Julica Rose Kelly was born in La Crosse, WI but grew up in a small town Readstown, Wi. Growing up in such a small, secluded area gave her plenty of opportunity to indulge in her music and really discover the capacity of her talent. Although Julica had been performing and collaborating in bands since she was 16, it wasn’t until she was 19 yrs old she performed as a solo artist for the first time at what was once Night Hawks blues bar in La Crosse, WI.
“Music is in my Genes. I play guitar, piano, drums, congas and a little bit of bass”
Her grandmother (Barbara Hadley) and Great Uncle (Ramond Hadley) played in a band called the Kickapoo Hillbillies. They won talent competitions and were well known for their ability to entertain. The majority of her cousins, aunts, and uncles sing and play instruments. Her great-grandfather (Merle Hadley) was well known for building violins out of old cigar boxes. Julica’s father is a blues/soul/ funk musician who once was the bass player of a band called Jakki. They were very succesful hitting the top ten on the Billboards back in the 70’s.
In 2008, she made it to Hollywood (Top 70) on Season 8 of American Idol. Her first band, Pennysack , opened for Foghat and Jimmy Van Zant. She has also opened for Thompson Square, played for many festivals, fundraisors, benefits, weddings and the list goes on!
