Roots & Wings Online

Ladera residents overwhelmingly chose Ladera's own Led Hot Fighter Pilots, comprised of Ladera residents, to kick off the 2024 Summer Concert Series. The next runner-up was a distant second. 

LARCS Event Manager Joanne Kopeny said, "On behalf of the Event Planning Committee and the LARCS Board of Directors, we are thrilled to announce the Summer Concert Kick-off Band survey winner. The Led Hots wanted it and promoted the survey to all Ladera fans and neighbors. We look forward to The Led Hot Fighter Pilots taking the stage on Friday, July 12, at Town Green. They will deliver an electrifying performance that promises to set the tone for an unforgettable summer of music and community spirit."

Kopeny said that the summer concert lineup will be announced in the upcoming summer issue of Roots and Wings magazine.

Roots and Wings Online caught up with Paul Wickstrom, Led Hots bass player and booking manager for the band. 

R&W: How did the band get started?

Wickstrom: In late 2018, after being neighbors in Potters Bend for a while, Mark Etzbach, Jeff Davis, and I decided to jam in my garage. I was immediately blown away by how well Mark could sing and how much Jeff shredded on guitar. Who knew these humble neighbors were so talented? I’ve been in bands all my life (gigs, tours, record labels), and to stumble across a singer who could legitimately hit Robert Plant and Chris Cornell, melodies floored me.

We knew we had something special. We soon found our other guitarist, Robert Baird, through the Ladera Ranch Dad's Facebook page. After our original drummer moved to the East Coast, Doug Boutwell jumped behind the kit and brought a new energy level to the challenging drumming some of our songs require. 

R&W: What are your favorite songs to play?

Wickstrom: It’s in our name! We love playing songs from Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, and Stone Temple Pilots. But we love playing songs from many other artists as long as it’s a hit that ROCKS! 

R&W: What does it mean to play in your hometown of Ladera?

Wickstrom: At one time, we jokingly said that maybe one day we could be the opening band for the “real” band at the Summer Concert Series. To actually be a headliner for the concert series in our hometown is truly a dream come true! Our friends, families, and neighbors who have supported us from day one will all be there, and more importantly, we’ll finally be able to show the rest of Ladera why we belong on that stage! We also plan on doing a few things to make this hometown event even more special for our great community. 

R&W: Who are the band members? 

Wickstrom: 

• Paul Wickstrom: Bass
• Mark Etzbach: Singer
• Jeff Davis: Guitar
• Robert Baird: Guitar
• Doug Boutwell: Drums

R&W: What is your Ladera pro tip for those new to the community?

Wickstrom: Here are a few pro tips for anyone new to Ladera who is a musically inclined
1. Great free local music is only a few minutes away. Check out Costello’s in Mission Viejo, the Rush Bar in Lake Forest, and Stillwater in Dana Point.
2. Join the Ladera Ranch Musicians Facebook group, as it’s a great resource for anything music-related. There are some really good music schools and teachers for adults and kids right here in Ladera. ROCK local! 

R&W: Where can people see the Led Hot Fighter Pilots perform?

Wickstrom: We play at the Rush Bar in Lake Forest, and then we’re taking a hiatus over the holidays and will return in January 2024. Follow us @LedHots on Facebook and Instagram, or email us at LedHotFighterPilots@gmail.com for upcoming show dates or to book us for your event.

Photo (L-R): Paul Wickstrom, Jeff Davis, Mark Etzbach, Doug Boutwell, and Robert Baird.

For event updates, including the upcoming summer concert series, visit LaderaLife.com/Events and sign up for the Ladera Happenings newsletter.