{image1}The Western Starlanders are a constellation of jazz, swing and bluegrass that dip into a variety of other genres.
"We definitely lean toward a more traditional rootsy, country-western, swingin', honky-tonk sound from the '30s to the '60s," says Sarah Kozar, lead singer and rhythm guitarist.
Starlanders band members wander from many different musical directions and experiences, which explains why their sound encompasses so many styles.
Kozar sings and plays accordion in the Riverwest Accordion Club, a kitsch rock/pop/polka combo of eight accordionists and a tuba player. She also fronted the powerful Sixty-Watt Sarah a few years ago.
Rob Seiser, aka Bobby Riviera, plays lead guitar/lap-steel with the Western Starlanders, and plays guitar in his side project Bobby Rivera and The Rivieras, a '60s surf-inspired guitar band.
"Those are very different sounds compared to the Western Starlanders' sound, but that's why we like diversity and we keep our hands wet in multiple projects," says Kozar.
Other Starlanders include Jeff Cyr on upright bass and lead vocals, and Patrick Morrow playing drums and backup vocals. The group performs old country favorites by Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, but for the most part serves up original songs.
They are finishing up their first CD, due out in a couple of months. They also recorded an EP -- due out soon -- live at Linneman's.
"We're continuing to write more songs and keep with the traditions of classic country music, but with an edge of our own," says Kozar.
The Western Starlanders will play Saturday, March 26 at the Uptowner, 1032 E. Center St., at 9 p.m. They will also share a bill with Chicago's Hoyle Brothers at Linnemann's on Friday, May 6.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
