How Middle Aged Dad Jam Band’s Ken Marino, David Wain and Craig Wedren Landed ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic for a Collab (Exclusive)

**Celebrating Friendship and Music: The Middle Aged Dad Jam Band’s Journey**

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the cult classic *Wet Hot American Summer*, a film that continues to resonate with fans. The creative minds behind this enduring comedy—Ken Marino, David Wain, and Craig Wedren—are not just bound by their joint film projects; they share a deep, long-lasting friendship that has evolved over nearly four decades. Together, they have now ventured into the world of music with their new cover band, Middle Aged Dad Jam Band (MADJB).

The seeds of MADJB were planted during the pandemic, a time when many sought comfort in creativity. David Wain recounted how the idea came to fruition: “I started having open jam sessions in the garage where we would play songs and people would join in to sing just for fun. It didn’t matter if you knew what you were doing or not.” This informal activity quickly transformed from casual gatherings into a proper band, leading them to play in various venues across the United States.

Ken Marino, who now serves as the lead vocalist, expressed how the band has drawn on songs from their youth. “Songs that we knew growing up give us a lot of joy,” he said. As they reminisce about their formative years, they bring these classic hits alive, performing covers such as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” and Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”.

The trio has a remarkable synergy, fostered by years of collaborative projects including *The State* and *Role Models*. The band is often joined on stage by Craig Wedren, a childhood friend of Wain and Marino, who contributes his vocal talents and harmonies. Jokingly, Wedren mentioned how they’ve stuck to a nostalgic setlist, saying, “They’re in our bones—DNA music.”

As for their inspirations, the band members fondly recall their childhood heroes. Marino commented how most people desire the excitement of being on stage from a young age. Wedren pinpointed his inspiration to see Elton John and KISS in his youth, stating, “Who wouldn’t want to feel that?” Wain echoed this sentiment, recalling the exhilarating experience of performing in sync with others.

Their most recent album, released in June, features collaborations with notable artists like Kristen Bell and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Wedren described how their longstanding friendships within the industry opened doors for these collaborations, highlighting their relationship with Yankovic as a humorous meeting at a Best Buy years prior.

The band members also shared stories about integrating their children into their newfound musical journey. Wain’s son, Henry, has become an integral part of the band, taking on the saxophone and even stepping into a frontman role while showcasing his vocal skills. Marino’s daughter and Wedren’s son have also participated in performances, forming the “Kiddle Age Dad Jam Band”, an adorable nod to their parents’ project.

Music has always played a crucial role in their friendship. The three have built a collaborative rhythm through years of carefree creativity, underscored by their work on *Wet Hot American Summer*. According to Wedren, the film created an atmosphere that facilitated a harmonious working relationship. “It really flowed,” he recalled, reflecting on their collective experience.

As they celebrate the legacy of *Wet Hot American Summer*, the trio finds joy in the continued relevance of their comedy. “The fact that the movie is still meaningful to people is quite miraculous,” Wain noted. The nostalgia has resurfaced as they participated in special themed events and screenings, including a recent large gathering in Griffith Park.

In discussing the essence of their friendship, Marino summarised their bond as invaluable. “We understand how special it is and have nurtured our connection,” he said, adding that different conversations with each friend enrich his life in unique ways.

Looking towards the future, the Middle Aged Dad Jam Band is not only a testament to their enduring friendship but also a reminder of the joy of music and collaboration. As they navigate through this musical endeavour, the trio remains committed to creating new memories and bringing joy to audiences, further solidifying their legacy as friends and artists in a shared journey.