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Dakota Midday: Guitarist Greg Koch

Greg Koch

Milwaukee Guitarist Greg Koch is admired for his astounding chops as well as his versatility. He plays a variety of styles: rock, blues, country, jazz and more. Koch has described his approach as “Chet Hendrix meeting the Kings (BB, Albert and Freddie) at the first annual Zeppelin-Holdsworth Coffee Guzzlers Hoedown.”

But there’s more to his playing than just his phenomenal skills and talent. Guitar Player magazine says he also has the feel, the groove, the swing and the soul that draws you in and keeps you there.

Koch has released a dozen CDs, along with several instructional books and DVDs. He’s also traveled the world at a clinician for the Fender guitar company.

Greg Koch is coming to Watertown on Sunday, August 9 for a 6:30 pm performance at the Goss Opera Housewith his band the Tone Controls and two guest guitarists, Johnny A and J.D. Simo.

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Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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