Leslie Rich and the Rocket Soul Choir

Leslie Rich (vocals, guitar, keyboards) grew up in Northern Ireland, listening to a mix of indie rock, acoustic songwriters and traditional Celtic music. Inspired by artists like Luka Bloom and Throwing Muses, Leslie became the principal songwriter, singer and guitarist for bands such as Emily Ryder, A Little Of The Ready and the Celtic folk band Hounds of Finn, recording on various labels including Immortal Recordings, Time To Be Proud Records, New Folk Records and Loud Folk Records. He founded the Rocket Soul Choir in 1994, mainly as an acoustic response to the heavy, guitar-driven, Irish bands cropping up at that time. Even while Leslie recorded solo albums, played in other projects and relocated to Minneapolis, the Rocket Soul Choir continued in various configurations over the years--always with the mission to create stripped-down rock. The band has released four albums, including the 2016 EP Kidder's Son, which received high praise on both sides of the pond, and their new album The Butcher Boy--the first featuring the current lineup. When not making music, Leslie loves to bake and cook and claims his best songs have come from picking up a guitar while waiting on a cheesecake to come out of the oven.

Pete Boulger (drums, percussion, keyboards) joined the band in 2015 and has been a key component of the songwriting process ever since. Originally from Duluth, MN, he draws on wide-ranging influences, including the lush pop of Jellyfish and the glam-rock of bands like T-Rex and NY Dolls. He has been in a multitude of Twin Cities bands such as Church Of Cash, Sawbones, Dander and The Grande Machine. Along with the Rocket Soul Choir, he also performs with Rich Yarges & The Pop Mechanics and Jim Crego and The North Electric. Outside of music, he loves all things cheesy from the 70s and 80s. Pete also loves to cook--everything from award-winning chili to homemade pasta and smoked meats.

Atom Robinson (bass, vocals, piano, organ) is a multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer who joined the band in 2018 as the bassist. Born and raised in Wisconsin playing coronet and string bass, he went to college in Illinois, spent some lost years in Iowa and then moved to St. Paul, where he has been ever since, playing electric bass and dabbling in lap steel guitar, electronic music, guitar, accordion, piano and organ. He has recorded, performed, and toured nationally and internationally with roots rock bands, a Prince tribute band, jazz ensembles, pop geniuses, liturgical music ensembles, and a rock and roll choir. As a bandleader, he fronts Doctor Lock, blanc blank, and The Atom Robinson Electric Freak Out Experience. Atom has been called a “freaking delight” by all members of the band. He does not cook.

Past members, that have made an indelible mark on the Rocket Soul Choir are:

Jason Wahl, Michael Jorgenson, Gary Morrison, Jonny Mitchell, Paul Woods, Emma Rea, John Steel and Rick McCullough.