Staerkel, George

George Staerkel was originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. George played his first professional gig at age 10 as an organist with the Esquire Trio, giving him more than 5 decades of professional experience. After attending Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in the early 70’s, he spent many years on the road, most notably serving as lead vocalist, keyboardist and instrumentalist with the world famous “Tokens” (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) from 1980 – 1985. He made Arizona his home in the year 2000 where he has been thrilling audiences ever since. George has produced an exciting musical experience that showcases the talents of the famous ‘Rhythm Cats’. George brings to the stage a five octave + vocal range and expertise with any style of music. He will amaze you with over 50 different instruments including the celebrity horns of Doc Severinsen, Boots Randolph, Herb Alpert, Al Hirt, Tex Beneke, Pete Fountain and Maynard Ferguson among others. His instrument collection also includes many “one of a kind “ instruments (like the world’s only “Bathorn”) and the world’s largest and smallest saxophones – the Contra-Bass and Piccolo Saxes, to name a few.

At the time of his death in December 2017, George was the musical director and producer of the Rhythm Cats Show.