Who are we? Really, just a bunch of random people who love making music.
Kris Pederson
Percussion
Sam Isfeld
Rhythm Guitar
Diana Gertken
Vocals
Jacklyn Skrukrud
Bass Guitar
Austin Donner
Guitar and Vocals
‘Whiskey Rocks’ is a high-energy band that fuses rock, country, and pop to create the ultimate dance-floor experience. Formed in 2023, the band brings together five musicians who have an undeniable chemistry. Austin, Kris, and Jacklyn had been playing together for over six years before they found the perfect groove with Samuel and Diana, rounding out their dynamic lineup.
Known for their infectious stage presence and ability to keep the crowd moving, ‘Whiskey Rocks’ has made a name for themselves at street dances, town festivals, clubs, bars, and pretty much anywhere music lovers want to party. With a sound that’s both down-to-earth and rocking, the band’s wide range of influences shines through in every performance. Whether you’re in the mood for a foot-stomping country tune, a classic rock anthem, or a pop hit with a twist, ‘Whiskey Rocks’ delivers it all.
Quickly after debuting, ‘Whiskey Rocks’ become a local favorite, packing dance floors and creating unforgettable nights wherever they play. The band may have started as a group of random people, but their passion for music and fun brings fans together from all walks of life.
Learn more about each member when you meet the band at their next gig… but for now? Read more about each of us below!
Kris Pederson: Percussion
Kris has been playing in bands since he was 13 years old. Some of the bands he has played in include Misty Mountain Band, Fair Warning, The Doc Holliday Band, Circuit, TASZ, The Hit List and now Whiskey Rocks. He has also sat in with several bands including High Noon, The Shaw Band, 1060 West Addison Blues and others. Kris was inducted along with his Doc Holliday bandmates into the Mid America Music Hall Of Fame. He performed at WE Fest several times, at the very first Winstock festival and at the Rockin’ Robbins summer stage event.
Kris lives in Kandiyohi with his wife, Jackie.
Sam Isfeld: Rhythm Guitar
Sam learned how to play guitar in college and got some of his first gigs in his college town of Fargo, ND. He has been mostly a solo artist doing acoustic gigs at bars and weddings but has done some power-duo acts as well. Whiskey Rocks is his first entry into the full band arena.
Sam lives in Granite Falls with his wife and daughter and enjoys uploading YouTube videos as another avenue to experience guitar and music.
Diana Gertken: Vocals
Diana started singing as a little kid on the front porch with her dad playing guitar at her side. She went on to sing at church, in school choirs, and eventually sang at the collegiate level. Through choir, she has traveled all over the United States and even internationally. Diana is a classically trained vocalist, holding a B.S. degree in Vocal Music Education and is pursuing a Master’s Degree. Diana’s forte has typically been choral, classical, and Broadway styles, but she’s excited for this new opportunity to sing on stage with Whiskey Rocks.
Diana lives in Litchfield with her husband and three kids. She teaches classroom music at Lake Ripley Elementary.
Jacklyn Skrukrud: Bass Guitar
Jacklyn has been playing music since her teenage years in a variety of bands. She played in local bands in the Denver area as well as gigging throughout Colorado and neighboring states. Eventually, Jacklyn made it back to her home-state of Minnesota where she founded ‘West Addison Blues; A Tribute to the Blues Brothers.’ Jacklyn was the driving force on and off the stage for years. In 2017 she joined ‘The Hit List’ where she met fellow musician, Kris Pederson. They hit it off so well they decided to get married and play music together indefinitely.
Austin Donner: Guitar and Vocals
Austin has been playing guitar since he was 7 years old. At the age of 14, Austin had the opportunity to play a gig with the band ‘Hicktown Mafia’ as a fill-in when one member could not play. From 2017 to 2023, Austin joined ‘The Hit List’ as lead guitarist and lead vocalist. Now he is currently a member of ‘Whiskey Rocks.’