ABOUT US
Knee Deep is Northern Michigan's favorite stadium classic rock tribute band featuring band members Jamie Laferriere on lead vocals; Bob LaSarge on lead guitar, background vocals; Mark LaSarge on keyboards, sax, trumpet, harmonica, background vocals; Chris Knopf on bass; and Rob “Rok” Johnson on drums.
Knee Deep brings a high-energy, crowd-first classic rock show built for every audience - whether it’s a summer concert series, brewery stage, festival, or private event. Known for strong local followings and repeat bookings, the five-piece band consistently turns casual listeners into full dance floors. With setlists packed with recognizable hits, Knee Deep hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and energy—perfect for mixed-age crowds and outdoor venues.
MEET THE BAND:
Bob LaSarge
Lead Guitar / Background Vocals
Every band needs a guitar player who means it. That’s Bob.
Born and raised in West Michigan near Grand Rapids and now based in Traverse City, Bob LaSarge came up the right way—garage bands, tube amps, and a deep dive into the DNA of classic rock.
His influences read like a greatest-hits playlist: early Van Halen, The Smiths, early REO Speedwagon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. That mix shows up in his playing—melodic when it needs to be, aggressive when it counts.
Whether it’s a soaring lead or a gritty rhythm part, Bob brings the tone and attitude that define the band’s sound.
Offstage, he’s a dedicated husband and father of two.
Mark LaSarge
Keyboard, Sax, Trumpet, Harmonica, accessories, Background Vocals
The band’s variety member—and most likely to be playing any number of instruments in each set.
Mark LaSarge, based in Traverse City and raised in the Grand Rapids area, is a formally trained multi-instrumentalist with serious range. With studies at GVSU and the University of Iowa, he brings both musical precision and creative firepower to the stage.
Keys, horns, harmonica—if it adds color, punch, or texture, Mark’s on it. Outside the band, he stays sharp performing in multiple community ensembles, keeping his chops active across styles.
He’s also the younger brother of the band’s guitarist, which explains the locked-in chemistry you hear on stage.
Offstage: father of four, and has an amazing girlfriend.
Chris Knopf
Bass
Every great band needs someone holding it down. Chris does it with intent.
Originally from Detroit and raised in Traverse City, Chris Knopf now lives in Kingsley, Michigan. After a lifetime around music, he locked in on bass in 2012—and hasn’t looked back.
His playing is rooted in groove but shaped by progressive and alternative heavyweights like Rush, Yes, Faith No More, Robert Plant, and David Bowie. The result: a bass style that’s steady, musical, and just a little unpredictable in the best way.
When he’s not on stage, Chris works as a Software QA Lead, spins tracks as a part-time DJ on a local community college radio station, and stays active in the ham radio world. He’s also the go-to human for his rescue dog.
Rob "Rok" Johnson
Drummer
If it hits hard and stays tight all night, that’s Rok.
Hailing from Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Rok Johnson brings over 40 years of road-tested experience behind the kit. He’s played all over Michigan and far beyond—Northern California, Arizona, West Virginia—and logged time in multiple recording projects along the way.
Rok’s style is straight out of the high-energy rock playbook—think KISS and early Van Halen—solid, driving, and built to move a crowd. No gimmicks, just groove and power that holds everything together.
Knee Deep IN THE NEWS and RECOGNITIONS
Knee Deep continues to earn recognition throughout Northern Michigan for energetic live performances, professional musicianship, and unforgettable classic rock entertainment. Below are a few recent media features highlighting the band.
🎸 National Cherry Festival Wraps Up Historic 100th Celebration
9&10 News
Published July 4, 2026
Knee Deep was selected to open the final Pepsi Bayside Music Stage concert during the historic 100th National Cherry Festival. The article highlights Knee Deep's energetic classic rock performances and reputation throughout Northern Michigan.
🎵 National Cherry Festival Official Announcement
National Cherry Festival
The National Cherry Festival officially announced Knee Deep as one of three Michigan bands selected to close the Festival's historic 100th Anniversary celebration on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage.
View the Official Festival Announcement →
🇺🇸 Headlining Petoskey's Fourth of July Celebration
Petoskey Fourth of July Committee
Knee Deep was selected as the featured waterfront entertainment for Petoskey's annual Fourth of July Celebration, performing immediately prior to the fireworks over Little Traverse Bay.
🥊 Jamie LaFerriere Featured by 9&10 News
9&10 News
Published February 26, 2026
Lead vocalist Jamie LaFerriere was featured by 9&10 News while preparing for a national masters boxing tournament in Las Vegas. The story also recognizes Jamie as the lead singer of Knee Deep.
About Knee Deep
Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Knee Deep is Northern Michigan's favorite Stadium Classic Rock Tribute Band. Performing the greatest arena rock hits of the 1970s and 1980s, Knee Deep has become a crowd favorite at festivals, casinos, resorts, country clubs, breweries and community celebrations throughout Michigan and Florida.