The Bear Pickins Band

The Group started in 2017. Although they all had
music in one form or the other through all their life, none really had group experience. Forming the band to play more for Jamming and Church on Sundays, they started getting noticed and getting more and more bookings.

Dave Rakes (Guitar and Vocals)
Marilyn Rakes ( Mandolin and Lead Vocals)
Gary Lingruen (Bass and Vocals)
Diane Hatch (Dobro)

Although they may be a little shy on the fancy picking and full blown harmonies, Their band is a mixture of Bluegrass,Country,Gospel,and Folk music. They also include a few originals.

They have been labeled by Fans as a smooth, well dressed,entertaining group that works hard and are growing their experience at a rapid pace, and show their love for performing each time they walk on stage.

A fan once said she could feel the band's music.
With the Love of entertaining that comes from this group, this might be a budding flower worth watching blossom.

With three CD's now under their belt, they have started working on their next project.


They were proud to have their first CD - BACK TO MY MOUNTAIN HOME - out in June of 2021 and are now releasing their first single from that CD - BACK TO MY MOUNTAIN HOME I LOVE, written by Marilyn.

They  recorded their first Gospel CD - WE PICK GOD - which was released in May 2023.

Their third CD, HEADED DOWN A BRAND NEW HIGHWAY, released in July 2025, features 4 original songs and some wonderful bluegrass standards.