Pink Monkey was born with a saxophone player trying to sing, a techno dj playing bass, and a drummer just looking to play. After a bit of refinement and a merging of musical ideas Pink Monkey has created a unique genre crossing sound. Their original compositions combine acid jazz and punk rock, and their song library covers everything from jazz standards, to classic rock greats, to modern pop songs.

Since Pink Monkey’s inception, their approach to music has allowed them to play in both the Chicago jazz and rock circuits with the versatility to fit into intimate lounge settings or wow large crowds with high energy stage shows. The band has now become its own distinctive sounding jazz trio with limitless energy and acclaim from all musical circles.

Tim Koelling has been playing saxophone since the age of 11. Early experience with classical music gave way to a love of improvised music. After studying saxophone at Webster University in St. Louis and The University of Iowa he found himself in Chicago wanting to play his music without limits and trying to find like-minded collaborators. His love of performance, and desire to break the jazz perception has lead to sprained ankles and bruises, but gives the audience an experience like nothing else.

Michael Koelling has made the seamless transition to becoming a bassist. Formerly DJ Asterisks based out of St. Louis, he moved to Chicago for a change of scenery. After moving into a sun-less apartment with Tim they started collaborating with a singer searching for different creative outlets. To fill out the bands sound he began playing bass to bring out his already honed skills in solid timing and stimulating grooves.

Nick Kokonas joined the band by answering an ill advised classified ad. Upon learning the jazz background of the brothers he fell flawlessly into the rhythm section, forming the beginning of Pink Monkey. Originally playing a multitude of hand percussion prior to moving into the jazz genre, he brings a new approach to the sound, but is also known to leave the kit to reveal his talents in other areas of music Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.