the green room band...

When drummer Richard Harris moved from California to Holland, Michigan in 1995 and met singer-guitarist Tim Obbink, the two decided to combine their musical talents and began performing together.

Before Harris returned to California the next year, he introduced Obbink to percussionist Jeremy Mokma. Mokma joined Obbink in his weekly performances at Backstreet Restaurant and Brewpub.

In January 1999, Harris returned to Michigan and rejoined Obbink and Mokma. The three began thinking of turning their three-man act into a full band.

James Lenger, a local guitar instructor and high school classmate of Mokma, joined the group in May 1999 after an exhaustive search for a bass player. Obbink and Lenger invited pianist Cory VanRhee to join the band after hearing him play later that month. Together, Harris, Lenger, Mokma, Obbink, and VanRhee became The Green Room.

The Green Room's self-described sound is "blues-funk-jazz-rock". They push acoustic sound to the edge with heavy, hard beats. Their sound is often compared to popular bands such as The Dave Matthews Band and The Barenaked Ladies. The Green Room's playlist currently includes a mix of original music and cover tunes ranging from the Steve Miller Band to Rusted Root.

The band entered the studio in Fall 1999 to record their debut CD, I got new socks on, which was released in February 2000. October 2000 was a landmark month for the band, with performances at two major venues: The House of Blues in Los Angeles and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

The band maintains a mailing list that keeps fans updated on what's happening with The Green Room and their show dates.

Anyone interested in joining the mailing list can sign the list at shows or by e-mailing the band at askthegreenroom@hotmail.com.