The Wise Guys bring genius fun to classic rock at UCO’s Jazz Lab

Taylor Mckittrick

Contributing

Writer

One of OKC’s party bands, The Wise Guys, make their return at 8 p.m. Feb. 24 to the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E 5th St., in Edmond.

“The Feb. 24 show is composed of the band’s favorite songs that we perform,” said lead singer Jeb Reid. “It’s a wide range of tunes — some are very well known and others are kind of obscure. But these are songs that band members themselves enjoy playing and singing the most.”

The Wise Guys are mostly known for their high energy and humorous onstage interaction. They have also been voted the market’s favorite band five times in The Oklahoman Reader’s Poll, and they are the current holders of that distinction.

The band does not run a backing track to add instruments or additional vocals — every note fans hear is 100% live and real. Their band consists of seven regular members, and two additional members who are an extended family of band members.

“We are primarily a classic rock band, performing the songs of our musical influences: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Springsteen, the Eagles, and others,” Reid said. “We also added music from the 1990s, 2000s, and later so as to remain relevant to younger audiences. But the heart and soul of the Wise Guys is still our early musical influencers, particularly the Beatles.”

The Wise Guys are led by guitarist-vocalist Randy Colton; founder and lead vocalist Reid; “Swiss Army Knife of talent” Mike Harris on keyboard, guitars, and vocals; Jeff Curran on vocals and guitars; lead guitarist Brad McPherson, bassist Chris Greenly; and drummer Jeff Hanes. Extended members include bassist Doug Vrooman and drummer Jeff “Doc” Nelson, who played with the band at some of their biggest shows.

“Performing at the Jazz Lab is a blast,” Reid said. “You are so close to the audience, which is both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. But the acoustics are wonderful, and the vibe is very friendly. However, we know when we play there that we must bring our “A” game to the Jazz Lab, because any mistakes will be known immediately by such an intimate audience.”

Tickets are $25. Visit ucojazzlab.com.