SWBA Member Band

Mee Dee Oker Bluegrass Band

 

 

The MEE DEE OKER Bluegrass Band got its start about 4 years ago. The band has had several different players from time to time, with some members leaving due to conflicts in their personal lives.

 

 

The current members have been with the band a little over two years now. The Band was originated by Jim Sims and the current band name, as it is spelled, was a creation of Marsha Bruno, a former Band member.

Member Profiles

JIM SIMS - Dobro
Jim is the originator of the Band.  He was Born in Grand Island, Nebraska, and came to California in 1982.  Jim has never played a instrument before and has been playing about 5 or 6 years ago. Jim started with the Jam at Curley's Cafe in Signal Hill.

RAY BOOTH - Bass
Ray also subs on banjo when needed.  He also sings lead and harmony.  Ray was Born In Rhode Island and came to California in 1963.  Ray is one of the founding members of the Yankee Bluegrass and also played with the Country Connection Band.

ROSE BOOTH - Mandolin
Rose was born in Long Beach, California. Rose also sings lead and Harmony. She is one of the founding Members of the Yankee Bluegrass Group. Rose is Married to Ray booth and they have been married for 42 years. They have two Children and four Grand children.

KEVIN RHUE - Mandolin
Kevin was born in New Port News Virginia.  He also sings lead and harmony. Kevin is a Singer-Songwriter and is well versed in many genres of music. Kevin is a multi-instrumentalist. He plays guitar, piano, and drums in addition to mandolinl. He bas been a staple in the band since its very beginning.

DENNIS HARMON - Guitar
Both lead and harmony singer, Dennis was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He came to California, at the age of three and started playing guitar at the age of twelve. His family is deeply rooted in bluegrass music. Dennis bas played with several Bands Starting in the1970's. Beside Guitar, Dennis also likes to play the Dobro and the Mandolin.

MIKE OSTGAARD - Banjo
Mike also sings lead.  He lives in Silverado California.  Mike bas been playing the banjo since the 1970s,when be worked with Okie Adams as a banjo maker and designer. Mike also played in the Yankee Bluegrass band as well as other bands during the days of the Norco Festival. Mike also plays with his two sons in the Baker Canyon Boys band.

 
 
 

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