Joe Kath

Joe grew up in Streamwood, IL and began playing the violin when he was in 4th grade. Along with being the concertmaster for his high school orchestra, Joe also played with the Elgin Area Youth Orchestras for several years before beginning his college career at the University of Illinois. Remaining passionate about music of all types ,ranging from traditional classical to punishing heavy metal, Joe played with the first violin section of the Illini Symphony during his undergraduate years.

Pursuing a life long love of the natural world, Joe majored in vertebrate biology and minored in music performance. Graduate school took Joe to Springfield where he completed his master's degree in environmental biology while performing weekly with a chamber group from Lincoln Land Community College. Joe later did a stint in the "art-rock" band, Black Ops, before joining The Emerald Underground. He also currently plays fiddle in central Illinois country band, Still Kick'n.