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The "Smokin' Okies" were formed in
Sept. 2000. But all three members have known and played together for
many years preceeding the "Smokin' Okies".
Back in 1989, Mack and Wes were in a band called "Sweetwater". They were
one of the best country bands in the state, having won the Jimmy
Dean-True Value Country Music Show Down in 1990. They were state
champions that competed with over 40 other acts. Sweetwater broke up,
and along with Sweetwater's guitarist Danny Harrison they formed "Lb.
Salt", a rock and roll trio. They played for the next two years. Mike
was busy playing with various bands in clubs all over South West
Oklahoma.
In 1997, Wes hooked up with Mike in a little country band call "Sage
Brush Doodle Bugs". They were a house band and played to a full house
every week end. It was lots of fun, but it got old after a while. They
hooked up with their piano player and had a rock trio for about a year.
In the summer of 2000, Mike and Wes invited Mack to a gig. Wes wanted to
get Mack into the band (Wes was playing drums at the time). So, once
again, Wes went to the bass and the "Smokin' Okies" were born. Since
then, they have played all over Oklahoma and North Texas. In 2004, they
took second place in the State Fair of Oklahoma's "Battle of
the Bands". They submitted their Demo CD, along with over 100 other
bands, and they were one of the top three that were chosen.
When you come to one of our shows, you get to see what over 90 years of
musicianship looks like. Mike plays guitar, fiddle, and sings. Mack
plays drums, piano, and sings. Wes plays bass, and sings. This is a
brotherhood. We really enjoy making music with each other, and it's
always a pleasure to take the stage together. Hope to see you at a show
when we're in your town.
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