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How We Came About
Keota was formed in 2007 with 5 longtime local musicians from the
Macon, Missouri area. Their name is drawn from an almost gone
settlement that lies West of Macon a few miles near Bevier. When this
group of individuals first started getting together to play informally
in living room jam sessions it soon became apparent that every single
member would rather make music than anything else on earth. That
passion is what drives the band to strive to make the music experience
of Keota as memorable and pleasurable for you as it is for them.
Our style of music is best described as "eclectic". We love the sound
of traditional acoustic instruments, but weave them into songs that many
times you'd never hear them played in... creating a sound that is unique
to Keota. Everything from Folk, to Country, to Blues (yes... blues),
70's songs and more than a few original compositions.
The Band
Martina Miller 
This gal has a voice that is so pure and driven, you never want her to stop singing. Everyone in the audience stops what they're doing when Martina takes the microphone and be it an original Christian song or a "from the gut" blues number, it's very clear... she IS in charge. Truly incredibly gifted. You'll often see a guitar in Martina's hands while we perform as well.
In one of lifes little twists and turns that just happen, Mary Beth's background is in classical opera and has performed as such very successfully... but the country girl came home and has sang with a number of bands and as a soloist at many events. A gift of music that is seldom seen. Her lead vocals and harmony with Martina is something you must experience in person. She plays the upright bass in Keota also and keyboard.
Ronnie Truitt Ronnie has been deeply involved in professional music since his high school days, playing with a number of bands. When you see him lean into that Martin guitar and start to pick, it's just incredible. Truly one of the most talented guitarists you'll ever run across. He's just as comfortable with the resonator (dobro) and uses it as well on a few of Keota's songs. Ronnie also has an awesome singing voice and you'll often see him standing at the mic just letting it all out... an excellent showman as well as player/singer.
Jace is the band's mandolin player and handles it in ways that you've never seen... developing a style that doesn't quite follow the norm for traditional mando players. Never heard the blues stretched out of a mandolin? You will.. He's also a very talented guitarist, playing that instrument since he was 14. Often times you'll see him and Ronnie getting busy on the guitars. Jace's voice is waaay down there, and often times takes the microphone with his deep growly tone, giving a song a sound that you won't forget.
Louis is very probably the most gifted harp(harmonica) player that you'll ever hear, ranging from the nice soft lullaby of a background track to screaming and mournful tones of Chicago Blues that evoke all sorts of emotions. When you see Louis take the lead, you're gonna see a man that absolutely loves what he's doing at that given moment. His animated harp playing will make you wonder how in the world a human being can get that much music out of such a small instrument. One word to describe Louie... "Awesome".
Last Update: March 7, 2010 8:46 PM - Contact Webmaster