"The Kee OF Life is How You Play it"
ON KEE has been providing smooth and jazzy live entertainment since 1993. Formed by Lenny McLean, the band initially began performing live with national recording group, 'Classic Example', produced by Maurice Starr. ON KEE realized that they had a common love for jazz and original music. While exploring that direction and the willingness to take risks, the band pursued respectable jazz clubs in the Boston metropolitan area. After much hard work and partnering with various talented musicians, ON KEE developed a strong fan base that allowed them to perform at various venues. ON KEE often performed at the historic Connolly's Jazz Club in Roxbury and the 1359 Jazz Club in Cambridge.
Once the band discovered a balance of jazz standards and original music, ON KEE began to perform at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge and G Clef in Providence, which was once a powerhouse for showcases of national and local acts. Some of the band's most outreaching performances took place during year 1996, opening for national recording artists, Jeff Lorber and Bob James at G Clef. In 1997, the band performed at the 1997 National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Convention at the Prudential Building in Boston. In addition, they maintain a firm commitment and dedication to the community by donating their time to the Special Olympics, an annual event at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. The band was very fortunate to perform at this event for four years running until Lenny relocated to Maryland. Other events include playing at a benefit for the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans at the House of Blues Club in Cambridge and in 1998 performed at the 'Steppin Out Gala' a fundraiser for the Dimock Community Health Center.
In 2004, ON KEE performed at the Democratic Convention in honor of the National Education Association. In October 2005, ON KEE proudly introduced its first CD release, 'Giving Back' which helped raise money for the Lupus Foundation in the New England area. ON KEE has since produced two other CD releases; 'Live at Mars', 'Positivity' and ON KEE Live at Ryles.
Over the past several years, ON KEE supported various events in the DC/Maryland area, to include a Lupus Foundation fundraiser held in Glen Burnie, MD in April of 2008 and provided weekly performances at the Stonefish Grill and Peachez Lounge and Cafe in Upper Marlboro, MD.
ON KEE has also performed at various venues in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area to include Maryland Live Casino in Hanover, MD; The Carlyle Club and The Westin Alexandria Hotel in Alexandria, VA; Phillips Flagship Restaurant, Washington, DC; Reginald F. Lewis Art Museum and Phaze 10 Restaurant, Baltimore, MD; Si Salsa Restaurant, Pikesville, MD and the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival, Mitchellville, MD, Takoma Station, Washington, DC and the Southern Maryland Wine, Jazz, R&B and Funk Festival.
The jazzy sounds of ON KEE are a unique collaboration of band members from Boston, MA and Maryland. After relocating to Maryland, Lenny formed a second ON KEE Jazz Band with members who reside in DC/Maryland area.
The band members are inspired and influenced by many respected artists such as Joe Sample, Elvin Jones, Sonny Rollins, Don Alias and Jaco Pastorius. Since relocating to Maryland, Lenny has been blessed to have connected with stellar musicians. Lenny continues the ON KEE legacy by playing with both the Massachusetts and Maryland bands.
ON KEE is committed to family, a firm spiritual foundation and the continuation of providing unique and jazzy music to its fan base across the Eastern Seaboard and across the country.
BAND LEADER: Lenny McLean
BOSTON BAND MEMBERS
Rasheed Meadows: Saxophone
Larry Terry: Saxophone
Carl Parks: Percussion
Sonny May: Drums
Colin Weeks: Drums
Greg Silva: Bass Guitar
Tom Smith: Trumpet
Lori Dow: Vocalist
MARYLAND BAND MEMBERS
Rhube Peters: Saxophone
David Dillard: Percussion
Earl Ivey: Drums
Aubrey McKoy: Bass Guitar
Doc Flowers: Guitar
Etta Durren: Vocalist