Here are some of the former band members

      Jana Baumann

Jana's vocal career spontaneously erupted during childhood when she hit her thumb sharply with a hammer. A raw, piercing, emotional sound endures as her trademark.

Baumann, formerly known as Jana Banana, flowered slowly under the double shadow cast by a palm tree and the hillside HOLLYWOOD sign above Sunset Boulevard. Still starry eyed, she currently shares her talents with the world from her home base under the carousel at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

After a very long absence from the music scene, Paula says it's great to be back in front of an audience as a Slackette. "It's just been too @#$% long between sets, man!' Some of you might remember her music career was cut short after a nasty incident outside of Winterland in "67 which ultimately sidelined her into the WPP (Witness Protection Program) until the early '80's when she had a short, but exciting stint with the Seattle girl grunge band the " Lemonettes." Paula now makes her home in Santa Cruz with her husband Ralph and her much loved dog, Miles (after Miles Davis).

  Joel Dison

Mild mannered teacher by day, Joel becomes a rockin' guitarist in the after hours.  The newest member of the band, Joel is stepping in as lead guitarist and promises to bring a fresh, new flavor to the group.  He’s a punk rock maniac who can bang out at least 5 chords on an electric guitar while screaming unintelligible lyrics. Catch him live on stage and you’ll get a glimpse of his punk alter ego. Be prepared to be blown away by the raw power of his playing.

  Tom Lutz

Tom is a self- described hermit. He left home at an early age to join the circus. Since his clown act did not go over well, he was asked to learn the electric guitar, and play backing music for the strippers at the late night side- show. He retired from the big top in 1983.

He was enticed out of retirement to join the “Slackers” by promises of fame and fortune. He is waiting.

Tom lives well away from other people, in a small cabin in the Aptos hills, with his pet deer, One Horn; hummingbirds, Audrey and Nasty Nick; and his cat, Doodles.

   Peggy Nelson

Peggy's musical background remains a mystery, as is the woman herself. She suddenly appeared one day at rehearsal and consequently became a member of the band.  There are unconfirmed rumors that she sang backup vocals for Ray Charles during his 1996 European tour.

  Jim Thomas 1927 - 2004

On February 20, 2004 Jim Thomas passed away. Jim played steel guitar and sang with the band. 

Jim started his career playing the Hawaiian lap steel guitar at age eleven. After several years football became more important and was his major focus through college.

Jim received a Ukulele from his father-in-law who got it as payment for a bad debt. Jim masterfully played 3 cords for 30 years. The guitar languished in the closet until 2 years ago when his son Peter encouraged him to start playing again. After that his abilities on the guitar increased as he practiced in between surfing at Capitola and other exotic places around the world.

Jim’s lyrical steel guitar and mellow voice will be missed, and he will be remembered for the kind, warm and peace-loving man that he was.

  Tina Tucker

Tina, aka The Goddess, has a long and interesting career as a vocalist.  While she is better known for her accomplishments as a fine artist, her musical credits are much too long to list here.