About the Band

Great things can grow from tears of grief. The Drunk Unkles came to be after the untimely death of industry colleague and friend, Clif Govier, an AV consultant who was literally struck by lightning and taken out of this world quite prematurely. An avid musician, his mourners felt a tribute of some sort was in order to honor his name and to help support his family.

The Drunk Unkles segued from charitable giving to a fellow colleague’s grieving family to helping an industry Foundation when Chuck Wilson, Executive Director of NSCA traveled to NYC to meet with Steve Emspak (Aerosmith songsmith, Shen Milsom Wilke principal, and all around great guy). Steve happened to be “gigging” out that evening at The Cutting Room. Chuck, always up for networking with industry colleagues attended the show, saw a packed house and a room full of possibilities. After the show, he asked the Drunk Unkles to come play at the NSCA show. And play they did!

The band was booked at The Beach in Vegas in 2006, and then Howl at the Moon in Orlando in 2007, and from then started a tradition of sharing great music with colleagues and friends. In 2009, NSCA sold their show to InfoComm, but the band’s popularity ensured that it played on. Whether in Orlando or Vegas, the Drunk Unkles have been playing music to the delight of hundreds of colleagues, family and friends each year. Their charity event is held during InfoComm and is considered a highlight for nightly entertainment.

Plan to join “Unkle” Steve Emspak, Felix Robinson, Marc “Mazarin” Hochlerin, Mike “The Pie” Phillips, “Aunt” Lisa Wenger at their next gig!  Follow Drunk Unkles on Facebook and Twitter for news and updates.

For “Unkle” Steve’s full disclosure on the band’s history, click here.