Phil Wilson

From the moment the music starts, Phil’s high energy and Southern Hospitality will make you feel like you’re part of the show. He has decades of experience playing drums, guitar, and bass (albeit all “air” models). 

Although his expressive harmonica riffage and interesting percussion rhythms add to the band’s unique sound, his true forte is lead vocals. His growlin’, soulful voice is to Southern Rock what a cold beer is to a redneck on a hot summer day. 

As he’s fond of sayin’, “COME GETCHA SOME!”

Craig Vafias

Craig is a gifted guitarist and a driving force behind Southern Express. He has been part of the MN music scene for over 30 years, playin' in numerous bands of varying genres; but when he's playin' Southern Rock, the honky-tonk licks of Skynyrd, or tearin' up the slide guitar on an Allman Brothers tune his enthusiasm and infectious grin will get you out of your seat!

Kirk Rasmussen

Our newest guitarist is no stranger to the six string game, and his playing proves it.  His career kicked off in '78 with the likes of Ghost Rider and the David Cullen Bryan Band, and from '83 to '86, Kirk toured North America with County Mounty and Two Lane Highway.

After a few years of domestic bliss, he decided to marry his true love again; music, and honed his skills with Chain Drive, the Billy Schocinski Band, American Heart, Fade to Grey, County Crossing, and most recently, the Shotgun Drama Junkies.

When he's not rockin' out with our band, he likes to shoot, hunt, ski, snowmobile, work on guitars and amps, and hang with the family.  Walks on the beach; not so much.  Sand doesn't like his guitars and vice versa.

Kevin Krona

Kevin’s musical journey began at the age of 6 with an interest in making music by banging on pots & pans. He then took up the drums and has been crackin' and smackin' ever since. He has played just about every genre of music over his long career, but his real love has always been Southern Rock.  Kevin’s influences include Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad, Paul Riddle of the Marshall Tucker Band,  and Steve Smith of Journey. 

Kevin Kelm

Kevin started his musical journey in high school, playing bass in several basement bands like Duh Beaters, and East River Rock. In addition to bass guitar, he also plays harmonica, keys and mandolin.  Kevin has also played with several other Twin Cities bands, including Titus Canby, Country Crossing, and Shotgun Drama Junkies.    Kevin's influences include Jaco and Stu,  along with Grand Funk, Deep Purple, Iron Butterfly and Jimi Hendrix.  Affectionately nicknamed K2 (we have two Kevins in the band), Kevin is a solid, energetic part of our rhythm section.  He's just plain fun to watch!  

Mark Shampine