Mitch Ward is a seasoned musician and a founding member of the renowned Macey Gard Band. With a passion for music that spans his entire life, Mitch's journey includes being a key member of the successful music trio Carlyle (2001-2008). During their run, Carlyle’s hit song earned the distinction of being the "Best Song" on a double CD that went on to win "Best Compilation Album of the Year" at the 2008 Portland Music Awards, where Mitch and the band also performed.

As a talented songwriter, Mitch has written and recorded music that has featured national artists, cementing his place in the industry. His Latin-influenced album Tequila & Lime features an impressive lineup of musicians, including National Fiddle Champion Aarun Carter, percussionist Todd Strait, and Portland legend Dub DeBrie.

In his holiday-inspired work, Mitch recorded Christmas Blues, which showcases the soulful vocals of Portland Blues artist LaRhonda Steele, alongside the smooth saxophone of world-renowned Renato Caranto. A recent remake of Christmas Blues featuring current members of Freight Train Jaine has become a beloved seasonal anthem, regularly played on Portland's KISN FM each December.

When Mitch plays, it's never just music—it's a full-throttle ride.

I spent many years fronting Dr. Bob, a wild rockin power trio, playing bass and singing lead vocals.  After our drummer got busted and went to prison, I decided it was time for a change and moved to Portland swearing off music for good.  But that did not last.  I partnered up with long time song writing partner Harris Levon McRae to create Skyhouse Music, a folk rock reggae hip hop outfit that calls their unique genre of original music "Folk Hop"  After years of success with Skyhouse, Harris and I decided to branch out separately, while continuing the Skyhouse vision, to pursue new musical opportunities. After Skyhouse, I started an acoustic duo writing and playing original folk rock Americana music with Dave Bongo Elizondo. After a successful run with our duo Twisted, a chance meeting with Tracey Graham and Mitch Ward led to an impromptu jam that was undeniably special and led me to my next project playing in the Macey Gard band. The band featured our own funky versions of our favorite eclectic power pop get down funky dance tunes with stellar four part harmonies delivered with a boat load of attitude! Our medleys and mash ups have become our calling card! Since its inception MGB has garnered a huge following in the Pacific Northwest performing big concerts and festivals in Portland Oregon, Coeur D’Alene Idaho, Park City Utah, Sun Valley Idaho, Walla Walla Washington, Seaside Oregon, Lincoln City, Oregon, Seattle, Spokane Washington.

As of January 2025 there was a line up change and the band is now call Freight Train Jaine!  Our new singer is incredible and is already bringing down the house at every show!  FTJ is a force to be reckoned with!  STAY TUNE AND  SEE YOU SOON!

1974 - Santa delivered my first rhythm tools: a toy drum set and a Fisher Price suitcase record player. Little did I know, my fate was sealed.

1979 - After obliterating several toy drum kits, I finally earned my first "real" drum set. And just like that, I was ready to rock. At the school talent show, I mimed a Kiss song—complete with an epic drum solo—and the rush of live performance hooked me for life.

1980 - Took the plunge and started drum lessons, which would continue for the next 14 years. No regrets.

1986 - My first real band hit the stage at a Junior High talent show. The adrenaline? Unmatched. That was the moment I knew—this was my calling.

1992 - I co-founded Junkbox in the Nashville area. We recorded a demo and sent it to Geffen Records. Their response? "We don’t know how to market this." (Not sure if they told everyone that... but we pressed on.)

1996-2006 - Spent the next decade playing with Laughing Storm Dogs, a variety of jazz combos, and the David Palmer Band in and around Nashville. The music scene was a blast, and I was loving every minute of it.

2006-2019 - The return of Junkbox! This time, we brought the funk and disco vibes to the stage. The band’s still rocking today. I also spent some time with the Lee Gibson Band during these years.

2019-Present - A fresh chapter begins in Portland, Oregon. I've jammed with Macey Gard Band, Girl Crush, Blue Collide, Sarah Lodge Band, and Grace London—basically anyone who needs a drummer with a passion for groove.

2025 - All aboard the Freight Train Jaine! Full speed ahead with a new musical adventure.

Dany Oakes picked up a guitar for the first time at age 14. Not having any formal music lessons at the time did not prevent him from testing his performance skills by playing air guitar with friends to mimic his music idols. 

“I started a band before any of us in the group could really play”, Dany said with a chuckle. “But, it was evident to me early on that I had a passion for music and it’s been an integral part of me ever since!” 

Majoring in music, Dany studied classical guitar, jazz guitar and composition in New York and the west coast. His proficiency in music theory, song writing, composition and arranging encompasses rock, blues, folk, country, funk, soul R&B and classical genres. His career in music has taken him on tours through Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands as well as the United States.  

Settling in the Portland metro area in Oregon, Dany currently teaches guitar, bass and ukelele at Five Star Guitars in Beaverton. Seasonal projects also include writing and musical instruction for Camp Amp bands – an opportunity for young students to develop valuable skills, techniques, discipline and self-confidence in a creative environment. As an accomplished musician and experienced performer, combined with a kind disposition and natural ability, Dany has been teaching music professionally for over 30 years. 

In addition to performing as a solo artist, session work and recording with the likes of Morgan Locklear, Dany’s extensive musical projects have included performing and recording with the bands Coolbeans, Server-X, 23 Window, Spittin’ Feathers, The Climb, and Bev & the Boys. Since 2019, Dany has been a member of the band Macey Gard, lending his talents on slide, acoustic and electric guitars, vocals and song writing. 

Dany is currently the lead guitar player for Freight Train Jaine (formerly the Macey Gard Band).