History: 

As childhood best friends and band mates growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing dreamed of being professional singer-songwriters. Then, one day (poof!) they were all grown up and playing their music on the scene. After years of touring the Midwest with their bluegrass band, Joe and Justin decided to keep their folk roots, but return to where it all began: childhood imagination. That’s when they moved to Minneapolis to start their “kindie” band called The Okee Dokee Brothers.

Inspired by their own backyard adventures, The Okee Dokee Brothers currently perform original music that reminds audiences of their own make-believes and treehouse-pretendings. Their show can transport you to the wilds of Africa, to the tip-top of a gigantic rollercoaster, or down the Mississippi on a homemade raft. The Okee Dokee Brothers believe that music should be an energetic, interactive, and fun experience where kids can enjoy dancing, singing and playing instruments with their families.

As an independently managed band, the young duo has gained a loyal grassroots following that is drawn to their witty lyrics, off-the-wall humor, strong musicianship, and unique folk style. By appealing to the musical needs of the entire family and recognizing that kids deserve quality music, The Okee Dokee Brothers are working full-time to regain the integrity of the children’s music genre.

Press, Props, and Praise:

“This two-member band from Minneapolis make twangy, 

toe-tapping folk music with smart, funny lyrics that are equal 

parts hillbilly, seven-year-old boy and your favorite teacher.” 

CoolMomPicks.com 

“Kids with Beards is a fun engaging album by a talented duo 

that mixes a sense of whimsy with strong musicianship.” 

John Wood, Kidzmusic.com 

“Joe and Justin were engaging, professional, enthusiastic, and 

showed great interest in the site and children.  I would highly 

recommend them to anyone!” 

– Shelley Steingraeber, Discover Club 

St. Paul Public Schools, MN 

“Kids with Beards is one of those rare delights that is music to 

the ears of Raffi-weary parents.” 

Island Parents Magazine 

Contact Information:

E-mail:

theokeedokeebrothers@gmail.com 

Phone: 

Joe Mailander: 612-751-7329 

Justin Lansing: 720-212-7818 

Headquarters: 

2420 Dupont Avenue South Apt. 104

Minneapolis, MN 55405