NorCal's BEST Traditional Country band, Colton Mountain serves up country hits. Colton Mountain plays hits by George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, JoDee Messina, Chris Stapleton, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn and more classic hits by other country greats.
Kevin Mooney - Drums Percussion
Drummer Kevin Mooney founded Colton Mountain Band in 2019. He started playing drums at the age of 11, joined his older brother’s band at 12, and played gigs throughout Salt Lake City. Kevin has been with many bands touring and playing major venues with leading bands in the late 60’s. Currently, along with being a member of Colton Mountain, he is also a member of the classic rock and blues band Ain’t Got No Time and two Christian rock bands at his church where he plays every weekend. Kevin moved to the Placerville area about 5 years ago to downsize and get away from the big city. He is now retired from being a software executive and is providing marketing consulting services.
Jenny Rutherford - Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals
Jenny Rutherford also played with ROF and was asked by Kevin to join Colton Mountain in 2019 because what country band is complete without a fiddle player! Multi-talented Jenny has been playing music since age 3 starting with piano, picking up violin in 4th grade, and adding guitar in high school. She also plays mandolin and an occasional bass. Jenny has been involved with several Irish bands over the years starting with Blackhorn in 1993. After moving to El Dorado in 1996, she played with Coloma Celtic for 27 years. She currently plays with O’Connell Street and Colton Mountain and loves having these two bands as her creative outlets after working her shifts as an RN with Marshall Hospital.
Elijah McMillan - Guitars, Mandolin
Elijah McMillan is the newest member to join Colton Mountain. Eli is 39 and has been a lead and rhythm guitarist for 34 years…since he was 5 years old! Yes, music has always been a passion in Eli’s life. Born in Placerville, he went on to study recording, mixing and mastering engineering for 2 years at Folsom Lake College. Elijah has performed with many bands and artists such as the Dylan Ortega Band, Marina, Sergio Gonzalaz ( JLo’s Drummer), Dan Katner, Larry Blackmon of Cameo to name a few. His top guitar playing influencers are Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Brent Mason, and Danny Groah. Welcome, Eli!
Lisa English - Guitar, Mandolin, and Vocals
Lisa English was the first to say yes when Kevin asked her about starting up a country band. Lisa has played acoustic guitar since her teen years and recently picked up mandolin. She has always loved music and has been involved in various choirs for many years. In addition to playing in the Rock of Faith (ROF) church band at Holy Trinity Church with Kevin, Lisa has been involved with several duets playing at local wineries and entertaining at retirement homes. The beautiful natural scenery of the foothills and mountains moved Lisa to the Placerville area in 1990. She retired from teaching in 2020 and enjoys traveling with her husband in their truck camper.
Evan Clark - Bass, Guitar, and Vocals
Evan Clark was next to join Colton Mountain in 2019. Lisa saw Evan playing his guitar in his classroom during a break and asked him, “Hey, do you like country music? And do you want to join our band?” Of course he said yes. Evan originally started his musical journey as a singer, then a guitar player, and now a bass player. He is currently in three bands and also enjoys occasional theater acting. Evan was born in Cameron Park and aside from his college years has lived in the area his whole life. He is currently a teacher.
Rob Sabino - Keyboards
Keyboardist and longtime friend of Kevin, Robert Sabino is a superb guest musician joining Colton Mountain whenever possible. Born and raised in the Bronx, he became a rock performer, although he was also classically trained. In 1975, Robert became a professional composer and session keyboardist. He has recorded and toured with many artists such as Bryan Adams, David Bowie, Madonna, Chic, Simon and Garfunkel, and Rosanne Cash to name only a few. As Kevin says, “It would be shorter to list who Robert has not played with.” He is also a songwriter who has written tracks for artists such as John Sebastian and Peter Frampton. Currently Sabino is the musical director of Holy Trinity Parish where he conducts the children’s and adult choirs and teaches the children of Holy Trinity School about music and liturgical band. In addition, he teaches a rock history class at UC Davis. With such a busy schedule, Colton Mountain feels blessed to have Robert Sabino join them when he can.
Colton Mountain Associate Members
These are members who work with us from time to time, at gigs, recording, and other areas of support.
- Matt Retz - Guitar, Vocals - Music arrangements, Recording and mastering engineer
- Cameron Lawson - Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals, Sound Management
- Cody Bickel - Guitar, Vocals, Sound Management
- Veda Dean - Fiddle, Vocals
- John Lyons - Guitar, Mandolin, Bass, and Vocals