Kal Jon Bergendahl is a multifaceted musician, educator, and composer based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, situated between Chicago and Milwaukee. With extensive training, including both an Associate Degree and a Bachelor Degree in Music, he has honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned Midwest jazz musicians like Jack Grassel and Harold Miller. Bergendahl’s musical journey began at the age of 13 when he picked up the electric bass, marking the start of his illustrious career in the southeast Wisconsin jazz scene, which has flourished since 1997.

His musical palette is rich and diverse, drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists spanning from Marcus Miller to Claude Debussy. Notable performances at prestigious festivals such as Milwaukee’s SummerFest and Chicago’s Rogers Park Jazz Series underscore his prominence in the regional music scene. Bergendahl’s talents extend beyond the stage; he’s a dedicated educator who has instructed numerous bass students since 1996. Moreover, as a co-director of Living Light School of Worship, he imparts his knowledge in songwriting, theory, electric bass, and ensemble classes.

In 2003, Bergendahl founded the smooth jazz ensemble Emerge, which toured extensively and released the album “Inspiration.” Later, he established The Kal Bergendahl Project (KBP), showcasing a fusion of smooth jazz, pop, and soul influences across multiple albums. The KBP, featuring over 20 musicians since its inception, underwent a transformation in 2015, embracing a new sound with the addition of a three-piece horn section.

Bergendahl’s contributions to the music community extend beyond performance and composition; his commitment to nurturing talent through teaching and mentoring underscores his role as a respected figure in the Midwest music scene. With a career marked by accolades like a W.A.M.I. nomination for “Best Bassist” and collaborations with esteemed artists like Ramsey Lewis and Darrell Evans, Bergendahl’s legacy continues to grow, enriching the musical landscape of the region.