About AKA
Born out of a shared love for rock music and a no-drama, all-in spirit, AKA is a band of seasoned musicians who know how to bring a crowd to life. Fusing decades of experience with fresh energy, they deliver powerhouse performances that span generations of rock—from classic anthems to hard-hitting favorites. Their bond offstage is just as strong as their sound onstage: a brotherhood built on trust, respect, and a whole lot of fun. With a lineup as skilled as it is passionate, AKA isn’t just another cover band—they’re a full-on rock experience, ready to turn every show into a night you won’t forget.
Meet the Band
Mark Whalen
Vocals
Mark Whalen has lived and breathed music his whole life, inspired early on by his mom and legends like Robert Plant. Known for his vibrant spirit and dynamic vocals, Mark loves the thrill of performing “Rock and Roll All Nite” and connecting with the crowd. A founding force behind AKA, he sought out friends who played for the love of music, not perfection. Fun fact: Mark started out as a sound man because of stage fright—but now he’s front and center, bringing the party wherever AKA plays. His dream jam partner? Sammy Hagar, for the pure fun of it.
Brian Cox
Guitar, Keys, Vocals
Brian Cox has been passionate about music since the age of 12, starting with the trumpet before picking up the guitar, inspired by the legendary Eddie Van Halen. Coming from a musically rich family, it was almost inevitable he’d find his place in the spotlight. A founding member of AKA alongside longtime friend Mark, Brian brings his signature sound with his beloved blue Ibanez RG550 and a lifetime of experience from playing in seven working bands. When he’s not rocking the stage with crowd favorites like “Superstition” and “Enter Sandman,” Brian flexes his linguistic skills—speaking five languages—and his leadership as a Vice President at a bank. His favorite part of being in AKA? The camaraderie, the energy, and the magic they create together on stage.
Zane Garrett
Guitar, Bass, Keys, Vocals
Zane has been immersed in music since he was just 7 years old, inspired by his dad’s rocking bands. A true student of creativity and technical mastery, he draws major influence from Genesis (with Peter Gabriel) for their fearless, inventive songwriting. Onstage, Zane tears it up on his Jackson Soloist, delivering high-energy performances—especially when he’s belting out “Teen Spirit” at full throttle. Offstage, he’s a language enthusiast, always learning something new. A major early influence on his playing was Randy Rhoads—an icon he never got to see live, but whose groundbreaking style continues to inspire him today.
Gary Armstrong
Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Gary picked up his first guitar at 12 years old, growing up in a house filled with great music and the sounds of Bon Jovi. That early spark lit a fire that led him to the bass, where he found his place in AKA. Whether laying down rock-solid grooves or bringing new songs to life, Gary thrives on the band’s energy and musicianship. He’s sentimental about his first Fender Strat and treasures a vintage Ibanez Roadstar that once belonged to his grandpa. When he’s not rocking, he’s into yacht rock, photography, and art—and dreaming of one day jamming with Daryl Hall’s band.
Adam Green
Drums
Adam Green has been drumming almost as long as he could walk—starting with a toy drum and a fierce passion for rhythm. With a love for all kinds of hard-hitting rock, Adam powers the band from behind the kit while also running the lights and fog machines during shows. His favorite live moments come during tracks like “Enter Sandman” and “Kickstart My Heart,” when the dance floor is packed. Offstage, Adam’s a true outdoorsman, builder, cook, and homebrewer. A veteran of countless shows, he’s proud to call his bandmates in AKA his brothers.
Songs You Can Expect to Hear
| Song Title â–² | Artist â–² | Genre â–² |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder Cash ’69 | Cody Parks & The Dirty South | Progressive Rock |
| Fantasy | Aldo Nova | Progressive Rock |
| Back on My Feet Again | The Babys | Pop Rock |
| Your Love | The Outfield | Melodic Rock, Power Ballad |
| Love Hurts | Nazareth | Melodic Rock, Power Ballad |
| Runaway | Bon Jovi | Melodic Rock, Power Ballad |
| Dance the Night Away | Van Halen | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Heaven | Warrant | Funk, Pop Rock, Soul |
| I’m a Believer | The Monkees | Funk, Pop Rock, Soul |
| Faithfully | Journey | Funk, Pop Rock, Soul |
| Superstition | Stevie Wonder | Funk, Pop Rock, Soul |
| Bad Day | Fuel | Alternative, Hard Rock, Modern Rock |
| Long Way Down | Goo Goo Dolls | Alternative, Modern Rock, Post-Grunge |
| Kryptonite | 3 Doors Down | Alternative, Modern Rock, Post-Grunge |
| 3AM | Matchbox Twenty | Alternative, Modern Rock, Post-Grunge |
| Burning Heart | Vandenberg | Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Melodic Rock |
| One Way to Rock | Sammy Hagar | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| Home Sweet Home | Mötley Crüe | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| Smokin’ in the Boys Room | Mötley Crüe | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ | Judas Priest | Hard Rock |
| Kickstart My Heart | Mötley Crüe | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| Ballroom Blitz | Sweet | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| Eruption / You Really Got Me | Van Halen | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| Metal Health (Bang Your Head) | Quiet Riot | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| Man in the Box | Alice in Chains | Alternative, Hard Rock |
| Sweet Child o’ Mine | Guns N' Roses | Hair Metal, Hard Rock |
| Machinehead | Bush | Alternative, Hard Rock |
| Cumbersome | Seven Mary Three | Alternative, Hard Rock |
| War Pigs | Black Sabbath | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Feels Like the First Time | Foreigner | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Rock of Ages | Def Leppard | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Immigrant Song | Led Zeppelin | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Born to Be Wild | Steppenwolf | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Fly Me Courageous | Drivin' N' Cryin' | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Don’t Stop Believin’ | Journey | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Rock and Roll All Nite | KISS | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Rock and Roll | Led Zeppelin | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Turn Up the Radio | Autograph | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Foreplay/Long Time | Boston | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) | Styx | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Any Way You Want It | Journey | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Take It on the Run | REO Speedwagon | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Synchronicity II | The Police | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Fortunate Son | Creedence Clearwater Revival | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Open Up Your Eyes | Tonic | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Burnin’ for You | Blue Öyster Cult | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Turn It On Again | Genesis | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |
| Enter Sandman | Metallica | Hard Rock |
| Copperhead Road | Steve Earle | Classic Rock, Hard Rock |