Mandy was visiting from Germany when this musi- cal opportunity was seized. With their lead singer once again residing in Canada thereafter, Her and the Other Guys stayed to- gether and continued to flourish. Together, they per- form a wide array of cov- ers ranging from Led Zep- pelin to Roberta Flack. As Ken voices, “We’re concentrating on the hit
Her and the Other Guys by Peri Hayes LOCAL MUSICIAN PROFILE
One of Her and the Other Guys’ founding members, Ken Kokko, enthuses about his bandmates -- which involves Mandy O on vocals, Jim Tone playing guitar and Jeff Green being their drummer and newest member. Along with the bass guitar, Ken performs backup harmony. He highly praises: “They bring amazing talent and versatility.” Moreover, Her and the Other Guys enjoy expanding to a six-piece band for certain performances, with Paul Atkinson on the electric violin and Noel Lesperance as their keyboard saxophone player. “There was an organization that needed to raise funds,” Ken details, “Which is when we put the band together.”
songs that you don’t hear most bands perform.” For 40 years and counting, Ken has been a passionate musician. He proudly shares, “My father was a musician and was in one of the early rock bands in St. Thomas, The Larry Dennis Combo.” As a skillful bass player, Ken’s father performed with The Larry Dennis Combo at The Stork Club and is featured in a Port Stanley mural. “I play the bass guitar just like my father did,” Ken asserts with honour. Inspired by this lifelong influence, Ken began learning the instrument in school. He expresses appreciation for his amazing jazz teacher, as well as for his experiences performing internationally: “We were playing music well ahead of what people our age should have been playing.” Asked what excites Ken about Her and the Other Guys, he earnestly replies, “Mandy’s vocals, the harmonies that we do and the absolute most exciting is the material we have chosen.” Furthermore, Ken describes their artistic motivation: “We try to perform songs that people will know, which maybe they haven’t heard in a while.” While highlighting upcoming performances, Ken announces, “I am really involved in the Save the Lighthouse Fundraiser in Port Burwell. There have been four concerts already, and Her and the Other Guys are playing the fifth concert on September 7th at the Vienna Lions Community Centre. We are playing with special guests and other bands, including the return of Via Satellite.” Tickets are purchasable in advance, as well as upon entry. Her and the Other Guys are available to book for gigs, with more to discover about their craft by visiting “Her and the Other Guys” on Facebook. Those with inquiries are encouraged to contact the band through this platform.
*At participating dealers only. Cannot be combined with any other o er. O er valid on Krown applications at regular retail price. O er expires September 30, 2024.
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Page 30 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2024
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