//45th//
//45th//
Bruce Rupprecht
Bass guitar and vocals
Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bruce got started in music at a young age, playing trombone and Bass in High school in the 70’s. He played in a number of groups throughout High School and college touring in the Midwest. but hung it up while growing a family. In the 90’s he pulled his 68 Fender Pbass out of the closet and joined a band in Portland called “Public Nuisance”. They did classic rock for a few years until the lead singer moved on. He also performed with a community orchestra for a few years doing holiday events. In 2020 he joined up with the band “Berverly Hillsboro” and had the opportunity play at the Hillsboro Hops opener games in 2021. They changed the Band name to “45th Parallel” after adding Mike on lead guitar and Mark M. on keys
Rich, originally from Easton Pennsylvania, began taking drum lessons in 1973 at the age of nine. His first professional gig was with the Jon Bricker Blues Band in 1985 at the University of Portland. Looking to expand his repertoire, he joined the KC Project, a 50's and 60s band, in 1986. In 1989 Rich joined "Groove", an original Fusion funk band. In 1992, he left performing to pursue song-writing. Then in 2016 Rich took the opportunity to perform again by joining the band Beverly Hillsboro. Over the next few years, the band changed several members and finally their name to 45th Parallel in 2022. Rich is currently single and lives near Wilsonville.
mark Watson
Guitar And vocals
Originally from Chicago, IL Mark started playing guitar when a guy across the hall in his freshman dorm at the University of Arizona let him practice on it. Before really knowing how to play it, he bought his first guitar: an Arbor black/white Flying V (which he still has). He formed his first band with his high school buddies Mike & Rob (Quixotic) in the late 80’s. Now with a family, they moved to Hillsboro, OR in 2000. Mark wasn’t playing much, but when his business partner Ken wanted to learn to play guitar, they formed Beverly Hillsboro to make it happen. Over the years the original band ended and some of the players morphed into the 45th Parallel.
Rich Boam
Drums and Vocals
john was born and raised in the Chicago area and e fell in love with music at an early age. While listening to a lot of blues based rock and roll, he delved into the blues masters who inspire so many. Attending shows at B.L.U.E.S, Kingston mines, blue chicago, shades, buddy guys Legends, and many other local clubs, he was hooked!! after moving to portland in the early ‘90s, john played with several groups at the trails end saloon, hoppers, rogue brew pub, cascade tavern, the peacock lounge, c.i. bar and grill etc. and also the waterfront blues festival. john joins the band to bring you some great music!
