He may have small town roots but with the attention he’s commanding, Jeff Kikut is quickly proving there is nothing small about where he’s headed.
Born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario, Jeff’s passion for guitar began at age 15, a direction for which he gives a nod to musical icon Ozzy Osbourne; “My brother played the song Crazy Train and I remember thinking it was the coolest riff I ever heard. That was the moment I knew I wanted to play guitar.”
Beginning with lessons at the local Academy of Music, Jeff showed natural ability and excelled to the Grade 5 level, after which he was offered a job to start teaching. Working with students and developing theory presented a welcome challenge which Jeff says “has always been a great motivator. It keeps my chops up and forces me to learn different styles of music I might otherwise overlook.”
After years of local success and helping others develop their craft, there was only one next step for Jeff; to further develop his own craft. Keen on seeking nothing short of the best, Jeff researched the most acclaimed programs in the industry, which led him to the world renowned Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T) in Hollywood, California. It was here that Jeff spent an entire year completely immersed in elevating his skill and style to a level of perfection.
Upon returning home, Jeff dedicated the next [3] years to playing. Responding to various offers and also developing acts of his own, Jeff rocked everything from Gothic-Dance to Tribute/Covers and back again. He had one goal: to play, gain exposure, and play more. “Live shows are what keeps me going” says Jeff, “It doesn’t matter what kind of band; whether recording or tribute, what matters is that I’m rockin’-out on stage somewhere.”
All that playing paid off with an offer to collaborate with Brian Vollmer from the multi-platinum selling band Helix. Struck by Jeff’s unique style and talent, Vollmer offered Jeff a spot in the band Alliston Flyte, with whom he spent the next few years on tour playing their favourite covers and of course Helix Hits.
Alliston Flyte saturated the Canadian market garnering instant fans and immediate success. A success that was sadly cut short when Jeff suffered a severe injury to his left arm which halted his playing completely. “That was the worst time of my life” recalls Jeff, “the guitar was everything to me and suddenly, in the blink of an eye, that everything was gone.” Against all odds, Jeff underwent corrective surgery and came out determined to re-gain his abilities. “It was a long haul but the music kept me motivated. Not only did I get through it, I became better than I ever thought I could be.”
Years later and fully recovered, Jeff is back on the scene in full force. He can be seen touring Canada as hired lead guitar gun with London Ont rock recording act After the Lounge and Opening the stage for bands like Buckcherry, 3 Doors Down, Trooper, April Wine, Great White and Finger 11 to name a few. In addition, Jeff tours with cover band The DefBombs and has also played with Juno nominated Emm Gryner formerly of David Bowie’s band .
Rocking out an average of 100 shows yearly playing in everything from small intimate clubs to large rock festivals.
According to Jim McCormick (Allstage Entertainment) that feeling delivers outward, “I’ve said it before, Jeff is iconic on stage. Not only in skill on the guitar but also in stage presence … a consummate pro.” Offstage, Jeff continues to share his passion for guitar through teaching and studio work.
