COOS BAY — Innis Richard wanted to stay out of trouble. Mary Lantz was looking for an activity. Dottie Gross had something to prove.

The women are three of the 14-member Ocean Ridge Jug Band. The group comprises residents at Ocean Ridge Assisted Living singing the old standards, harmonizing with kazoos and setting a beat with maracas, a tambourine and spoons.

They rehearse weekly — for about an hour. At least once a month, the group takes the show on the road, performing at other assisted living facilities in the area. Members’ ages range from the 70s to 96.

Jug Band evolved from Ocean Ridge’s Senior Idol contest, said Mary Luther, the facility’s activities director. At the time, the former activities director approached Luther — who has worked as a professional musician  — to develop a band.

It was a good fit for the facility. Luther said a number of residents are talented and “hams” when it comes to performing. Ham is putting it lightly for a bunch that doesn’t miss an opportunity to make someone smile or laugh.

For resident Jack Henry, the band gives him something to do and serves as an outlet.

“Because I’m a born showoff,” he said, before he rehearsed the song “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and played the spoons. Henry is also part of band’s dancers — the Senior Rockeretts.

The band provides a social circle. Gross said members are there for one another, for the happy and the sad, sharing all the emotions.

“We have a happy hour,” Frank Rood chimes in.

“And we enjoy every sip of it,” Gross answered back.

Members sing, dance and play instruments, but they also help select the music. This group sticks with songs that swing, reminiscent of the West and American heritage, and of course holiday favorites.

Jug Band offers some benefits that residents may not be thinking about. Luther said the activity helps improve cognitive skills through memorization of song lyrics.

This music therapy also provides an opportunity for band members to focus on something other than aches and pains, as well as a way to stay active, she said.

“It’s very therapeutic,” Lantz said. “It makes us happy.”

Most importantly, Gross said, the band gives them an opportunity to feel like they are still contributing.

“We’re still trying to live a little,” Gross said.