German-born  John (JP) Pakalenka has been a music man all his life. Joining in his first band at 11 yrs old, now has played in over three dozen bands over his career. “I've always loved to play and sing. It's a big part of who I am”. In the mid seventies, JP played the bar touring circuit with “Shadow” from Seattle, WA. For seven years, they played most all the states West of the Mississippi river including, Alaska and Hawaii. In 1980, ending up in LA, the band starred in the B horror flick “New Years Evil” rated the worst movie of the year by Sykil and Ebert.

 “We were just glad to have world wide exposure at the time, even if the movie was a loser”.  1986 opened a new chapter with a band called “Balls of Fire” with Peter Kriss of the infamous KISS band. Band lasted about a year; again getting worldwide publicity, but only playing LA local venues. “A gig at [The Whiskey], I think was our best gig with Peter”.  In 1989, JP moved to Denver where his parents lived and helped form a power trio named “Losing Juliet”. “Best original band I ever played in. The guys were truly like brothers to me.”  In 93, JP joined up with “Buster Brown, a 17 year road dog, hard core, Funk, R&B band.

 “I learned a lot about the importance of what the guitar player does for this kind of music. The chords as well as the chinka-chinka stuff. I found it pretty cool actually”.  In late 1995, JP started teaching guitar. “I found I had a knack for working with people” (JP is currently a guitar instructor at Denver Music Institute. For more info please contact jpakalenka@aol.com or call 303-880-8053 and leave message )  In 2000, JP was offered a job as a worship leader at his church. “ I worked with 3 teams of players alternating each week.  It was a great experience that ended in Jan 08.

 “Oh my onine is here” and now JP finds himself back with a seasoned funk band, “Buckner Funken Jazz Band”. “ These are a wonderful group of guys that I really enjoy playing with. It makes playing out fun again. Thank you BFJ. I look forward to an exciting 2009 with you and the band's great following”