Waterfront Dogs | Classsic, Blues & Southern Rock Band

Waterfront Dogs deliver a fiery mix of rock that’s a step away from what you hear by the other guys. Get ready for some powerhouse entertainment that puts a new feel to some old favorites.

> John > Muppet > Jean > Larry > Kirk

John Fak
lead vocals + guitar
John Fak was born and raised in Chicago and was exposed to all kinds of music as a child. Everything from big band, country, and especially the pop music of the 60's and 70's. Later on hard rock and metal took their place.

First band was in eighth grade, followed by spandex metal through high school, a touring band, wedding band (yikes!) etc, and then……….children. Recording for others and music production took over, but John soon looked for a live setting, and was back on a stage in a few short years.

John met the Waterfront Dogs in 2012 and was taken by their unique blend of individual personalities that gelled to form a cohesive band. After admitting he owned a trailer and would carry heavy things, they agreed that he fit right in.

Michael “Muppet” Laurance
lead guitar + vocals
Michael "Muppet" Laurance is a 25 year veteran of the music scene, and is considered to be one of the premiere lead guitar players of the northern suburbs. Fast, flashy and soulful, his playing breathes fire into the band's classic rock repertoire. Muppet uses Ibanez, Gretsch, Fender, and Gibson guitars, Line 6 amps, Dunlop, Boss, Onerr, and Ibanez pedals.

Muppet can't be held back by a pesky stage. When you see Waterfront Dogs live, he'll be in the crowd shredding through solos - up front and personal. His edge and passion for music make these songs come to life.

Jean Laurance
guitar + vocals
Jean likes a little more metal with her rock, as you can tell when you watch her play. Not shy to use the mic, Jean sings a few rock favorites with her own special style.

Larry Surleta
drums + vocals
Larry was born and raised in Chicago. He developed an interest in music and particularly the drums while in Jr. High School. He took professional lessons for 8 years and played in various amateur bands throughout his high school years. As an adult he continued his participation in several local bands that traveled as far as Boston to play professionally. During this time he also played professionally on studio recordings. Drum greats John Bonham, Don Brewer, and Ginger Baker all had an influence on Larry's style in 1991 he married and moved to Lake County were he still lives. He joined the Waterfront Dogs in early 2011.

Kirk Hitschel
bass + vocals
Kirk and Muppet are the founding members, starting Waterfront Dogs in late 2010. His musical background started in grade school with saxophone — which he played for eight years until he was kicked out of the marching band in high school. From there he picked up the bass and never looked back. He loves keeping the rhythm going with Larry, adding some flourishes when they fit in, and sometimes when they don’t. His arsenal of basses include Fender, Schecter, Warwick, Ibanez and Yamaha played through an assertive Gallien-Krueger 412 rig with Boss effects.