Biography

The band originally formed around 1989 in Kansas City. The members met through friendships and acquaintances at a common place of employment (a company formerly known as Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company). The band gigged in the KC area for a number of years playing bars, private parties, weddings, and proms. For several years, they were one of the house bands at a North Kansas City bar called Peoples. Their set list always included a variety of older and newer rock, a few country tunes to satisfy those particular requests, and a handful of original songs. They disbanded in 1995 to devote their time to their growing families. In 2010, at the urging of the son of their original drummer, they reconnected with all the original members via Facebook and phone calls, and scheduled sessions to get together and jam again. After a couple of sessions, they realized the spark was still there, and began working up a set list that included tunes from the early days and many new covers. They also began writing a few new originals.

Although experiencing a few additional lineup changes over the past 5 years, the band continues to rehearse and gig on a regular basis.

Band Members

EDIT_John_PortraitJohn Kennedy – Guitar / Lead Vocals

John Kennedy joined Random Access in the late 1980s.  Playing in Kansas City  and surrounding area bars and events provided great classic rock experience. The group decided to disband in 1994, as our young families were growing. Following a hiatus of approximately 15 years, the band reformed.

Random Access plays classic rock favorites, while mixing in a few newer tunes and originals. A fan of a variety of genres of music, Kennedy says his vocals, “aim to do justice to the original songs, while keeping them fresh and entertaining for today’s audiences.”
Conner Cummings –  Bass / Vocals

Bio coming soon!
EDIT_Jeff_PortraitJeff Phipps – Lead Guitar / Bass / Vocals

Jeff is a founding member of the band. Like the other musicians in the band Jeff has a diverse musical background. His guitar playing began in his junior high days and has never slowed down. When you are at a Random Access concert you will be able to identify Jeff by his melodic, blues inspired playing style and incredible stage presence.
Ian McClafflin – Drums / Percussion

Ian McClaflin has filled in with the group off and on throughout the years and is excited to join Random Access as their full time drum set player. In addition to playing in the group, Ian is currently working toward his DMA from The University of Southern Mississippi where he studies under Dr. John Wooton. While at Southern Mississippi, Ian taught private lessons, along with conducting and arranging for the percussion ensemble. Ian earned his Master’s degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Missouri, where he studied under Dr. Julia Gaines. While at Mizzou, he was a member of the MU New Music Ensemble and performed in numerous venues throughout the Midwest region.

Ian started his collegiate career at the University of Central Missouri where he studied under Dr. Michael Sekelsky. During his time at Central Missouri, Ian won many competitions. These include the Mid-Missouri Percussive Arts Trophy in the marimba and percussion divisions along with the Percussive Arts Society International convention in the multiple percussion individual and ensemble competition. While at Southern Mississippi, Ian won the concerto competition with his performance of Eric Ewazen’s Marimba Concerto and performed the piece with the university symphonic band.

Ian previously held appointments as Director of Percussion for the Sedalia 200 School District, and Associate Professor of Percussion for State Fair Community College. He is currently serving as Assistant coordinator of marching percussion and front ensemble instructor for the University of Central Missouri Drum line as well as leading an active private lesson studio and working with many high schools around the Kansas City area. Since the 2010 season, Ian plays and arranges for the Kansas City Chief’s ‘Rumble’ Drumline. Ian has numerous works published by C-Alan publications for both solo percussion and percussion ensemble.