After 15 Years, Driftwood Took the Stage One Last Time

After 15 years of playing shows, making memories, and entertaining crowds around the area, local country and rock cover band Driftwood has officially played their final show.

I got a chance to watch them one last time Saturday, September 19th at Korneli’s on the Ave in Fond du Lac, and the place was packed. It was pretty cool seeing that many people come out to support a local band that has been doing this for so long.

Driftwood started back in 2011 with Matt Birschbach, Erik Foster and Jay Salzmann. Matt, who has been behind the drums since day one, told me the band has gone through quite a few changes over the years.

The original lineup included Erik Foster, Alicia Foster, Jay Salzmann, Dylan O’Conner and Matt. Matt Crowder joined as a male vocalist in 2015 and stayed through 2019. Erik and Alicia left in 2020, with Kayla Jo and Craig Hawkinson joining the group. Kayla stayed until 2023 before stepping away after having a child, and Alexis Ray eventually took her place.

The final Driftwood lineup included Alexis Ray on female vocals, Chris Steinert on male vocals and utility, Craig Hawkinson and Dylan O’Conner on guitar, Jay Salzmann on bass, and Matt Birschbach on drums. Brit Steinert handled management and social media.

When I asked Matt about some of his favorite shows over the years, it wasn’t easy to pick just one. A few that stood out were the Eden Picnic, Fishing Has No Boundaries’ Boundaries Bash Ice Show, and Walleye Weekend.

I also asked what advice he would give to musicians or bands trying to make a name for themselves.

“Just keep grinding. Make your own path and just go straight for it. It doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks, just have a vision and go for it. Find people that have the same passion and love for live music. Practice, practice, practice!”

But what stood out the most was how thankful Matt is for everyone who supported Driftwood over the years.

“We never intended this to be a thing. I know that sounds a little cliché, but it’s true. We love our family, friends, fans more than they will ever know and we just appreciate that they allow us to do something we loved to do.”

15 years is a heck of a run. Judging by how packed Korneli’s was for their final show, Driftwood definitely made an impact on a lot of people along the way.

And we’re not done talking with Matt yet!

Matt Birschbach will be joining us LIVE this Monday, September 28th at 6:00 AM on I Love FDL Live. We’ll talk more about Driftwood, the last show, some of his favorite memories and what comes next after 15 years behind the drums.