ABOUT
Paul "Tonto" Pronteau-Rhythm guitar
Member of the CMA of RI Hall of Fame 2014.
Tonto had a start in country music back in the 70's working with then house favorites Dale Simmons and fiddling Pete Williams as well as a band of his own. The 80's brought on a job change that took him away from the music scene for a long period of time, After retirement Tonto put togetter the Rhode Island Rednecks in 2008. With a few personel adjustments he now has the band he's always wanted.
If you want to know where the name "Tonto" comes from, Paul is a proud Cree Indian hailing from the great state of Montana.
Ollie Stedman-Bass
Member of the CMA RI Hall of Fame 2015.
Ollie is the son of another RI Hall of Famer by the same name. His father "Ollie", a pedel steel player was inducted in 1983. Ollie did his first public appearance at age 13 during a barn dance. It wasn't until 1998 when he started playing again and putting together his own band the Whiskey Shooters in 2008. After the dismiss of the Shooters he picked up the bass filling in with the Hayloft Jamboree when needed. In April 2011 he was asked to join the "Rednecks" and it's been a great time ever since.
Bobby Page-Drums
More commonly referred to as "smiling" Bobby Page, Bobby will light up a room with his smile and laugh. Hailing from the great state of Arizona, Bobby made his way to Rhode Island by way of his wife's return to her home state. Bob was a touring country musican back in Arizona traveling all over the south west region. He gave up the music scene until a guest appearance at a Jam showcased him just as the Rednecks original drummer made a move to Texas. He was invited to join the band and its been smiles and laughs ever since.
Mike Zielski-Lead Guitar
Mike is a music teacher in the Chariho school system having worked with students from K-12. As a band director his students have received many awards through state and regional competitions. Mike is skilled in classical guitar player and also has worked with several rock bands through the years. Mike found country music and the band found Mike in 2009. It was the beginning of a great relationship and it just keeps on going. Mike is quite the collector of guitars, having an arsenal of Fender Telecater guitars along with some Stratocaters, Les Pauls and numerous others.