Mini Van is a band for the people of Central Pa. A band that gives the people what they want to hear. And they're just starting out their mission in Lancaster County.

"We just kinda believe in giving the people what they already know," claims Mini Van band member Ray Keene. "I'd rather see people having fun, singing, and knowing what the song is, than sit back down and stare at us."

Cover tunes have seemed to work in favor of the Lancaster County-based Mini Van since their start in August 1999. Keene says the band is styled around one of MTV's "Unplugged" alternative sounds; as the percussionist, he uses a set of bongos or cymbals and snare, not an actual drum set. "But we never want people to associate us with the typical acoustic band," explains Keene. Mini Van instead sticks to covers from Alice in Chains, Sugar Ray, Violent Femmes, and Blink 182 - at times, they may go as far to cover the ever-popular acoustic staple, "Brown Eyed Girl."

Keene says Mini Van doesn't detest the original music scene, in fact fans chant "Kevin" in request of their one original song. But their following seems to be strong with what the guys already have. "We surprise people!" says Keene. "I think people should see us set up and then come back and see what we do with these three instruments - we're like a six-piece band with three people." Joining Keene in the trio are Lonnie Tobias on guitar and lead vocals and Wes Runnels on bass and vocals.