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Ken Isler

Drums & Vocals

Ken Isler is a veteran drummer and vocalist deeply embedded in the La Crosse, Wisconsin regional music scene . Heavily influenced by the British Invasion era, he has spent decades anchoring the rhythm sections of prominent local jazz, rock, and blues ensembles.

Active Bands & Key Musical Projects

  • The Twilights: Alongside Karen Lee and keyboardist Joe Hauser, Isler provides steady, pocket-groove drums and backing vocals for this sophisticated cocktail-hour band. The group specializes in a cerebral blend of easy jazz, Latin rhythms, R&B, and standard arrangements from the Great American Songbook.

  • The Troubadogs: Isler joined this long-standing La Crosse-based rock band in the late 1990s or early 2000s after a performance stint in Florida.

  • Self-Titled: He has collaborated with regional musicians like Tommy Vote, playing drums for special live showcases and original composition recitals in the Wisconsin circuit.

Musical Style & Background

  • Primary Role: Drums, auxiliary percussion, and backing vocals.

  • The Beat Origin: He traces his drumming roots back to watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, which inspired him to piece together his very first drum kit as a teenager.

  • Performance Approach: Known for a reliable, "tight in the pocket" rhythmic style that allows lead soloists, vocalists, and horn sections to shine smoothly.

Local Venue Circuit

You can routinely catch him performing live at popular venues and community events throughout the Upper Mississippi River Valley, including:

  • The Popcorn Tavern (La Crosse, WI)

  • Dash-Park Concert Series(Onalaska, WI)

  • Great River Sound Outdoor Concerts

Groups