Mark Yoakam
Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, “Uncle Mark” grew up in Los Angeles and has been playing guitar since he was ten years old. An accomplished vocalist as well, Mark’s musical experience has spanned nearly four decades.

It didn’t take the “big guys” in the So-Cal music world too long to realize his amazing expertise with playing so many different genres of music. Influenced by artists such as Jimi, Beck, Clapton, Walsh and Larry Carlton, Mark has spent personal time and/or recorded with many of his musical heroes. Most of us have unknowingly heard either Mark’s voice or guitar work on movie soundtracks, TV sitcoms and artist demo work.

Moving to Colorado to escape the fast-paced city life, Mark enjoys pointing out the fun of playing with his “Griswold Boys.” His thoughts on people hearing the band for the first time? “Relax and enjoy the trip…”

 

Paul Henry
Bass Guitar, Vocals  

Paul, 33, hails from Rhode Island, where he started playing guitar when he was twelve years old. Since he kept on growing, getting bigger and stronger every year, he kept breaking his guitar strings, so he decided to start playing a bass guitar when he was about 25 years old.

A long-standing veteran with the Tripping Griswolds and pure music lover, Paul’s influences are covered only with a very broad paintbrush. He listens to every type of music and adapts to various styles very fluently.

 

 

Parker Freeland
Drums/Percussion, Vocals

Born in Pittsburgh, Parker has been playing and studying music for over 35 years. He has studied jazz and jazz improvisation at Berklee School of Music in Boston where he had the opportunity to study with two of his idols, percussionist great Luis Conte and legendary drummer David Garibaldi of Tower of Power. 

As a  vocalist, Parker “really brings it!” to every Griswolds show with his four-octave range. His professional music career has included memorable performances with Kenny Loggins, Rusted Root and Fleetwood Mac.

Parker also enjoys West African drum and dance culture. Since his arrival to the Denver area, he has participated in various drum circles and performances here. Parker has the God-given gift of being able to help other people find their own rhythmic sense and musical side, even in those who thought they had no musical ability at all. He always says, “Everyone has rhythm in them,… we just have to find it.”