Joe Zelek is quickly earning a reputation as both an engaging songwriter and spirited live performer that audiences can instantly relate to. His latest release, Sparkling True, seamlessly blends both classic and modern country influences with engaging lyrics and catchy melodies resulting in a listening experience that is as rewarding as it is fun.
Joe has opened for artists ranging from Phil Vassar to Kansas and has toured regionally with the Rust Records Recording Artists Povertyneck Hillbillies. The first single from his new album is currently in regular rotation on regional radio stations including WOVK 98.7 (Clearchannel, Wheeling, WV) Froggy 98 in Pittsburgh.
Joe is currently playing shows throughout the tri-state area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia where his fan base is rapidly expanding.
2006 Bio
Joe Zelek is quickly earning a reputation as both an engaging songwriter and spirited live performer that audiences can instantly relate to. A "guy with a guitar" that combines his high energy yet easygoing stage presence with songs that have first time listeners singing along by the second chorus, Joe stands out as both a fresh sound and personality in today’s country music scene.
Joe’s latest release, Sparkling True, is a classic "windows down, radio up" album tailor made for a bright sunny day or for turning anything less into one. The album seamlessly blends both classic and modern country influences with engaging lyrics and catchy melodies resulting in a listening experience that is as rewarding as it is fun.
Joe has opened for artists ranging from Phil Vassar to The Clarks and has toured regionally with the Rust Records Recording Artists Povertyneck Hillbillies. He has appeared at venues such as the Chevrolet Amphitheater at Station Square (Pittsburgh, PA) the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse in Burgettstown, PA and the world famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN. Joe has also performed live on the 2005 WQED-TV Holiday Jam and his first single, “Homecoming King” is currently in regular rotation on regional radio stations including Froggy 98 in Pittsburgh, Froggy 103.5 in Steubenville, OH and WBUT in Butler, PA.
Joe was raised in a rural area just outside of Mt. Pleasant, OH. (The Quaker religion has deep history there as does the Underground Railroad.) Baseball and dirt bikes ruled his life along with drumming and 80’s Rock Bands, but country music in particular provided the soundtrack to his upbringing in the Ohio Valley.
“Some of my earliest memories are of listening to Jamboree USA live broadcasts on WWVA from across the river in Wheeling, WV while riding in the back of my parents’ white Grand Prix,” says Joe. “Whenever I hear a classic artist like Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson, it takes me right back to the brown leather interior of that car and the beautiful sound of AM radio crackling on a humid summer night.”
Joe is currently playing shows throughout the tri-state area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia where his fan base is rapidly expanding.