About
JKMF exists because of one keyboard player and the scene he helped hold together. This is that scene.
Joe
Joe Kirchner played keys, synth, and keytar in Bozeman for well over a decade. He was a founding member of Pinky and the Floyd and its most recognizable face for 16 years: pink beehive wig, keytar solos, stage right. He also held down keys in Moth and Dead Sky.
Joe died in a motorcycle crash outside Bozeman in September 2024. The people he played with describe him as the guy who always listened, always hugged, and couldn't be replaced. Pinky still leaves his spot on stage open.
The Joe Kirchner Memorial Fund carries that forward: help for musicians and their families through hard times, support for young and working players, and a path to mental health and addiction care.
The bands
Pink Floyd tribute
A big-stage Pink Floyd show built in Bozeman, playing The ELM, The Wilma, and KettleHouse Amphitheater. In 2025 they played two tribute shows for Joe at The ELM, with proceeds going to the fund.
With Luke Flansburg and Jake Fleming
Grateful Dead tribute
Started in 2019 out of a one-off Dead night at the Filling Station. Known for three-part harmonies, Halloween at The ELM, and New Year's runs in Bozeman and Missoula. The band has lost two Joes: founder Joe Knapp in 2021 and Joe Kirchner in 2024.
With Kelly Nicholson, Luke Flansburg, Jess Atkins, Rich Robiscoe, Joe Sheehan
Electro-funk jam
Dance-floor jam band, somewhere between Daft Punk and Umphrey's McGee, and a longtime fixture of the Montana jam scene. Joe ran keys and synth.
With Luke Flansburg, Jesse Barney, Brett Goodell, Wesley Easton
Indie rock, Montana sound
Started at MSU during the pandemic. Indie rock with folk and bluegrass underneath. Debut EP Drive By Volume (2021), then a self-titled LP.
Kennan Krause (guitar), Mitch Lauenstein, Luke Gattman (drums)
Funk, soul, horns
Formed in 2010 to play a wedding and never stopped. An eight-piece horn band covering funk, soul, rock, and pop, from Big Sky's Fourth of July to the Yellowstone Club on New Year's.
With Jake Fleming, Jeni Fleming, Drew Fleming, Krista Barnett and more
Rock, funk, soul, blues
Bozeman band playing rock, funk, soul, and blues, from downtown rooms to Chico Hot Springs.
Will Sandish (front man), Caleb Scheevel (lead guitar), Jack Ooster (bass), K Mita (drums), Garrett Summers (keys), Zach Bowcott, Ian Oehler
Nationally touring artist
Rob Wolf's touring band is built out of the Bozeman scene.
Garrett Summers (keys), Will Sandish (rhythm guitar), Caleb Scheevel (lead guitar), Ian Oehler (bass), Elliot Van Wyk (drums, percussion), Zach Bowcott (FOH)
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