UNCLE ALBERT

Jonny "Jonny Bitch" Ackley

JONNY B, bass & vocals

The self-proclaimed "goofball of the band," Jonny B. joined Uncle Albert to have a good time making music with people who were already his friends. He's been playing with those friends for six years now, and cannot give it up. He said, "We all have a really good time, and I think that's pretty apparent when we play."

After quipping that he made music his career because of the girls and free beer, Jonny grew philosophical, saying, "Music chose me; I didn't choose music." About 23 years ago, he started playing guitar, piano, drums and harmonica. He was hooked. "It was always something pretty magical when I'd listen to records. I wanted to see how they did that, and I wanted to do it." And then he saw his first rock concert - Kiss. "I think I knew, subconsciously, that's what I'd end up doing."

He played bass with power pop group The Finns for about 10 years, garnering air time on local radio stations. He and a friend also make up The Prairie Dogs, who still play a once-a-week gig at the Venice Café in Soulard. With Uncle Albert, though, Jonny experiences the "sheer enjoyment of playing with my friends." The gigs are a lot of fun, he said, plus performing for others provides him with "instant gratification."