About
Badwagon prides itself on bringing a fun, fast-paced energy to any room we perform in. From video game-related events to jazz shows - we’ll bring the energy.
We organize events for both 21+ and all ages crowds! If you have any questions for us, or if you’re interested in involving Badwagon in your private event, get in touch with us!
THE GUYS
Ethan Neel
Ethan Neel was born and raised in Oklahoma City. He received his first set of drums at a very early age, so music was always something he dedicated time towards. He attended the University of Central Oklahoma and participated in jazz ensembles III & II while also working towards a minor in Jazz Studies.
In 2018, he attended the Academy of Contemporary Music @ UCO in OKC, and majored in Music Production. Since then, he has made a living as a touring, live, and session drum set player.
In October of 2023, he began calling local musicians and old friends from UCO to collaborate on an idea for a Mario Kart tournament with a live backing band. He handed the idea off to Nelson Gonzalez, who masterminded the arrangements, and, with the help of Collin Ferrell, the three of them put on the first ever Mario Kart 8 tournament in OKC at the 51st Street Speakeasy.
Ethan lives in OKC and is actively involved in a wide array of local and national music groups, the primary group being Johnny Manchld.
Ethan also loves dogs and long walks on the beach.
Nelson Gonzalez
Nelson Gonzalez Barreto was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He began his musical studies at Ars Nova school of music and at the Itinerant School of Music (EIM) directed by two Berklee alumni, Maria Eugenia Atilano and Pedro Barboza. It was during these years that Nelson was introduced to jazz music, which immediately captivated him and led him to choose this career path.
Once relocated into the U.S, Nelson underwent studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, university where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in arts administration and a master’s in jazz studies. During this time, Nelson was an active member of the renowned UCO Jazz Ensemble I, ensemble where he got to perform with artists such as Jason Marsalis, Ingrid Jensen, Bob Mintzer, Paul Brewer, Sharel Cassity, and John Daversa.
As a composer Nelson won honorable mention at the JEN Young Composer Showcase 2022, and since that moment Nelson has constantly been in the search of new ways to create music. As an arranger, Nelson has written for various projects/groups around the city that include musical theatre, burlesque groups, rock shows, and even live video game music.
Collin Ferrell
Collin Dane Ferrell is a dedicated multi-instrumentalist known for his proficiency on the saxophone, clarinet, flute, and sometimes Irish Whistle, and he has always been passionate about music and gaming. Graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma, Collin's musical journey was inspired by legends like Michael Brecker and Cannonball Adderly, whose records were repeated in his house growing up.
Recognized for arranging video game music for jazz combos, Collin's unique musical approach caught the attention of Badwagon, leading to his integral role in the band. In live Mario Kart music experiences, his arrangements blend nostalgia, innovation, and approachability creating a captivating sonic journey.
Collin continues to progress his passions in music, merging jazz, video game nostalgia, and education. He continues to arrange video game music for his combo, That Video Game Band, and is pursuing teaching through his new project, The Saxophone Collective. He hopes to continue to bring positivity to others through his music and teaching.
Kendrik McKinney
Kendrik McKinney is an Oklahoma City based keyboard player, pianist, arranger, and bandleader. Kendrik started playing piano at a young age, and was around 5 years old when he began classical training. This education led him to be influenced by artists such as Prince, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, George Clinton and Parliament, Bill Evans, Hank Williams Jr., Erykah Badu, and Miles Davis.
He currently lives in his hometown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where you can find him playing with over a dozen different artist and projects. He plans to move to Miami to pursue a Masters Degree in Jazz Arranging at The University of Miami. In his free time, Kendrik likes to travel and play golf. He is married and has two daughters, who all keep him in line at home.
Noah Roberts
Noah Roberts is a current Senior at the University of Oklahoma pursuing a degree is Biomedical Engineering. Noah won the 2022 award for OU’s Outstanding Guitar Student, and is a member of OU’s Honors College. He has made a name for himself as a go-to guitarist in the Norman/OKC area, performing in many local groups such as The Jazz Exchange and Bee and the Hive.
