Upscale Smoke Band
UPSCALE SMOKE is...

Lead Vocals & Keys
Uriah Owens
Uriah Owens is the Music Director, lead vocalist, pianist, composer, arranger, and songwriter for Upscale Smoke, a dynamic band that has been delivering high-energy, sophisticated live entertainment for the past six years. Known for his smooth vocal delivery, musical versatility, and commanding stage presence, Uriah brings a unique blend of professionalism, creativity, and passion to every performance. Based in Tulsa, Uriah’s musical journey began through his involvement with Dr. Lester Shaw’s Pocket Full of Hope program, where he developed a strong foundation in performance and artistic expression. He further expanded his experience through Kirby Kasting and Modeling Agency, participating in musical theater productions, including performances hosted at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Over the years, Uriah has shared the stage and collaborated with respected artists including Valerie Harding and Tony Mason. His performance experience also extends beyond Oklahoma, including appearances at the legendary Peppermint Club in Hollywood. As the creative force behind Upscale Smoke, Uriah is committed to delivering memorable musical experiences that connect with diverse audiences. Whether performing soulful classics, contemporary favorites, jazz, R&B, Neo Soul, or original compositions, he combines technical excellence with authentic artistry to create an atmosphere that is both engaging and unforgettable.

Founder - Sax & Vocals
Thomas Owens
With more than 35 years of professional performance experience, Thomas "Smoke" is the driving force behind Upscale Smoke Band as its founder and lead saxophonist. Known for his smooth tone, soulful expression, and dynamic stage presence, Thomas brings a lifetime of musical passion to every performance.
His musical journey began in Tulsa, where he studied under respected educators Mr. Elmer Davis Jr. and Mr. James Kirk while performing with the renowned T-Connection Marching Band and the Booker T. Washington Jazz Ensemble. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a career dedicated to excellence in music.
Thomas continued his musical education at East Central University, performing with the university's jazz, marching, and concert bands while also playing with various local ensembles. During his time there, he further developed his musicianship through private study with acclaimed trumpet player Jay Daversa.
Throughout his career, Thomas has performed in a variety of settings, including serving as lead saxophonist for the Praise and Worship Team at Liberty World Outreach. His versatile style allows him to move effortlessly between jazz, R&B, gospel, funk, and contemporary music.
Drawing inspiration from legendary saxophonists Grover Washington Jr. and Kirk Whalum, as well as Oklahoma music icons Roy Milton and Hall Singer - both members of his extended family, Thomas has developed a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and uniquely his own.
Thomas earned his degree in Music Education from Tulsa Community College and continues to share his love of music through live performance. As founder of Upscale Smoke Band, he is committed to delivering sophisticated entertainment, memorable performances, and an exceptional musical experience for every audience.

Drums
Toby Surratt
Drummer, Horace A. Surratt III (Toby for those who know), started drumming at the age of 12 after his mother replaced a small sampling keyboard that was on his Christmas wish list that year with a snare drum, sticks, music stand, and lessons at a local music store. His mother knew he mainly wanted the keyboard for the drum pads on it. He praises her to this day for the insight. From there, the musical journey began as a natural progression for a kid who was already a music lover, collector, and avid listener. Toby started drumming professionally at the age of 17 and hasn’t stopped. Being a part of Upscale Smoke has been a perfect fit. Not only musically, but on a personal level as well. For Toby, the best part is getting to do what you love with not just band mates, but great friends.

Guitar
Don Horner
Guitarist Don Horner is a seasoned performer whose career spans national recording, touring, and high-profile live performances. As a former national recording artist with the group Colorblind and a session guitarist in Los Angeles, Don has built a reputation for exceptional musicianship, versatility, and stage presence.
Throughout his career, he has performed alongside and supported an impressive roster of acclaimed artists, including Angela Winbush, Charlie Wilson, After 7, The Gap Band, Peabo Bryson, and Tevin Campbell. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and elevate every performance has made him a sought-after guitarist both in the studio and on stage.
Don has also appeared at major jazz festivals and shared the stage with renowned jazz artists David Sanborn and Norman Brown, further showcasing his broad musical range and professional excellence. Whether performing before intimate audiences or thousands of fans at large venues and festivals, Don brings a level of artistry, passion, and experience that continues to captivate audiences wherever he performs.

Bass
Leo Okeke
Leo Okeke is an American producer, engineer, arranger, bassist, and keyboardist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, with recording credits that reach across pop, R&B, and hip-hop. His professional discography includes work associated with New Kids On The Block, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, The Almighty RSO, Perfect Gentlemen, Finest Hour, and Playya 1000. Discogs credits him as Leo Okeke / Leo E. Okeke and identifies him as a Tulsa-based producer, engineer, arranger, and bassist who worked as a sound engineer at Chaptown Studios.Among his notable credits, Leo contributed to Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch’s platinum-selling debut album Music for the People, where he is credited for engineering, keyboards, bass, programming, and digital sampling.He has also been credited on New Kids On The Block projects, including Step By Step and Merry, Merry Christmas.As bassist for Upscale Smoke, Leo brings decades of professional recording experience, deep groove, technical excellence, and national-level musicianship to every performance.