The Leadville CHEROKEE Legacy
Not bluegrass.
Leadville Cherokee is a rock band from Colorado that mixes the elements of rock, funk, country, and crustpunk with pure energy. The band counts Ween, Paul Cauthen, The Steeldrivers, and Bill Withers as guiding influences. Leadville Cherokee’s sound is like if Conway Twitty and Frank Zappa had a love child, while Pantera sat back and got stoned
Leadville Cherokee was formed in 2009 by guitarist Mark Nierneberger and Pete Albrect, adding Brian Carter on bass and Zack Kochetta on drums along the way. The band has been active in the high country of Colorado, typically playing whitewater festivals such as Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, Paddlefest, and headlining FIBArk in 2021. The band has also headlined esteemed venues from Buena Vista’s Lariat, Boulder’s Fox Theatre, and more.
The band released album “How to Build a Fire” in 2015, with a music review by Brian Rill of Colorado Central Magazine writing “Leadville’s style of rock is immensely polished… an array of genres”, and has newly released its highly-anticipated “Been A Long Time” in June 2023.
Peter Albrecht - Lead Vocals // Fiddle // Guitar
Peter Albrecht is a multi-instrumentalist from Chicago IL who has been playing stringed instruments for 23 years. He, along with guitarist Mark Nierenberger, started Leadville Cherokee in 2009. When not playing music, you can find him in the backcountry, skiing with his beagle, Ruger.
Mark Niernberger - Guitar // Vocals
Mark Niernberger is a Leadville local and Leadville Cherokee guitarist who's been with the band since the beginning. Mark guides river trips in the summer and snowmobile tours in the winter. Off the stage, you can find Mark riding his mountain bike, skiing in the backcountry, or on an overnight rafting trip with friends.
Zack Kochetta - Drums
Drumming for LEADVILLE since 2018 is Zack Kochetta, endearingly deemed ‘the thunder god’ by the band. Zack’s tenure with the band is predated by a background drumming for Chicagoland funk/hip-hop and metal bands, touring and performing across US and Canada at esteemed venues from Chicago’s Metro, to Atlanta’s Masquerade, and more, and most recently throwing ragers with local Arkansas Valley punk/alternative outfits.
Brian Carter - Bass
Brian Carter has been with the band for 12 years. He is known for his professionalism offstage, attention to detail, and music business skills. Brian is an audio engineer, production manager, and an avid bassman. He considers it an honor to play on stage and work in the music industry full time- a dream come true!