John Karkosiak
John Karkosiak is a versatile jazz guitarist, composer, and producer whose work spans performance, education, and recording. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Guitar Performance from the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, and studied extensively at Cuyahoga Community College under renowned
musicians Dan Wilson and Ernie Krivda. John regularly performs across northeast Ohio, appearing at venues such as Mahall’s, The Bop Stop, Brother’s Lounge, and Lock 3. His collaborations include frequent performances with composer Buck McDaniel and Jacob Kirkwood, notably at Cleveland’s New Music Festival and NEOsonic Fest. A former member of the Akron-based funk/fusion band Acid Cats, he toured locally and along the East Coast, contributing to the group’s dynamic sound. In 2019, John showcased his original compositions at the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival. He is also the founder of Landfish, a production project specializing in mixing and mastering albums for local artists, including Akron-based trumpeter and composer Tommy Lehman.