About us - Music that moves the soul
We're The Whiskey Fund—a band born from the spontaneous combustion of a late-night jam session in the heart of Iowa City. Our sound blends Americana, rock, soul, R&B, and an infectious funk groove, creating an experience that moves the soul and energizes the spirit.
Our Story
The Whiskey Fund wasn't planned; it was destiny. When a last-minute gig opportunity arose and no established bands were available, seasoned musicians from Eastern Iowa came together spontaneously. That night marked the birth of The Whiskey Fund, embodying the pure spirit of impromptu creativity and rock-and-roll magic.
Our members—Dave Rosazza (guitar/vocals), Ben Schmidt (guitar/vocals), Sean Seaton (keyboard/vocals), Jon Edwards (drums), and bassist Bill Shannon—bring decades of collective experience, creating a vibrant and dynamic show.
We believe great music knows no boundaries. Our repertoire is an exhilarating journey through diverse genres—from the soulful melodies of Willie Nelson and the reggae rhythms of Bob Marley to the heartfelt Americana of John Prine and the funk grooves of Sly & The Family Stone. Alongside our finely crafted original tunes, we deliver innovative covers that breathe new life into classic tracks.
Each Whiskey Fund performance is unique, marked by spontaneity, creativity, and a deep connection with our audience. It’s about more than playing music—it's celebrating the magic that happens when musicians play authentically, passionately, and from the heart.
Join us and raise a glass to The Whiskey Fund—a spontaneous celebration of music, friendship, and camaraderie.
Experience Music That Moves the Soul
The Whiskey Fund brings heartfelt passion, genre-blending creativity, and unforgettable live energy to every stage.
Spontaneity
Our shows embrace the joy and excitement of spontaneous creativity, making each performance uniquely memorable.
Eclecticism
From Americana to funk, our diverse influences combine to deliver a rich, soul-stirring musical experience.
Connection
We celebrate the powerful bond formed through live music, fostering community and camaraderie at every show.
Meet the Band
Dave Rosazza
Guitar & Vocals (Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 2021)
Dave is a veteran performer and respected teacher in Iowa City, operating Rosazza Lesson Studios. Known locally as “Iowa City’s perennial guitar player,” he brings soulful, energetic performances backed by decades of recording and live shows, having shared stages with iconic acts like the Beach Boys and George Clinton.
Sean Seaton
Piano & Vocals (Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 2021)
With over 35 years performing across the Midwest, Sean brings a rich, soulful style on piano and vocals. Inspired by greats like Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel, he studied music performance at the University of Iowa and has opened for renowned artists including Soul Asylum and Koko Taylor.
Ben Schmidt
Guitar & Vocals
Ben is a seasoned performer, songwriter, and studio engineer with three original albums and multiple acclaimed compositions for film and theater, including an Emmy-nominated documentary. His diverse musical background has been featured on Iowa Public Radio and WFMT Chicago. Ben also runs Rescued Rabbit Studio and serves as Technical Director for Theatre Arts at Coe College.
Bill Shannon
Bass
Born and raised in NYC, Bill was mentored by bass legends John Patitucci and Victor Bailey. Known for his groove, feel, and tone, he’s played iconic venues like Café Wha, CBGB’s, and The Bitter End. Bill has toured internationally with blues artists Eddie Turner and Shakura S’Aida, jammed alongside legendary drummers Bernard Purdie and David Garibaldi, and shared stages with Buddy Guy, Percy Sledge, and Wyclef Jean.
Jon Edwards
Drums
Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Jon brings a global flair to his dynamic drumming, having performed across the Midwest and internationally in Nepal, Morocco, Brazil, and Portugal. A self-taught musician driven by passion, Jon seamlessly blends diverse rhythms and experiences from his international travels as Director of International Admissions at Grinnell College.