Bios

Dreadlock Dave

Dreadlock Dave is the founder and creative force behind Waterband, one of Northeast Ohio's original jam bands. For more than 30 years, he has captivated audiences as a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and performer, blending rock, funk, reggae, folk, blues, soul, and Americana into his signature style, which he calls "Folkedelicfunkpop." Known for uplifting original songs, inspired improvisation, and an engaging stage presence, Dave has built a career centered on bringing people together through music. As Waterband celebrates its 25th anniversary with a revitalized lineup, he continues to lead the band with the same passion, creativity, and commitment to community that have defined its legacy from the very beginning.

Ryan Mitiska

Ryan Mitiska has been playing the piano since he could reach it, with performances in front of an audience going all the way back to first grade. He has been in several groups over the years, and has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with The Wailers, Blues Traveler, Peter Wolf, and Rick Derringer, just to name a few. He has felt his whole life that his purpose was to play for you, and he has no intentions of stopping. An original member of Waterband, he is very excited to pick up where he left off, and is looking forward to playing these songs again, as well as bringing you brand new material.

Jon-o Yowell

Jon-o Yowell has been a driving force for more than three decades, in the Ohio, Colorado and New Mexico live music scenes, bringing a deep musical vocabulary, extraordinary groove and professionalism to every stage he steps onto. Based in Painesville, Ohio, Jon-o is known for his work on upright/electric bass, seamlessly moving between orchestral, Americana, reggae, roots rock, ska, folk, blues, classic rock, country, singer-songwriter and improvisational jam-oriented music. Whether laying down a solid foundation on electric bass, adding warmth and character on upright bass, contributing creative arrangements or recently adding his saxophone playing, Jon-o's focus remains the same: Serving the song and creating meaningful musical experiences, now for The Waterband audience.

Danny Jenkins

Danny Jenkins is an Akron Ohio born drummer. He learned his craft through public school and later studied at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles California. He has spent the majority of his playing years touring with the Kent, OH based band The Speedbumps. During that time he has played everywhere from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and everywhere in between. Danny has played gigs in small bars and big concert halls alongside full orchestras.

Josh Bailey

Josh Bailey is a guitarist based in Cleveland Ohio. He is a founding member of the band Grav and has been helping shape their sound since 2015. With a passion for improvisational music and rock n' roll, he tries to make each song and performance a unique experience. As a new member of Waterband, he is excited to blend his style into the infamous groove that Waterband has created.