The Band
Jonas Mayer
Whales drummer Jonas Mayer was first inspired to take up drumming after watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. After a move from Toronto to Minnesota, Jonas initially played in 3 bands before moving on to the corporate world.
But before long, the urge to hit things overcame the need for a consistent paycheck. So, taking the lessons previously learned as a full time musician and seeing a niche in the local market, Jonas began putting together what would eventually become a 60’s tribute band: Jonah & The Whales. The name was given to the group by its first bassist/singer/front man, Rob Edwards. This fledgling group began rehearsals in November 1980, and played their first show in April 1981 with medleys of songs from The Beatles, Turtles, Animals and The Who, among others.
Since then Jonah & The Whales have performed more than 4,000 shows in 7 states. The entire time, Jonas has been the one constant surrounded by a revolving cast of the Twin Cities best musicians and singers. These days, Jonas creates the solid foundation driving the band with his drumming, and simultaneously keeps the proverbial wheels on the bus, taking care of the day-to-day business of Jonah & The Whales LLC.
Ali Abraham
Ali is a WI native and performing is second nature to her at this point. Putting her own special twist on each song, Ali's musical passion radiates on stage from start to finish.
George Paulos
George Paulos has been respected guitar slinger going all the way back to ...well... the last millennium. He has performed with a long list of regional acts such as the Midnight Express, Jimmy Tune, Raven Wolfe, Rockin' the Dog, The Generators, Cheater Slick, Rhythm Engine, Groove Machine, Ponzi Scheme, and notably toured nationwide with the well-known 50s revival band 'Sha Na Na'. His guitar style ranges from delicate melodies to aggressive whammy bar detonations featuring his stunning glitter-silver Stratocaster and Les Paul guitars. George fills out the harmony vocal section with a clear high falsetto.
Chas Carlson
Beginning his professional career at the age of 12, Chas Carlson has built a multi-decade career as a multi-keyboardist, songwriter, and Warner Bros. recording artist. A versatile performer, Carlson is known for his proficiency on piano, electric piano, Hammond organ, and a range of synthesizers. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and made multiple national and local television appearances. Over the years, he has shared the stage and studio with a diverse group of artists, including J&W, High Noon, Chace Roberts, Chris Hawkey, Melissa Manchester, and Cain. Carlson also leverages his deep industry knowledge by working as a keyboard product trainer for Casio and a sound programmer for Flyte Tyme Productions. From his studio, he continues to lend his arranging skills to projects like Jonah and the Whales.
Paul Cassady
It might surprise you to hear that our bassist/vocalist/humorist Paul Cassady has performed on TV, on tour, and has a (seriously short) cameo in Prince’s Purple Rain. But it’s no surprise to us because PC has been a Whale twice in his musical career, completing a stint in the 80s with the Original-flavor Whales (shout out to “Electric” Jimmy…), only to come back to us again in February 2023. But before all that were the hometown faves Sterling, Speak the Language, Shucks Deluxe (just ask), Huntsville (a well-kept secret), and original music group Standing Waves - with 2 full length albums of PC’s original songs. Not to mention 3 albums of compositions under his own name. Nowadays, he spends his spare time playing & recording with his daughter Kaitlin on her original music project, as well as annual stints in the John Lennon tribute show with Curtiss A & Friends on December 8th at First Ave (moved to The Fitzgerald Theater for 2025).
