OAK LANE acoustic music was formed in 2004 with its foundation in the choristers of St. James's Episcopal Church's West Gallery Choir. Meaning we all sang for the 9 AM service Sundays and took our musical leadership from Virginia and Mark Whitmire, music ministers.

Players

The original Oak Lane Boys included Massie Valentine, Andy Smith and Russell Lawson. After about a year,  Bill Hardy joined us on bass and, within a few more weeks, Liz Nance added her beautiful tones.

Here's a shot of all of us outside our rehearsal space on...Oak Lane (no kidding!)

(l to r) Bill, Andy, Liz, Russell, Massie

Music

The sets over the years have been an eclectic combination of folk, country, bluegrass and pop that we've all been singing and hearing around for years. Recently, we've been settling down on a choice selection to perfect, so that when we step up on stage, the sound will be confident and sweet.

Whether we're singing the work of unique singer/songwriters like Kris Kristofferson or Mary Chapin Carpenter, ground-breaking bluegrass by Bill Monroe, traditional mountain and roots songs, or pop standards from Lieber and Stoller to Gershwin, we try to give each a special OAK LANE arrangement and swing them "our way."

This means traditional acoustic instruments (bass, mandolin, banjo, guitar, harmonica) plus three and four part harmonies. We create all our own arrangements, staying close to the timbre and voice of the original, but with our own vision of a full and well-blended sound.

Come hear us and see for yourself!