Get to Know Us
Soul Circus, a captivating funk fusion ensemble based in Mendocino County, California, whose members have graced stages across the West Coast and beyond for over four decades. Their melodious arrangements, enriched with seamless rhythms, enthrall audiences of diverse ages, inspiring them to pack the dance floor. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Stevie Wonder, The Neville Brothers, as well as lady soul sirens like Aretha Franklin and Linda Lyndell, Soul Circus delivers a mesmerizing performance that delights and engages listeners with every musical cadence.
Meet the Band
Lead Vocalist
Robin Suzanne Kellerstrass
Robin Suzanne embarked on an epic roadtrip from Peoria, Illinois, to the sun-kissed lands of Mendocino County, California, in the year 2004. The flames of her passion for performance were kindled in the tender years of her childhood. Nurtured in a cradle of creativity, she blossomed into the formidable songstress that captivates audiences today. Have you heard her sing?! Robin has harmonized with an illustrious ensemble including luminaries such as Marjo Wilson, Blue Luke, Sheila Fetzer, The Funky Dozen, and her former companions in The Blackberry Blues Band. Infusing each musical tapestry with her velvety, soul-stirring vocals, Robin bestows a gift upon every stage she graces.
Drummer and Percussion Player
Jon Thomas II
Jon Thomas II shared his first moment with a drumstick at age 4 when his father showed him how to tap “with the beat” to the song Strawberry Letter 23 by Brothers Johnson on a silly green vintage couch cushion. After playing percussion throughout elementary and jr. high school, the quest to learn and perform pocket and groove-based music led Jon through 10+ years playing bass professionally in various bands throughout the Peoria/Chicago, IL area. Jon moved to the mountains of Northern California in 2009, bringing with him his roots of Blues, Funk, Soul, R&B, and Jazz. It’s then he began revisiting his first musical passion of playing the drums all while raising his two sons and enjoying the pleasure of connecting musically. With his love of the groove and the relationship of drum and bass in all genres, Jon began performing with bands such as The Funky Dozen (Funk-Disco), Higher Logic (Reggae), and blue.hour (contemporary Jazz). Off stage, Jon has been heavily indulged in studio work, writing, recording, mixing, and producing music with his wife Kimistry for their online artist project “betahost”. Jon brings his love of music and performance to the rhythm section of Soul Circus to keep your feet moving, hips shakin’, and hearts smiling in a warm crowd of soulful people…every song….every moment…every time.
Guitarist
Gordy Barnes
His friends know him as Gordy, and he has been obsessed with music all his life. Encouraged by a musical family, he dabbled with drums and piano but finally settled on guitar. Most of his musical studies and playing career have been in Somona County including an associate degree in music from SRJC and bands like Boys Night Out. He still leads music at his Church in Santa Rosa. Relocating to Ukiah a few years ago, this is his first Mendocino county band.
Bass Player
Derek Soderquist
Derek Soderquist, the rhythm maestro for Soul Circus, has been jamming on bass and drums for over 40 years! Originally hailing from Minneapolis, he's been riding the wave on the west coast for most of his musical journey. Derek has shared the stage with big shots like Grammy champ Paul McCandles, Alex DeGrassi, and even rocked out with Robert Watson, the lead guitar legend from James Brown's crew. When he's not busy grooving with Blue Luke, you can catch him laying down the beat with the Funky Dozen, a musical match made in funky heaven for the past decade!
Keyboards
Kimberly Thomas
Kimberly Thomas started playing the piano at the age of 6. She grew up in a musical household where the main focus was Traditional Country/ Western. At the age of 15 she joined her first band. Growing up musically between Peoria and Chicago, she studied the Blues, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Soul and R&B. Always playing in as many bands as she could manage, she became a chameleon of musical genres. She, her husband Jon, and their two sons moved to Lake County in 2010 bringing their Chicago musical roots with them. You can find Kim on stages around Lake, Sonoma, and Napa County with a variety of different bands and recording projects. She is a member of the Funky Dozen, Blue Hour - and as an occasional member of various groups around the area. She also writes, records, and releases music under the name Betahost.