THE BAND
BILL KESEL
// keyboards and Vocalist
Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Bill started piano lessons at age 6. He established his first band in high school and continued playing with various groups in college and thereafter. He took a long break from music to pursue a career in aviation, ultimately achieving his goal as an airline pilot. A plane landed him in Roanoke, VA, in 1997 where he rebooted his music pursuit through the open mic scenes at Fork in the Alley and 202 Market. This is what launched the idea of starting the DogRocket Blues Band in which he founded about 8 years ago.
MIKE JACOBS
// guitarist and Vocals
Mike grew up in Roanoke in a family who loved music. He played trombone in middle and high school bands and later starting playing the guitar. He played in several bands over the years as well as lead worship in church. He sings and plays over instruments including bass, drums, and mandolin. Mike enjoys playing songs and gigging with his friends in the DogRocket Blues Band.
DAVID MATHERLY
// drums and Vocals
David has been playing drums and percussion since age 10. Although originally a native of Southwest Virginia, he has recently moved back to the area with his wife and family. David's experience includes stints with the variety bands The Killer Beez in Columbia, South Carolina, beach, country, rhythm and blues, oldies, and pop with The Trajick Band in the North Carolina Triad, Hands Down band in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Americana with Electric Woodshed from Blacksburg, Virginia, and 80's Rock with Blitz from SW Virginia. David enjoys playing with his musical brothers in DRBB and loves the variety and original music that brings smiles to everyone that listens and comes out to hear the band play!
JOE CUSTER
// bass
Joe is a native Roanoker. That's right, born and raised right here in the Star City. He attended high school and college in Roanoke. Previously working at a grocery warehouse, he was passionate about airplanes. His passion became a career as a commercial airline pilot. Both Domestic and National music always had a special place in his heart. Not very long ago he purchased a bass guitar and has been playing ever since. For him luck has been on his side as he has been able to do the two things that he always wanted to do. Now as a proud member of the DogRockt Blues band he gets to jam on his bass all the time.