The Men in Black Band
The Men in Black Band featuring Katie Wrede
The Men in Black Band, featuring the talented Katie Wrede, brings top country, blues, and rock-n-roll music from all eras to life. In addition to their diverse repertoire, they produce era-specific programs and dances such as “The Fabulous 50’s,” “Everybody’s Elvis,” “Hurt: An American Story of Johnny Cash,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” “Hank Williams: The Love Lost Man,” and many more.
The band has been busy entertaining audiences at a wide variety of venues, festivals, and events across the region. Their notable performances include appearances at Jazz Festivals, the Levitt, Riverfest, Badland Pawn/Military Heritage, Chislic Fest, Dakotafest, Sioux Empire Fair, and other live music venues.
Meet the Men in Black Band
For over 25 years, members of the Men in Black band has been captivating audiences with their seamless blend of pure country, blues, and rock-n-roll. The band’s dynamic sound features lead vocals, drums, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar.
Singer Jon VanTran has been a beloved figure in the country and rock music scene for over 28 years, known for his precise harmonies and deep baritone vocals. In 2024, Jon was inducted into the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bassist Todd Gerdes brings 29 years of experience to the band. He spent much of his career in Los Angeles, CA, during the explosive years of rock music in the 80s and 90s.
Lead guitarist Clayton Hartley Delaney was recognized as the Midwest region’s best Blues Guitarist in 2008 and is also an esteemed member of the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Drummer Bob Goodman is the steadfast backbone of the rhythm section, with over 30 years of experience. Bob has toured extensively with numerous rock and country bands across the West and Southwest before returning to the Midwest.
Vocalist/keyboardist Katie Wrede adds her beautiful voice to the mix, perfectly complementing Jon’s vocals to recreate the Grammy-winning sound of Johnny Cash and June Carter.
For over 25 years, members of the Men in Black band has been captivating audiences with their seamless blend of pure country, blues, and rock-n-roll. The band’s dynamic sound features lead vocals, drums, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar.
Singer Jon VanTran has been a beloved figure in the country and rock music scene for over 28 years, known for his precise harmonies and deep baritone vocals. In 2024, Jon was inducted into the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bassist Todd Gerdes brings 29 years of experience to the band. He spent much of his career in Los Angeles, CA, during the explosive years of rock music in the 80s and 90s.
Lead guitarist Clayton Hartley Delaney was recognized as the Midwest region’s best Blues Guitarist in 2008 and is also an esteemed member of the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Drummer Bob Goodman is the steadfast backbone of the rhythm section, with over 30 years of experience. Bob has toured extensively with numerous rock and country bands across the West and Southwest before returning to the Midwest.
Vocalist/keyboardist Katie Wrede adds her beautiful voice to the mix, perfectly complementing Jon’s vocals to recreate the Grammy-winning sound of Johnny Cash and June Carter.
