Bio
MADE IN AMERICA
A Tribute To TOBY KEITH
Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith delivers the music, energy, humor, and patriotic spirit that made Toby Keith one of the most celebrated entertainers in country music history.
Fronted by Paul Wenzel, the 2018 Chicago Music Award winner for Country Artist of the Year, Made In America recreates the excitement of a live Toby Keith concert with a powerful 10-piece band featuring a full horn section. From the opening note to the final salute, every detail is designed to honor Toby’s unmistakable sound and larger-than-life stage presence.
The show is packed with the songs that defined a generation, including “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer for My Horses,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “American Soldier,” “Red Solo Cup,” “As Good as I Once Was,” and “Made in America.”
What separates Made In America from other tribute productions is its direct connection to Toby Keith’s musical legacy. The band has earned the support and endorsement of members of Toby’s legendary Easy Money Band, including longtime guitarist Rich Eckhardt, bassist Dink Cook, and drummer Willie Roy Jr. Eckhardt, who performed alongside Toby for more than 25 years, has publicly described Made In America as the “world’s best Toby Keith tribute” and “the closest you will ever get to an actual Toby Keith show.”
A four-time Josie Music Awards nominee, Made In America brings together accomplished musicians whose professional credits include performances with artists such as Ray Charles, Survivor, and The Ides of March. Their musicianship, attention to detail, and genuine admiration for Toby Keith allow the show to go far beyond imitation. It is a full-scale concert experience built to celebrate the man, the music, and the values his songs represented.
Made In America captures every side of Toby Keith: the chart-topping country superstar, the storyteller, the entertainer, the patriot, and the unapologetic voice of the American working class. Audiences sing along, laugh, raise a glass, and come together for an evening filled with hit after hit.
The tribute also proudly supports Toby’s charitable legacy. At participating performances, 100% of Made In America merchandise proceeds benefit the Toby Keith Foundation and the OK Kids Korral, which provides a home-away-from-home for children battling cancer and their families.
Whether performing at theaters, casinos, festivals, fairs, corporate events, military celebrations, or outdoor concert series, Made In America delivers an unforgettable night of country music and American pride.
This is more than a tribute concert. It is a celebration of Toby Keith’s music, his legacy, and the millions of fans who continue to keep his songs alive.
THE PLAYERS
PAUL WENZEL
AS TOBY KEITH
Paul Wenzel is an award-winning country vocalist, entertainer, producer, and the founder and lead singer of Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith.
A lifelong performer with a commanding stage presence and a deep appreciation for traditional and contemporary country music, Paul has built a reputation for delivering energetic, authentic performances that connect with audiences of all ages. In 2018, he was honored as Country Artist of the Year at the Chicago Music Awards, recognizing his accomplishments as a vocalist and live entertainer.
Paul created Made In America to celebrate the music, personality, humor, and patriotic spirit of Toby Keith. Under his leadership, the production has grown into a nationally touring, 10-piece concert experience featuring a full horn section and some of the Midwest’s most accomplished musicians.
His portrayal has earned the support and endorsement of members of Toby Keith’s legendary Easy Money Band, including longtime guitarist Rich Eckhardt, bassist Dink Cook, and drummer Willie Roy Jr. Eckhardt, who performed alongside Toby for more than 25 years, has publicly described Made In America as the “world’s best Toby Keith tribute” and “the closest you will ever get to an actual Toby Keith show.”
Paul and Made In America have also received national recognition as four-time nominees at the Josie Music Awards, the world’s largest independent music awards organization.
More than simply recreating Toby Keith’s greatest hits, Paul works to capture the heart of what made Toby such a beloved entertainer: his connection with everyday Americans, his sense of humor, his respect for the military, and his ability to bring an audience together through music.
In addition to fronting Made In America, Paul is the producer of Icons of Country, a concert series that brings together premier tribute performers celebrating many of country music’s biggest stars. He also serves as president of The Tribute Band Agency, helping venues, festivals, casinos, theaters, and corporate buyers secure professional tribute entertainment.
Away from the stage, Paul is a successful media and advertising professional with extensive experience developing broadcast, digital video, streaming, and connected television campaigns for businesses throughout the Chicago market.
Whether he is performing in front of thousands of country music fans, producing a large-scale concert event, or creating opportunities for other entertainers, Paul approaches every project with passion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to giving audiences an unforgettable experience.
For Paul Wenzel, honoring Toby Keith is more than performing the songs. It is about celebrating the music, the values, and the legacy of an artist whose impact will never be forgotten.
TIM LIEBELT
DRUMS AND BACKING VOCALS
Originally from Sussex, Wisconsin, Tim Liebelt is a seasoned and well-traveled drummer whose powerful playing and high-energy stage presence have made him a standout in the Midwest country music scene. He has recorded with country artist Chase Daniels and performed with several popular country acts, including Suburban Cowboys, Rodeo Down, Hillbilly Rockstarz, Great Guns, and more.
As the drummer for Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith, Tim provides the driving force behind the band’s live show. His solid groove, hard-hitting style, and years of professional experience bring energy, precision, and excitement to every performance.
RODNEY YEE
FIDDLE/BANJO/GUITARS
Rodney Yee is a veteran Chicago-area multi-instrumentalist whose talent and versatility have made him a valuable presence on the local music scene for many years. Equally accomplished on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin, Rodney has performed with popular bands including Hillbilly Rockstarz, GOOROOS, Mellencougar, and many others.
As a member of Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith, Rodney brings an authentic country sound and remarkable musical range to every performance. Whether adding the warmth of acoustic guitar, the drive of electric guitar, or the unmistakable textures of fiddle and banjo, his tasteful playing and seasoned musicianship add depth, energy, and authenticity to the band’s live show.
CHRISTOPHER MARKS
KEYBOARDS AND BACKING VOCALS
Christopher Marks is a talented keyboardist and vocalist who has been a key member of Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith since the band’s earliest days. Through his versatile keyboard work and strong backing vocals, Christopher adds depth, texture, and harmony to the band’s powerful live sound. His musicianship and dependable stage presence help bring the energy and detail of Toby Keith’s music to life at every performance.
DAVID BOJAN
LEAD ELECTRIC GUITAR
David Bojan is a versatile and experienced Chicago-area guitarist whose playing is rooted in both country and rock. As the lead electric guitarist for Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith, David brings the songs to life with powerful rhythm work, tasteful solos, and an authentic country-rock sound. His strong musical instincts, technical ability, and energetic stage presence make him an essential part of the band’s live performance.
Nelson Wynn
pedal steel guitar
Nelson Wynn is a veteran pedal steel guitarist whose roots in country music reach back to his teenage years, when he performed four nights a week with his father’s band. A highly respected musician and owner of Broadway Music in Merrillville, Indiana, Nelson has performed with the Original Hazzard County Band and Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith. His authentic country sound, tasteful phrasing, and ability to bring warmth and emotion to every song make him an essential part of the band’s signature sound.
TOM CLYMER
BASS
Tom Clymer Jr. is a seasoned Chicago-area bassist known for his solid groove, musical versatility, and energetic live performances. He currently performs with Made In America – A Tribute to Toby Keith and Icons of Country and has also played bass with the popular country group Hillbilly Rockstarz. Whether holding down a traditional country rhythm or powering a high-energy rock arrangement, Tom provides the dependable foundation that keeps the music moving and the audience engaged.
CASH MICHAELS
SAXAPHONE
Cash Michaels has played Sax, Keyboards, and Bass on the Chicago music scene for over 30 years and has worked with some of the top musicians including Grammy Award Winning Bernard Purdie, Howard Levy, Paul Wertico (Pat Metheney) Ernie Watts (Rolling Stones), Sugar Blue, Chuck Webb (Aretha Franklin) and William Patterson (Miles Davis, Boz Skaggs and Michael McDonald! Cash has played on several Grammy nominated albums and has also recorded several radio and TV commercials. He enjoys playing many different styles and genres including jazz, fusion, rock, country, surf rock and electronic music!