HIGH GROUND: BAND BIOS

Each individual member of High Ground has the talent, experience, and enthusiasm to carry on their musical careers however they choose. Fortunately, through a series of coincidences, they have come together to form this fantastic band, for the purpose of enjoying music together and sharing their excitement with the audience.

High Ground practices regularly, focusing a lot of time on building 3 and 4 part harmonies into the songs. They are continuously learning new songs, many of which came as a request from an audience member. They pay particular attention to the structure of the set list with the intention of keeping the audience on the dance floor.

All in all, High Ground is an extraordinary group of musicians with a common goal to please the audience, to create a remarkably unique sound, and to enjoy themselves and have a lot of fun.
 

Ed Leavitt
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
A lifetime singer/songwriter, Ed began his first adventures into the music world at the tender age of eight years old, when he wrote his very first song. Through the years, Ed has performed in many groups, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to open for a number of established Nashville artists. Ed has been practicing the art of songwriting for nearly 30 years, and is a current ASCAP and NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) member.
Rick Leavitt
Drums
Rick grew up in a home filled with traditional country music which has remained a strong influence on him over the years. At the age of 12, he began playing drums. At age 16, he and his brother, Ed, formed their first band, called "Country Express" which included two other neighborhood brothers. Country Express went on to open for major artist such as TG Shepard, Johnny Russell and Ernest Tubb.

Over the years, Rick has played with many bands in the area and has had the opportunity to play with Dick Curliss, Dave Dudley and Marty Haggard and opened for JoDee Messina.

"I have a lot of people to thank over the years, for all their help in the music industry. I especially want to thank my family who have always been very supportive of my desire to play music."
Ken Mello
Vocals, Bass Guitar

Ken, the newest member of High Ground, started playing bass in junior high school in Warren, Rhode Island and continued to play throughout his high school years.

After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Ken decided to move to NH to play with many different styles of bands. Ken played with such bands as "T.J. East", “White Lightening”, “New Hampshire Rock Bottom Band”, and most recently with “Dog Days”. Ken is a welcome addition to the “High Ground Band” and we are sure you will enjoy his tremendous talent that he brings to the band.

Mike Oliver
Vocals, Lead Guitar
Early on Mike always enjoyed music, and would sometimes get into trouble for turning up the family "hi-fi" too loud! (Remember those things?) Following a stint in the Navy right out of high school, Mike came home & began playing in local rock bands, such as; The Erratics" and "On The Edge" , then co-founded the original "Blue Train" and got serious about being professional on stage. After several successful years, the band parted ways. Mike then became the bassist for "The Alley Katz", moving on to "Jake Duval & Sylntz", who then became "Rattlesnake Ridge"

After becoming quite successful locally, "Rattlesnake Ridge" decided to take their act on the road. It was a great experience, but the time away from home and family while traveling around the country turned out to be too much for Mike, so he decided to stay home and go back to lead guitar duties & just having fun playing music again.
Corina Ouellette
Vocals, Keys
Corina Ouellette sings both lead and backup vocals as well as plays the keys. She has been entertaining on stage for 20 years and appeals to the audience with a magnetic performance. Her love of music started at a young age and she has always enjoyed both country and rock.

Corina has a unique versatile voice that allows her to sing songs from Led Zeppelin and ACDC to Trisha Yearwood and Patsy Cline. Corina has been recognized by the NH Country Music Association in the categories of Female Vocalist of the Year and Female Entertainer of the Year. Corina says "High Ground is full of talent, personality and an appreciation for one another that was obvious from the very first practice. When combined, this creates a powerful group."
© 2009 High Ground
WWW. HIGHGROUNDBAND.COM