Mike "The Fireman" Fuss of Madison, Wisconsin.  Lives in Old Fire Station #8 on Madison's Northeast side.  He has played in bands for 35 years.  Lead singer and has been playing steel guitar since 1984.  Former bands-Country Bumpkins, Ghost Riders, The Firemen, Thunderoad, Hot Walker, CW Express and Caddy and Company.  Served Madison Fire Department for 31 years.  Retired in 2000.  He enjoys fishing, playing softball, cooking, being a board member for the Milwaukee Braves Historical Association,  being involved with Firefighters local 311, Madison, publishing the Madison Fire Dept. Old Timers newsletter, model fire engines. model fire stations and model trains ( and the real big trains too). Favorite Country and Western singers Charley Pride and Johnny Cash (Specializing in Johnny Cash songs.  Mike loves doing them and he sounds like Johnny too! You won't be disappointed).  Friend of Eddie Mathews baseball (hall of fame) player who played 3rd base for the Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, then-also played with and managed home run king Hank Aaron.  Wrote song about Eddie Mathews after he died called The Brookfield Bomber. A nice two step ballad.  Ask Mike to sing it to you.  Loves and plays old Country and Western music.  Can do 50's and 60's rock and roll also.  Come see the Cherokee band.  You'll love them.  "You are entering Cherokee Country"  Country and Western music the way you like it.

Randy Kiel has been playing in bands around Madison for years.  They include:  Universal Sound for 14 yrs. and Jerry Steuber and the Versatiles.  He's traveled with other bands also.  Randy plays lead guitar and will be with us whenever he can.  His knowledge of songs and singers, especially Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, are a treasured item.  Randy's dynamite personality makes him a favorite with people.  He's a great singer and a fun guy to be around.  He also teaches guitar and also does a single act.  Ask Randy to do some Elvis.  He loves doing Elvis.

Pedro Pena is back as a member of the Cherokee band as the main drummer..  He started in February of 2005 and played till April.  Pedro has years of experience on drums.  He also plays harmonica and sings.  He sounds so much like Freddy Fender that you wouldn't believe it wasn't him.  Ask him to sing some Freddy Fender songs.  He'll be glad to do it for you.  Pedro played  with Al Dykstra for many years and also with Swing shift.  He has also played in other bands over the years.  His great personality and voice are a treasured trademark.  Pedro will be playing with us all he can.  Welcome back Pedro!  It's great to have you with us.

Ron Aaroen is our newest member of the Cherokee band and will be playing Bass. He hails from Mc Farland WI, he has been playing since 1972.  He Started with Country Outlaws and has played with the following Bands: High Riders, Funky Country. Storm River Band, Bobby Bullet Band, Kathy West Band, Dick Sorenson Band, Sherry Rhae & Side Saddle and Classic Country.  He has also play for a short while with Dave Duddly.  Ron has many friends in the Madison area and says he is going enjoy playing with the Cherokee.  Mike welcomes Ron to the Band and hopes to have a long and enjoyable time making music with Him

Jerry Gilbertsen will be playing bass part time for our band.  Jerry has played with me off and on over the years.  He was our lead player in my first 3 bands.  The Country Bumpkins,  Ghost Riders and the first Fireman band.  He has also filled in with Cherokee the last 2 years.  His dad is George (Smokey) Gilbertsen.   He played with the Goose Island Ramblers for years.  He's a terrific fiddle player.  Jerrys Uncle,  Leroy Gilbertsen played steel and lead guitar for years around Madison.  Jerry is laid back and alot of fun.  Very talented!  I'm happy to have him play when he can make it.

Kenny Knoll has been playing music for 45 years.  He is one of the best steel and lead player in and around Wisconsin.  He has played behind many Grand Ole Opry Stars over the years such as: Charley Pride, Carl Smith, Jan Howard, The Browns etc.  He excels in all of the songs he plays.  He is a very gifted talent.  Ask him to play foggy mountain breakdown.  You won't believe it.  He's very laid back,  loves to play, have fun and mixes very well with a crowd.  It is a real pleasure to sing and play along side Kenny or just watch him.  We are very honored to have him.  He'll be playing with us when he can.  Come out and see and meet him. 

John Austin has been playing lead guitar and singing for 40yrs.  He's a big guy with a big heart.  Big John has backed such stars as Johnny Wright, Peggy Sue (Loretta Lynn's sister) and Sonny Martin (one of the first sheriffs on Hee Haw) plus many others:  He also had bands called The Vintours, Continentals, John Vincent Group and The Johnny Austin Group.  His laid back approach and quiet personality is a real asset.  John loves to play and entertain and he's great at it.  John, Pedro and I have played together on and off through the years.  He'll be playing with us at different times also.  Welcome aboard Big John!