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The buzz on Jennifer Batten rose from the guitar underground, gaining notoriety from guitar magazines chronicling her savvy musicianship & highly original approach to electric guitar. Her solo work spans a variety of sounds, from rock to world beat to electronica, but she’s probably best known for the music legends with whom she’s collaborated.

In 1987, Jennifer was selected from over 100 guitarists to join Michael Jackson’s touring band and spent the next 10 years performing around the globe in support of the BAD, DANGEROUS, and HISTORY releases. During that time, Jennifer appeared with Jackson in the Superbowl XXVI half time show, the largest TV viewing audience in history.

Between Jackson tours, Jennifer released two albums, ABOVE, BELOW AND BEYOND and MOMENTUM, which led to an invitation from British guitar icon Jeff Beck to join his band 1998. She appeared on Beck’s WHO ELSE and YOU HAD IT COMING albums and both supporting world tours, including the concerts documented in the JEFF BECK LIVE IN TOKYO 1999 DVD release.

More recently, Batten has toured worldwide with her solo multimedia show, held guitar residency for the Cirque Du Soleil show “Zumanity” in Las Vegas, authored 2 books, 3 instructional DVD’s, and has hosted thousands of music workshops. She’s received the She Rocks “Icon” award and has been inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s “Gallery of the Greats.”

The rigors of touring led to Jennifer create a project that would enable her to spend less time on the road while still sharing her gifts. Jennifer Batten and Full Steam includes top-notch musicians from her adopted hometown Portland, Oregon performing a danceable mix of pop/rock covers from artists including Michael Jackson, Prince, Hall & Oates, Huey Lewis, Toto, Van Halen & more.

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THE BAND: 
 

PAT YADON (Vocals)
Pat started playing drums at age 12 and was performing in Southern Oregon clubs within 2 years. His background vocal work in various bands led to his being asked to sing more until the inevitable transition to front man. He is an accomplished songwriter with three original CD's to his credit. His first solo album SENSIBLE NONSENSE included the single "I'll Always Love You," which received considerable radio airplay.
Yadon holds a degree in Recording Engineering from the Audio/Video Institute in Hollywood California where he studied with Andy McKinzie (Megadeath, Lita Ford, Bruce Hornsby) and Michael Flicker (Heart). As lead singer for Jennifer Batten and Full Steam, Pat delivers a high-energy, original tone seasoned with years of experience and dedication. Graced with inspiring recognition from colleagues, clients, and fans alike, he’s often considered among the Northwest’s top talent.

JIM BEATY (Bass)
Jim has been bringing the thunder to club and festival stages throughout the Pacific Northwest for over three decades. He’s also recorded and performed with Portland bands Rust and solo artist Phankl.
 

NORM WHITEHURST (Drums)
A native Oregonian, Norm has been surrounded by music from the time he was born. A guitar was always present at family gatherings and his uncle (Kingsmen drummer Lynn Easton) inspired him to pick up a pair of drum sticks at age 10. By age 12, Whitehurst was performing in the school band and at 15, a friend introduced him to the band Rush. That was the gas on the fire, igniting his passion & drive to advance his skill. Everything else in his life took a backseat.

In 1991, Norm was invited to sub for The Dumbwaiters and, with only a tape of the bands setlist and no rehearsals, he played his first professional gig. By the end of the first set, he was offered the position full time. Over the next several years, the Dumbwaiters performed all over the Northwest and Norm soon added vocals, band leader, and manager to his repertoire.

In 2002, Norm co-founded The Dung Beatles (a Beatles cover band), from 2008 to 2015 was a member of Random Pressure (arguably the most popular and successful cover band in the area during its existence) and has also been a member of or performed with JILT, The Kooltones, The Schweeng Daddies, Big Night Out, Hott Pursuit, and The Next Stepp.

KEVIN BURKHART (Keyboards)
Kevin’s international touring resume begins with membership in an 80’s pop band from 1987 to 1994. He’s since had a year-long residency in Branson, MO. accompanying legends Roy Clark, Freddy Fender, Patty Loveless, and Shenandoah. Kevin is the founding member of Portland-based Yes tribute All Good People and his other Portland projects include the bands FM, The Rush Collective, ARZ, and Kandy. He is a seasoned and accomplished programmer and vintage synth connoisseur.

HANNAH DIMO (Vocals)
Hannah is a soulful, powerhouse vocalist who made the trek to the Pacific Northwest from California in late 2017. DiMo’s multi-genre style has melted & molded into a distinctive sound that can be described as heartwarming and relatable. With a rock/blues background that’s influenced by R&B and jazz, her presence vocally and visually will keep you uplifted & engaged. She is currently working on her 3rd solo CD.

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