THE SOUTHSIDE'S OWN JAMBAND

Buffalo Galaxy members know how to jam.
They aim to be where heavy hitting psychedelia meets old timin’ bluegrass.
In the past six years, Buffalo Galaxy has played over 300 shows around the U.S., including ones close to home at the Hook and Ladder, Carbone’s Music Fest during Nokomis Days, the Green Room in Uptown, and First Ave’s 7th Street Entry.
And they practice regularly in Corcoran and Keewaydin at band member’s homes.
Zach Tauer, Johnny Kovarik, Jake Rohde, and Pete Whiteman have been in multiple Minneapolis area string/jam/jazz groups over the past decade or so.
Kovarik, who plays guitar and lives in Keewaydin, recalls that they were practicing for a project together at Jake’s house when he lived in Como. “After practice we thought we could give the bluegrass/newgrass/jamgrass thing a go. We’ve been gigging ever since,” he said.
“In 2019, we decided we want to go all in on a progressive bluegrass band. Perfect timing with COVID and all,” said Tauer, a Corcoran resident who plays banjo in Buffalo Galaxy. “But we’re still here chasing and finding the magic of making music and touring together.”
Rounding out the band are Jake Rohde on mandolin and Pete Whiteman (formerly of Powderhorn and now in Eau Claire) on bass. They all do vocals.
Their song catalog ranges from short and sweet Bill Monroe to here and now Lil Nas X, as well as catchy originals like “Time Machine” and long renditions of Grateful Dead classics.
Buffalo Galaxy’s first EP “New Escape” in 2020 was followed by “Greetings From” in 2024. They celebrated their third release, “Don’t Pet the Fluffy Cows - Live: Vol. One,” during the Shamrock Shakedown at the Green Room on March 14, 2025.
In 2024, they revved up their tour schedule and began playing farther from their home base in Minneapolis, including Palisade Bluegrass Bash (Colorado), Blue Ox Music Festival (Wisconsin), Greenbelt Music Festival (Iowa), AVL Fest (North Carolina), Summer’s End Smoke Out & Porcupine Music Festival (Michigan), and Bluegrass & Butterflies (Oregon).
“I enjoy the feeling of being in the pocket with each other musically. Especially when in a jam or groove, maybe a new groove that came about in that moment. I also enjoy touring to new areas of the country – making sure we give ourselves sometime before load-in to explore,” observed Tauer.
“We’ve been through a whole lot together while traveling far and wide,” pointed out Kovarik. “It’s been a pleasure to see everyone grow and to also have their support in my life.”
Whiteman added, “It takes a special type of oddball to run off and join a traveling acoustic band, and here we have a good family of four oddballs.”

SOUTH CONNECTIONS
Tauer was born in South Minneapolis, living in Seward until he was five. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2012, and bought a house near South High in 2020 with his wife. He is a substitute teacher in Minneapolis.
“We’ve spent a lot of time playing music in south. Had a lot of practices, bonfires, jams, gigs and sometimes just hanging out here,” said Kovarik. “My grandparents used to own a bakery that was kiddy corner from where Baker’s Wife is now, So my family’s been around here, too.”
He values the “good neighbors, a fine lake to paddle, fun shops and eateries. It’s easy to feel like a human being here.”
“I love my neighborhood,” said Tauer. “We look out for each other and are fairly active in getting to know each other. I enjoy the diversity. The commitment to social justice. May Day is always a fun day of celebration and the turning of the page into warmer weather.”

ON REPEAT
The song they play the most is their original, “Paint.”
But the song that Tauer finds himself listening to the most is Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Kumbaya.” It was on repeat this last year, as his two-year-old wanted it on when they had trouble sleeping on their own.
Kovarik’s Spotify Wrapped was mostly songs he was learning for shows. Outside of that, Grateful Dead’s tunes are on most often when he’s listening to music.

WHAT'S INSPIRING THEM LATELY?
“Bands on or above our tier who are out there chasing the dream and making good music,” stated Tauer. “Out here grinding, fixing their tour vehicles, maybe having a cooler full of food so they can come home from tour with more money in hand. Arkansauce, Front Porch, Armchair Boogie are some that come to mind.”
“In the past I loved studying the greats of the world and finding inspiration in their work, but now I’m most inspired by anyone who’s really gettin’ after it,” remarked Kovarik. “When you can tell they are putting their heart and soul into something, even if it’s just them shoveling the heck out of their driveway, that’s inspiring.”
Find Buffalo Galaxy’s Driving Songs playlist below, or go directly to the TMC Publications CO Spotify account for this and other specially curated playlists.