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Holy Smoke Band

Rick HolmesRick Holmes

Rick formed HOLY SMOKE in 1997. He was a previous member of the band “Southern Word.” Rick sings most of the lead vocals and plays guitar and harmonica. His zeal for praising the LORD through music is endless and he has a passion for reaching the unchurched through music, praise and by living out a life dedicated to JESUS. Rick is the worship leader at the North Glen Community Church, 508  W. Furnace Branch Rd. Glen Burnie, MD.

 

 

 

 

 

Tony StramellaTony Stramella

Tony was previously the founder and leader of the band “Alexander,” a Christian rock band that shared the stage with Rez Band, White Cross, Holy Soldier, King James, Margaret Becker and a host of others. Tony plays lead guitar and sings lead and backup vocals. He has an extensive musical background, thus allowing him to express his love of the LORD in many ways. That love is experienced by anyone who sees and hears him play. Tony’s energy and passionate love of CHRIST resonate from the strings of his guitar, to his performance and into the hearts of the audience. He is also a producer, engineer and owner of STRAMSOUND Studios, located in Hanover, MD.

 

 

 

 

 

Ron RafterRon Rafter

Ron joined Holy Smoke in 2010, but is by no means a stranger to the universal language of music. He first started as a concert musician playing trumpet and tuba and later expanding his horizon playing bass with local Annapolis groups, “ODYSSEY” and “JADE”. With these groups he played 30’s and 40’s standards, Dixieland, jazz, blues, 50’s rock & roll, 60’s & 70’s classic rock. Saved by Grace in 1981, God led him down a new music path into Christian Music. He played guitar and bass in various worship teams and over the years played with Christian rock groups such as “STRAIGHT-UP”, “CROSSWIND”, “BLUES REVIVAL” and “WHIRLWIND” a Motown gospel genre. “Loving GOD, loving wife, loving music and loving life”…it doesn’t get any better than this. PRAISE JESUS.

 

 

 

Mark BuckMark Buck

Mark is the percussion half of the rhythm section in HOLY SMOKE. Mark is an Annapolis, Md. native and had previously played drums for the local band “Out to Lunch.” The LORD touched Mark’s heart and led him to play in the Christian band “SONRISE.” This group toured the east coast for Campus Life Young Life. SONRISE planted many seeds. Mark says that he's pleased that GOD has called him to continue this work: “Playing in HOLY SMOKE has been a blessing! Being able to play and continue to plant seeds…GOD is good!” Mark also plays drums at Safe Harbor Presbyterian  Church in

Stevensville, Maryland.

 

 

 

 

 

Sterling Spell

Gabrielle Rafter Owens - AKA Gee

In 2000, Gee started her music career at 10 years old performing with her group P3G at State and County fairs and Christian music competitions in the tri-state area. For the next 9 years P3G traveled to spread the Gospel throughtout the East Coast and mid-west. In 2010 her music lead her new group " Bride Dressed In Black" to develop a blend of  Hip/Hop and Rock music, they called it Christain Hip Rock. In 2013, Kurtis Blow, rap legion, best known for his 1984 release of "Basketball", invited BDIB to tour with  him for a short time. Bride Dressed In Black performed their Hip/Rock Christian Music for the next 6 years. In 2018, Gee joined  Holy Smoke with her keyboard and dynamic voice singing from her heart to glorifies the LORD.   

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Kayleigh Dove

Kayleigh was born with a love for music. She started singing in her first church when she was 12 years old. Her love to praise the Lord has only gotten stronger over the years. She continues to sing in various churches on the eastern shore of Maryland, and lives to spread the love of God wherever she goes. She desires to set an example for kids her age to be unashamed of their faith in Jesus. Kayleigh had been a guest singer at a few Holy Smoke shows, and officially joined as a keyboard player and vocalist in 2018.