Jétte: Léad Vocals / Kéyboard / Rhythm Guitar
Ricardo Valenzuela: Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar / Rhythm Guitar
Jeff Gish: Bass Guitar
Paul King: Lead Guitar / Vocals
Keith Lyons: Drums / Vocals
 Jétte Markstrom got into music when her hippie cousin gave her a guitar when she was about 9. She played drums in a band in High School when a friend told her that she should join Choral and sing. She went on to sing in a piano bar in Seattle and did studio work for a local artist in the early ‘80s. After taking part in a Christian Ministry music program in Florida in the mid ‘80s she returned to Seattle and joined an ‘80s “Hair Band”. Jétte has hosted Karaoke through most of the ‘90s and joined the Encounters in the late ‘90s. Oh, and she sing's the National Anthem at Northwest Sporting events. Yes, that's her real hair. Contact Jette@encountersband.com
 Rico V has been around the Puget Sound area for quite a long time. He's been involved in several music programs such as Hugh and the Beaumonts and has recently come to The Encounters from the top-forty band, Aqua Vinyl. He brings a whole new energy to the band. He shares lead vocal duties with Jétte, and lead guitar licks with Paul. Don't be surprised if you even find him getting behind the drum kit on a few songs.
Contact RicoV@encountersband.com
 Jeff Gish, "Gishy", or "Gish-Man" has been playing bass guitar for over 20 years. Gish also has played in a Bluegrass band and appreciates the diversity of styles. Gish also restores vintage audio equipment as a hobby. He is really the backbone of the group, so it's good that he's a "stand up guy"!. For a thin guy he sure has a "big bottom". He's Gish-a-licious! Contact Gish@encountersband.com
 Paul King grew up in a musical family where his dad played clarinet and harmonica and mom played piano. He got his first guitar when he was 9 but sports temporarily sidelined his musical pursuits. He got back into playing guitar at 18 and never looked back. Paul played in numerous garage bands performing in Idaho and Seattle, did some studio work on a CD for a local female Christian artist, and played in her band. He's also involved in playing "Live Karaoke". Paul has been involved with The Encounters for twelve years. Contact Paul@encountersband.com
 Keith Lyons has been into playing drums since he was ten (that's 40 years of hitting them drums, holy crap!). Keith's first rock band was a trio in Elementary school. He's continued to be involved with music including a couple original and another couple cover bands, as well as studio work, and recording production. He even had a sound and light company that ran stage shows at several clubs in the Seattle area in the '80s. These days he's occassionally filling in for drummers in several bands around the area ranging from Big Band and Blues to Oldies Rock. Keith and Gishy play a mean backbeat to help get people on their feet (without having to secretly remove chairs during breaks). Contact keith@encountersband.com
For Booking: Keith Lyons 209-909-5956
or keith@encountersband.com |
Special Thanks:
To Tom and Shanna Markstrom for all the hard work and support with sound reinforcement, shelter from the storm, cable repair, many wonderful photos, and just being there....Thanks!
And:
Thanks also to Annette Rivera, Anita, Richard Kimbell (UK), Heather Lyons, Peter Truss, Jana Gish, and Jay Virnoche for more wonderful photos used on this website!
Are there any personal questions you'd like the band to answer? How about individual band members? Send a note to
info@encountersband.com.
Disclaimer: Answers and opinions given by the band or individual
members are not necessarily the opinions of the band or individual
members.
Places where you've seenThe Encounters:
Rock Bottom in Bellevue
Mardini's in Snohomish
The Pickled Onion Pub in Renton
Marysville Strawberry Festival
Everett Event Center
Twin Dragon in Duvall
The Castle Nightclub in Everett
The Bamboo Bar and Grill on Alki
The Interchange in Renton
Marysville Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Lynnwood Eagles
The Kingdome
Rocko's Fireside Tavern in Everett
Cascade Aerie Eagles in Monroe
Argosy Cruise Lines Champagne Lady and The Spirit of Seattle Cruise Ships
Everett VFW Hall
Monroe Street Block Party in Everett
Everett Block Party
The Pastime Tavern in Sultan
The Backwater Bar & Grill in Kenmore
The Underground in Everett
Kenmore Community Center
Fairhaven Golf Course
Kent East Hill Block Party
The Jet Deck in Everett
The Rocker in Bothell
Pennies 4 Puppies fundraiser at McCollum Park - Everett
and soon at a Casino near you (I hope)!
