MEET THE BAND
Meet The Kicks – a band driven by extraordinary talent, boundless creativity, and an electrifying stage presence. We’re not just another group that shows up, plays a set, and leaves like it’s just a job. Forget the same old playlist of overdone tunes. We pride ourselves on keeping the energy alive, the crowd engaged, and the dance floor packed all night long.
This six-piece powerhouse features seasoned musicians from Jersey, each with years of experience performing across the tri-state area. Every member brings their own unique flair to the music, making our sound truly one of a kind. Be sure to explore their individual bios to discover what makes The Kicks stand out!
ALina Z
Vocals
This Jersey girl isn’t your average performer. She’s been igniting stages since the tender age of 8, giving her an abundance of experience on the stage. One of her earliest on-stage performances was with one of NJ’s most beloved cover bands, @thenerdsband. From time to time, you can still catch her jumping on stage with them to perform the song, “Proud Mary.” She is best known for teaming up with her brother in the unstoppable duo, @justinandalina. Together, they created original music and unique acoustic covers, rocking iconic venues all throughout the Tri-state area for many years.
Beyond the spotlight, Alina’s creative genius knows no bounds. You might’ve caught her lending her vocal talents to the big screen. Providing voice-over work for Nickelodeon’s “Butterbean Cafe” or the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms”.
By day, she is a video editor crafting captivating wedding films, reality TV shows, and YouTube content. And when she’s not commanding the stage or producing creative content, you’ll find her cooking it up in the kitchen. Channeling her Spanish roots, she can whip up some tostones and a good meal for you in no time!
Get ready to be wowed by Alina. She’s not just the singer - she’s the glue holding these guys together! As the sole female of the group, think of her as the ultimate stage mom… with a killer voice!
Dan Amato
Vocals/Guitar
By day, a dedicated Music Teacher, sculpting the minds of future virtuosos-
By night, a stage-seasoned, professional musician with charisma and style.
Hailing from Paramus, New Jersey, Dan has an extensive background in the NJ music scene; a Singer-Songwriter fronting “The Sentimental Gentlemen” during his time at Monmouth University and an active freelance musician working as both a solo-acoustic act as well as a part of various larger groups!
As rhythm guitarist (and “Pretty Boy in Training”) of The Kicks, Dan is also half of the dynamic singing duo alongside Alina, weaving harmonies that captivate the soul.
With a heart as big as his love for his home state, he embraces all things Jersey with a burning passion- including (but not limited to) being an avid enjoyer of @rookcoffee (sponsorship welcome); fueling his passion for playing live and caffeine alike.
He’s “just happy to be here.” 🙏
Jimmy Franklin
Guitar/Vocals
Prepare to be blown away by the seismic sonic waves of Jimmy Franklin, the guitar virtuoso who’s set stages ablaze with his fiery fretwork and magnetic stage presence.
Having honed his craft in the trenches of the local music scene, Jimmy Franklin is no stranger to the spotlight. From the soulful grooves of Nick Ryan & The Mess to the powerhouse energy of Big Tom & The Guns, Jimmy has conquered every stage with his unparalleled talent and raw passion for music.
But that’s not all, folks! Jimmy isn’t just a force to be reckoned with on stage—he’s also a digital dynamo, captivating audiences worldwide with his scintillating performances on YouTube and TikTok. With over 40 million views across platforms, Jimmy’s sonic sorcery has enraptured fans from every corner of the globe.
And it doesn’t stop there! Jimmy’s unparalleled talent has garnered him acclaim in the hallowed halls of Guitar World Magazine and the digital domain of LadBible.
Now, brace yourselves for the next chapter in Jimmy Franklin’s saga—a sonic revolution unlike anything you’ve ever experienced! Get ready to rock, New Jersey, because Jimmy Franklin and The Kicks are about to take you on the ride of a lifetime!
Jordan Bowen
Drums/Vocals
Jordan Bowen is a seasoned drummer with nearly two decades of experience keeping the beat. He has played alongside renowned local acts like Brian Kirk & The Jirks and has performed at the Count Basie Theater and Quenton Nelson's Blocking Cancer fundraising event.
He is definitely your go-to guy for last-minute gigs, known for stepping in without missing a beat. Behind the drum kit, he’s not just a rhythm keeper; he’s also a remarkable backup vocalist, adding depth and harmony to the music with his versatile voice.
Outside of the music world, Jordan is also a full-time firefighter, showcasing his dedication to serving his community both on and off the stage. With a passion for both music and public service, Jordan embodies the spirit of dedication, versatility, and talent in everything he does.
Robbie Sko
Keyboard
Known as the go-to keyboard player in the tri-state area, Robbie’s talents stretch far beyond the ivories.
He’s a multi-instrumentalist, teaching not just piano but also guitar, bass, drums, and demystifying music production for those who find it daunting.
He also loves teaching up-and-coming keyboard players in his private coaching group how to level up their keyboard playing and get more gigs - sharing the techniques that allowed him to perform with more than 30 artists over the years, and sometimes perform with 6 different groups within a week.
He’s not just a keyboard player; he’s a DJ, music producer, videographer, personal trainer (jk he’s quite skinny), YouTube creator - Robbie truly embodies the phrase “jack of all trades,” and a master of…ok at least a few of them.
To the musicians reading this: he told us to remind you to practice today 🙄 To the music fans: he recommends you type “fkj tsyn” into YouTube.
