Muskoka River Band
Band Biography
Muskoka River Band, based out of Bracebridge, Ontario, is a stylistically unique Band from day one. The members of Muskoka River Band have been singing, performing, and playing in sync as if they’d been together their entire musical careers. Ever since they came together in 2018, they have won over the hearts of music lovers all over Muskoka and the surrounding areas. This four-member ensemble has been playing to audiences of varying sizes, from intimate events to weddings, and music festivals. They specialize in entertaining with Classic Rock Covers, with the occasional Country and Pop tunes thrown in. Learn more by exploring the site, and feel free to get in touch with any of your comments and questions.
Andria M, South River
“We had them perform at our New Years Eve party and they rocked! Awesome band. Great energy. Terrific sound."
Jane S, Burks Falls
"Unbelievable band! If you like classic rock (and seriously,who doesn’t) you will love Muskoka River Band. Their energy is engulfing. The music simply amazing, and Barb can belt out Joplin like no one I have ever heard. They played our wedding and there was not one song that didn’t have the dance floor full! Thank you so much for making our day fantastic! Amazing bunch of musicians!"
Amanda H, Washago
“We thoroughly enjoyed Muskoka River Band. A great classic rock band with a wide variety of songs. Arrived on time. Set up was fast and efficient and they were also just a great group of people. Would definitely hire them again.”
Band Members
Better Together
Made up of exceptional musicians coming from a variety of different backgrounds, the members of Muskoka River Band share a mutual passion and love for music. The band works together day and night preparing for performances in order to make sure their recordings and live performances are in full harmony. Check out the faces that make up Muskoka River Band below.
Jason Cookson - Drummer
Jason Cookson has been with Muskoka River Band from the very beginning. As the heartbeat of the band, he is truly a shining star. Crowds always love seeing him in full performance mode.
Although he didn't start playing drums until he was 16, he was always a fan of the drums. With a considerable late start to playing his chosen instrument, he certainly made up for lost time. He was fortunate enough to have very supportive parents that encouraged him; they built some insulated, sound resistant walls for him to play freely at home.
In his first band, he had the support of the teachers at his high school, namely Dave Whiteside and Keith Stratton. They were set up with access to the school PA system and a portable to use at their will. They practiced and rehearsed every night to prepare for their first short tour on the road.
Over the years Jason has had the privilege of playing with many talented musicians. He's had the opportunity to open for bands like David Wilcox, The Spoons, Frozen Ghost, Sass Jordan, and April Wine.
"Muskoka River Band is a joy to play with; everyone is so easy to get along with and so talented. It's alot of fun every time we get together to either rehearse or perform; we always strive to get better and I always look forward to it.
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Rob Almond - Bass, Lead/Backing Vocals
It has been said that Rob was singing before he could talk.
Born in Ontario, Rob has been musical for his whole life. He grew up singing along to the radio and records from his family's collections. After absconding with his sister's guitar at around 13 years old, he began to learn how to play with a school friend.
A year later he had joined the band he would play with in local bars for the next 20 plus years.
Theatre was also a passion and cemented his love for performance, as Rob took on roles in various community theatre projects over the decades.
While he spends his professional energy as a local carpenter and homebuilder, Rob has always made time for music and now operates as a for hire bass player and vocalist throughout Muskoka and it's surrounding communities.
He is married with two children, neither of whom have caught the performance bug to the same degree, but the whole family shares a love of music and appreciation for the performing Arts.
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Mike Turk - Guitarist
Mike started playing guitar at a very early age starting his first band while still in public school. He has played with many musicians and bands over the years and now enjoys playing with The Muskoka River Band.
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Barb Mowder - Lead/Backing Vocals
Barb studied vocals at the Ontario Conservatory of Music, where she developed a solid musical foundation upon which to build her career. Music was always a huge part of her life. In her childhood years, Barb tried various instruments, including the Clarinet, Saxaphone, Flute, Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, Trombone, and even the Tuba. She decided to hone in on her vocals. At a very early age she was a soloist soprano in various choirs in Toronto, and performed in a musical entitled "The Rose". "Back when I was 15, my father would ask the band at the local bar to allow me up on the stage; they would hand me a mic, and I'd be singing Kenny Rogers and Ann Murray." As an adult, Barb has played in various bands in Cambridge/Kitchener and Guelph, and since moving to Muskoka, landed a vocalist position alongside a group of talented musicians. "Singing has always been my true passion, and always will be. I love getting lost in the music".
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