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SNAKE OIL was founded in 1972 as a bluegrass and old-time string band. It takes its inspiration and name from the medicine shows that traveled the "Wild West" before the turn of the century. The patent medicine peddlers found that good entertainment could relax an audience and open people up to the "product" they were selling. SNAKE OIL's "product" is music, jokes and entertainment flavored with history and tradition.

SNAKE OIL's blend of old-time, bluegrass, cowboy, western swing, country, gospel, novelty and folk music has been enjoyed by audiences at festivals, fairs, square dances, birthday parties, business openings, weddings, funerals, schools and concerts throughout the Northwest. They've been special cultural envoys on two tours to Japan and one to Europe. SNAKE OIL is the host band for the Old Time Medicine Show, has appeared on radio and TV, and enjoys performing regularly at retirement and care facilities in the Olympia area.