the Hip" which subsequently morphed into "Gravy" and went on the win the 2002 AND 2003 Blues Challenge, where they represented Kansas in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge. From 2002 to 2005 Tommy ran A#1 Studios in Wichita where he engineered and produced over 80 CD's of local and regional bands. In 2007, Tommy helped put together the predecessor of F5, the critically acclaimed "Agents of Retro". Musical differences led to the demise of that project, but it was from those ashes that F5 arose. F5 features Tommy?s keyboard playing and especially Hammond B3 organ predominately, and allows Tommy to stretch back into his progressive rock roots from time to time. A published songwriter, Tommy's work and songwriting have been featured on over a dozen CD's by various artists.
Mike Cody
Bass, Backup Vocals
Mike didn't start playing bass until he was 23 years old. A friend gave him a 12 string and told him to learn how to play it and they would start a band. He ended up bringing it back and told his friend the strings were to close together. He pulled out a bass and asked if this would be easier, and the rest is history. Mike quickly picked up on stuff like Pink Floyd, Cheap Trick, Foghat, and the blues.
After a couple of years of learning off of records and playing by ear, Mike knew the next step would be to take lessons (he previously took organ lessons for eight years). While at Danny Saraphine's club ,B'Ginnings', Mike had a Bass Player's Epiphany. Local bass legend Bill Syniar was there with his band Tantrum and right then and there is when Mike knew he wanted to play in a band, and wanted to be able to play like Bill Syniar. Even better, Mike ended up taking lessons from Bill. ?He totally changed the way I looked at playing bass, great teacher, great guy!
While playing in Chicago, Mike has jammed with or backed up Koko Taylor, Lil, Ed, Lonnie Brooks, Phil Guy and Buddy Guy, and Jimmie Rogers. Mike was also one of the original members of Texas Flood?.
Since moving from Chicago to Wichita back in '92, Mike has played in various bands in and around Wichita. He also has been involved in some recording projects as well.
Jim Watts
Lead Vocals, guitar
Jim Watts ? A native of Kansas, Jim has been singing and playing for some 30 years.??? Cutting his teeth on the classic rock of the 70's, Jim came up through the metal heyday of the 80's and the "alternative" variety of the 90's.? One of the few singers who can truly sing nearly anything, Jim has a voice which has to be heard to be believed; range to spare, and powerful, yet soft and subtle when need be.? Major influences include Robert Plant (who else?) and John Schlitt, but it's hard to say Jim sounds 'like' anyone except, well, Jim.? Married for nearly 30 years and with three kids, playing rock and roll is his second life, his bit of sanity and insanity,?simultaneously,?and at the same time.? When he's not playing music, he'll be found fishing, boating, climbing rocks with his sons, or shooting.
Pete Prentice
Drums, Vocals
Hailing from the East Coast, Pete began playing drums at the age of six, taking private lessons and playing in his school?s Drum Corp until the age of thirteen. At fourteen, with his parents in tow because of his age, Pete played his first live gig at a local nightclub, and the rest is history!! Pete cut his teeth in several local Baltimore and New York bands through the eighties and nineties, touring up and down the East Coast. His passion and pounding showmanship bleed through in his style and love for performing live. Pete is also an accomplished songwriter and vocalist. Now residing here in Wichita and ?proudly keeping time for F5, His presence and energy on stage will leave your spirit wanting more!!
Don Kuchta
Lead guitar, Backup vocals
Originally hailing from Michigan, Don grew up listening to some of the greatest music from the 60's and 70's. Don was influenced by all the talent from the Detroit area.
It all started when Don's older cousin snuck him in to the upper tier of Cobo Hall to catch the last 20 minutes of the Jimi Hendrix concert on November 30th, 1968. Don was only 7 years old and only remembers a vague image of a lot of noise and lights. But, from that moment on, Don wanted to play guitar!
In 1971, Don's family moved to Brighton Michigan, just north of Ann Arbor. David TeeGarden, the drummer's for Bob Seager's Silver Bullet Band lived just a block away. All the kids in the neighborhood used listen to the band practice out of an old rickety garage. Don even got to watch Mark Farner play acoustic guitar at a 100 keg party (only 3000 people showed up).
Don finally got his first guitar at the age of 15. By then Don was in to bands such as Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Ted Nugent. At the age of 16, Don took guitar lessons from Mike Lutz, best known for his work with Brownsville Station at Al Nalli's Music Store/Studio. Don continued playing guitar in various bands until the age of 23. Then he hung up his axe for almost 10 years to work on his career and family.
Don moved to Kansas at the end of 1991. Don still had one left over guitar. He went to a pawn shop, bought an a amp and started all over again! Don has performed with or opened for Bands or Artists such as Michael Lee Firkins, The Turtles, .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. From 1996 to 1999 Don played lead guitar for Gee Wally. From 2001 to 2008 He played guitar for Klatch, and most recently played for Lobster Adoption.
Don enjoys playing a wide variety of classic and new rock, and maybe a little bit of country. His favorite artists today are Rush, Led Zeppelin, and the Foo Fighters. The opportunity for Don to play with the musicians from F5 is an honor, and represents both a challenge and dream to play the music he grew up listening to.
