(Photo by Ross Feighery)
Chicago, IL native, and multi-instrumentalist,
J. Golko has forged a unique and diverse skill set as a musician, composer, and performer.
Throughout the 20 year span of his musical career, Golko has traveled to all 7 continents, worked with a who's-who of the entertainment industry, and continues to push his limits as a multi-instrumentalist;
most recently on the ‘Earth's Longest String Instrument,’ the “Earth Harp.”
Using the saxophone as a springboard into a life of multi-instrumentalism, world travel, and musical milestones,
Golko has had the honor of studying with, performing for, and entertaining with:
Philip Bailey/Maurice White + Earth, Wind & Fire, Quincy Jones, Dave Koz, Victor Vanacore, David Foster, Rickey Minor, Herbie Hancock, James Moody, Steve Winwood, Howard Shore, George Duke, Jeff Lorber, Clark Terry, Christian Scott, Nancy Wilson, Patti LeBelle, Patti Austin, Melissa Manchester, Layla Hathaway, Angelique Kidjo, Rosa Passos, Maña, Paula Cole, Ben E. King, Gamble & Huff, John Avila, Richard Gibbs, Weezer, Rob Lewis, Gloria Estevan, John Legend, Kanye West, William Close (inventor of the Earth Harp) + more.
Educational & Professional Experience:
GRAMMY Camp 2006-2007;
Berklee College of Music 2007-2010;
Holland America Line, Celebrity
& Royal Caribbean 2011-2016, 2019;
L.A. Theater 2017-2018;
Chicago Theater 2019-2020
Poplar Creek Public Library District
[Music Technology] - 2020-present
Chicago Theater 2021-present
Rock of Ages, Cabaret ZaZou
Teatro ZinZanni, Billy Elliot