Meet the Band

Jim Sleek is the drummer and vocalist as well as the band’s spokes person and original member of the 1984 Uptown Country group. Jim started singing and performing at the early age of 12 when he performed with his dad and his uncles in the Sleek Brothers Band. Jim recorded one of his originals, “Girl in Every Honky Tonk” on the group’s first CD in 1997, and included other originals “Memories” on the 2001 CD, title cut "Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” on the 2003 CD, and title cut "In The Caribbean" on the 2008 CD. Jim also takes care of the band bookings and promotions.

Dan Long plays acoustic guitar and keyboards in the group and adds great lead and harmony vocals. He also plays a 5-string bass that he made, and picks up the harmonica and mandolin during the groups performances. Dan's dad taught him to play guitar at age seven. Dan enjoys performing the traditional country, 50's and 60's, and bluegrass. Dan and his mom Barb wrote the song "I Just Don't Undertand" which is on the new 2008 CD.

Mark Wilkins is the bands bass player. He also plays rhythm guitar and adds vocals and harmony to the band. Mark has been playing in bands in the area for over 30 years. He is also a talented songwriter. He keeps the band in stitches with his humor and good nature. This, along with his musical talents, is a great addition to the band. Mark also has an original on the 2008 CD titled "Picture Perfect Fool."

"Toni Lee" Brubaker is the female vocalist of the group. She also sings fine back-up vocals along with keeping the beat with the tambourine and maracas. She has enjoyed country music since she was a young girl. Some of her favorite female vocalists include Janie Fricke and Martina McBride. Toni Lee began singing a couple of years ago at her church as part of the contemporary praise and worship team. She has been singing with Uptown Country since the summer of 2005.

Henderson "Hank" Hensley started with the band January '06'. Born 5-2-50 in Kenton, Ohio. Coming from a musical family, he learned to play rhythm, bass, and lead guitar at an early age. Hank played in his dad's band, plus various other country bands, until he and his two brothers formed "Sweetwater". Sweetwater was privileged to open for superstars, Barbara Mandrell, Ricky Nelson, Chubby Checker, George Morgan, and others. Before joining Uptown Country, Hank played lead guitar for Santa Fe Express, from bluegrass to blues, to rock, to country. Hank is a hot picker!