JULIE NEAL
Lead Vocals
In 2025, Julie founded WHIRL, an eclectic groove rock band that showcases her passion for bringing together music from across the decades into energetic, crowd-pleasing performances.
Julie may be best known for her work as a backing vocalist with two of Columbus’ legendary rock acts, Rosie and The Godz, sharing the stage with some of the city’s most respected musicians.
Beyond WHIRL, Julie remains an active collaborator throughout the Columbus music community, regularly performing lead and backing vocals with other local bands and contributing studio vocals to original recording projects. Whether on stage or in the studio, her powerful voice, professionalism, and infectious energy have made her a sought-after performer and a respected presence in the Central Ohio music scene.
SEBASTIAN DUNKEL
Drums
After relocating to the United States in 2012, Sebastian quickly established himself as one of the region’s premier drummers. His versatility and professionalism have led to collaborations with acclaimed producers Mike Clink (Guns N’ Roses, Megadeth, Whitesnake), Mike Dearing (P.O.D.), and Tim Narducci (Systematic), with recording sessions spanning Los Angeles, Nashville, and beyond.
As a touring drummer, Sebastian has shared the stage with nationally recognized acts including Three Days Grace, Pop Evil, Starset, and 10 Years, bringing the same energy and precision to every performance, whether playing arenas, festivals, or intimate venues. Closer to home, many Columbus rock fans know him as the powerhouse drummer behind the QFM96 House Band, Rock This Way, where his explosive playing and unmistakable feel earned him a loyal following.
Now behind the kit for WHIRL, Sebastian combines technical excellence with infectious energy, providing the heartbeat that drives the band’s eclectic blend of rock, funk, pop, soul, and groove. His ability to shift effortlessly from hard-hitting rock to intricate rhythmic textures makes him one of the most versatile drummers on any stage.
When he’s not performing, Sebastian is a highly respected drum instructor and sought-after session musician throughout Central Ohio, sharing his passion for music with the next generation of drummers while continuing to record and perform with artists across the country.
Sebastian proudly performs on Pearl Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Remo Drumheads—proof that great musicians know the right tools matter, but it’s the hands behind them that make the difference.
STEVE MITCHELL
Lead & Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals / Storyteller
A veteran of virtually every bar, nightclub, concert hall—and yes, the occasional “shit-pit”—from Columbus to Los Angeles, Steve has spent nearly five decades living the life of a working musician. Equal parts guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, educator, and storyteller, he’s earned a reputation as one of Central Ohio’s most respected and enduring musical voices.
Steve’s career has taken him through an impressive list of bands, including Shakedown, Shock Tu, St. August, Tree Huggin’ Hippies, The Fabulous Martini Brothers, The Mitchell Project, Jackass Genius, and, most recently, the legendary Columbus rock institution The Godz. Every stop along the way has added another chapter to a musical journey that continues to evolve.
Beyond the stage, Steve has performed on countless recording sessions, commercial jingles, and special projects while contributing as both a performer and producer on numerous Columbus compilation albums. His recorded work spans decades, including Live at the Agora with Shakedown, Finding My Way with St. August, releases with The Fabulous Martini Brothers and Jackass Genius, and production and performance credits on the acclaimed Westside compilation series.
Since 1987, Steve has also been one of Ohio’s premier guitar instructors, mentoring generations of musicians who have gone on to perform professionally throughout the region and beyond. His influence extends far beyond the stage, helping shape the sound of Central Ohio’s music community one student at a time.
As guitarist and backing vocalist for WHIRL, Steve brings a lifetime of experience, tasteful musicianship, and the kind of instincts that only come from thousands of nights on stage. Whether he’s delivering a soaring guitar solo, adding rich vocal harmonies, or sharing one of his legendary road stories between sets, Steve reminds everyone that great music isn’t just played—it’s lived.
Because after all these years, Steve Mitchell isn’t just carrying a guitar…he’s carrying a lifetime of stories, and fortunately for us, he’s still writing new ones.
JON VAN METER
Lead & Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals
WHIRL is proud to have Jon Van Meter—better known to many as Jonny V—on guitar and backing vocals.
A familiar face throughout the Central Ohio music scene, Jon has built a reputation as a versatile guitarist with exceptional tone, tasteful playing, and an unmistakable stage presence. Whether he’s delivering soaring leads, rock-solid rhythm work, or adding rich vocal harmonies, Jon brings musicianship and energy to every performance.
You may have caught Jon recently with Brad Moore’s LOST BOYZ, or over the years with local favorites including The Divide, Blu Kuda, Photobomb, Tailgatorz, Nefarious Ewe, Grannyshot, and Code Name: Eric. His ability to move effortlessly between bands and musical styles has made him one of the area’s most respected and in-demand guitarists.
Jon’s talents extend well beyond the stage. He engineered and co-produced **Black Rose Bloom’s **Superbloom, where his guitar work and production skills helped shape an outstanding original recording that showcases both his musicianship and his ear for great sound.
And before anyone asks…yes, Jon is still a member of Brad Moore’s LOST BOYZ.
Because at WHIRL, we don’t steal musicians—we borrow them…with permission, plenty of mutual respect, and a shared calendar. We proudly work around schedules because supporting fellow musicians and great bands is part of what makes the Central Ohio music community so special.
Be sure to catch Jon every month with Brad Moore’s LOST BOYZ—they’re fantastic—and then come experience what he brings to the stage with WHIRL, where his guitar work is helping drive the next chapter of the band’s Eclectic Groove Rock sound.
CHRIS FRITSCH
Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals
Every great band needs someone who holds it all together—and for WHIRL, that’s Chris Fritsch.
A true Renaissance man, Chris is the kind of person who can build a house, fabricate custom off-road equipment, weld just about anything, and then show up that night to lay down the rock-solid groove that keeps the dance floor moving. As founder of Dark Crow Designs Off-Road Equipment, he’s spent years building things that last. Turns out, that same mindset translates perfectly to bass guitar.
Chris has been performing since the 1980s, earning a reputation for tasteful, melodic bass lines and dependable musicianship. After stepping away from the stage to focus on family and building a successful business, he has returned to where he belongs—making music with WHIRL.
Rumor has it that back in the day, Chris was part of a band that didn’t just play music—they created it. Contributing to original songwriting and arrangements, he helped craft a sound that left an impression long after the last note faded. While he may not be one to brag about it, the musicians who know him remember.
Whether he’s locking in with the drummer on a thunderous five-string bass, adding harmonies behind the lead vocals, or reaching for his beloved “fretless” bass to bring a whole different character to a song, Chris is the foundation that gives WHIRL its heartbeat.
Outside of music, Chris keeps life refreshingly simple. He loves building things. He loves playing bass. And he loves sandwiches.
Because sometimes that’s all you really need: great groove and great sandwiches.