Eric "Ricco" Jaqua was born July 2nd, 1985 in Ypsilanti, Michgan. Raised in the Detroit area until the age of 10. Eric's family moved to East Jordan, Michigan in 1995. Coming from a musical background (which stems back to the late 1800's) it didn't take long for Eric to discover his natural ability for making music. Eric got his first guitar as a Christmas present after his family's house burned down, late fall of 1998. This tragic event just so happen to fall on Friday the 13th. Eric, with the help of his father, began writing his own music by the age of 14. He eventually made his way to the bass guitar and taught himself how to play drums. Eric has perfected his craft over the years playing in various rock and funk groups.

Charlie "Hipps" Witthoeft was born August 4, 1971 in Devils Lake, North Dakota. The youngest of 4 children, the Witthoefts moved all around the country until settling in Charlevoix, Michigan. Charlie was influenced at a young age with the "Music Bug" when he saw Elvis Presley perform on a TV special and new his passion for entertainment was somehow connected. Charlie was given his first harmonica at the age of 8 but did not give it full focus until the age of 19 while attending college at Northern Michigan University. " I was taking guitar lesson's at a local music store and my instructor got me in this bar to see a blues band which had an amazing guitar player, but also, a frontman playing the "Mississippi Saxaphone" AKA the harmonica. The electrifying tones from this instrument hit a nerve with me that I will take to my grave." This one performance set the stage and future for Charlie as he has been honing his craft in a variety of bands until present day.

Hipps n Ricco

Hipps N Ricco are based out of Northern Michigan and are a "Blues Duo" that produces a lot of sound. "Ricco" (Eric Jaqua) plays guitar (Electric/Acoustic) sings with conviction and lays down groovy beats with the revolutionary "Farmer Foot Drums." Ricco's rare natural abilities has been rewarded with a full endorsement deal with Farmer Musical Instruments. * Vocals and Seasoned Professional Harmonica licks blown by Hipps (Charlie Witthoeft) whom proudly plays Seydel Harmonicas.* Semi Finalist at the 2013 International Blues Challenge IBC and freshly completing their third Cd "Commit 2 Groove" Hipps N Ricco are touring the States, gaining fans and sharing their original sound!

Charlie and Eric first met at a battle of the bands in early 2008 while competing in seperate groups. Charlie quickly recruited Eric for his band "Charlie Root Fusion" after seeing him play the bass. Charlie started booking and playing shows relentlessly throughout Northern Michigan. Charlie got a weekly Sunday gig in June of 2008 at a local bar intended for his acoustic blues duo "Hipps, Biggs & Blues". Receiving the news that "Biggs" (aka Jeremy Biggerstaff, formerly of Charlie's Root Fusion) was going to become a father, he declined the gig opportunity and passed it on to Eric. The new duo "Hipps n Ricco" was born. They played small venues and bars while developing a sound and style all their own. They have recorded albums over the years in basements, bathrooms and pole barns on an 8-track recorder. Trying to gain respect of fans, HnR gave thousands of CD's away to the public free of charge. The feedback and positive response resulted in "Mudstomp". Now their next endeavor is teaming up with Farmer Musical Instruments and using their Foot drums for their next CD "Commit 2 Groove". (Anticipating Release March 2012)

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