Who we are

So which one of you is named Regina ?

The members of Rising Regina - a five piece acoustic assembly of stellar songwriting, impeccable harmonies and energized performance - get that question a lot…

Rising Regina officially began in the summer of 2007 as a sister act of Jessica and Kiki Young . Later that year they added accomplished, multi-instrumentalist Rich Kulbacki . In 2008, the band was thrilled to add double bassist David Traugh and percussionist Kevin Bowser .

An exceptionally versatile band, Rising Regina's sound incorporates the best of American roots music including rock, folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass and Celtic.

The band has played in many high profile venues and festivals and shared the stage with such diverse artists as Enter The Haggis, The Clarks , Kaj, The Weathered Road , and Brewer's Row. With their percussive, roots rock sound, tight harmonies, and upbeat, irresistible arrangements, Rising Regina will move you!

Meet Rising Regina

Kiki Young – lead vocals

Music is a family affair in the Young household. Kiki grew up traveling and singing as part of her parents' music ministry. During high school, she and her sister Jessie began writing songs and played in a few bands. Also gifted in the visual arts, Kiki is designing the artwork for the band's debut CD, “Travel Lightly”. In her spare time, she enjoys watching football, cooking, and reading political novels. She is currently listening to Imogen Heap…

Jessica Young – rhythm guitar, vocals

Born into that same artistically-inclined family, Jessie writes songs inspired by life experience – love gained and love lost…the joys and challenges of being a single mom…the juggling required to follow her heart's desire of music. When time permits, she enjoys painting, sewing, writing and participating in musical theater. She looks forward to presenting Rising Regina's unique sound on the biggest stages in the world…

Rich Kulbacki – lead guitar, mandolin, vocals

Rich's parents bought him a guitar when he was ten years old, but he had no interest in it, so they finally sold it. He first met Jessie and Kiki when he was a drummer for a short time in their father's praise team. He returned to the guitar in 2002, and later taught himself the mandolin. He studied music in college (IUP), majoring in percussion, with a minor in voice. Rich is responsible for many of the band's unique musical arrangements. He is also active in musical theater. Some of his influences are Paul McCartney, Freddy Mercury and Prince.

David Traugh – double bass, electric bass

Everyone in David's family is a musician. His parents and brother Robert also teach instrumental music and freelance as musicians. David began studying electric bass at age nine and successfully battled cancer (Burkett's Lymphoma) at age ten. He started playing the double bass at age fourteen, and played in various jazz ensembles throughout high school. He is enrolled in the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University , majoring in double bass and is currently listening to Charles Mingus.

Kevin Bowser – percussion

Kevin started his drumming career in 4 th grade with the tune “Three Blind Mice”. Since then he has played with various ensembles, marching corps, and theater productions. In high school he played with a variety of rock/punk groups and has now graduated to a new level, teaming with bassist David Traugh to provide the flowing rhythm behind the beautiful melodies and harmonies of Rising Regina. Kevin also has a passion for traveling and auto racing. He is currently living life to the sounds of Michael Buble, The Used, and Avishai Cohen.

But what about Regina ?

As a female-fronted band, they wanted a name that exemplified female empowerment and strength. Regina is Latin for “queen”, and the band's visibility is rising too, as they gear up to release their debut CD, “Travel Lightly” later this spring.