Confirmed Performers scheduled for the 2011 Rio Grande Valley Music Festival
.
Returning performers & New Performers
Returning Performers
Margie LeBlanc: Cancelled due to illness Singer/Songwriter , traditional country singer with a powerful voice. She has performed at many fairs, festivals and Texas's Opry's. Once you've heard her, you won't forget her. website: www.margieleblanc.com.
The Kenastons: Roger, Sharon and Vanessa, Roger is a versatile instrumentalist and singer. He plays flat-top, dobro, fiddle and mandolin as well as singing lead and harmony vocals. His guitar playing styles range from: fiddle tunes to bluegrass to traditional country and finger picking tunes. Roger's wife, Sharon, brings a strong voice to the group and acts as the MC for the group. She plays bass and rhythm and sings lead and harmony vocals. Vanessa, Roger's sister,is also a versatile entertainer. She plays rhythm and bass but it's her strong vocal ability that sets her apart. She has a powerful voice that's full of emotion and charm. Kenastons web site: www.WahooCountryMusicShow.com.
Mercedes HS Mariachi Band: Mercedes HS Mariachi Band will be performing again this year. As always they draw a big crowd.
Clarence Hayden: Clarence Hayden, of Richmond MO, is a Nashville singer/songwriter and has several cds out as well as performs on the country music stages in Missouri. He appears on the RFD Show in Sandstone MN regularly. Clarence writes old country songs as well as gospel with old country sounds.
Terry Smith: Nashville singer/songwriter, Terry S. Smith, who is famous for Johnny Cash's recording of "Far Side Banks of Jordan". "A songwriter with a different touch" is a superior performer whose music has been recorded by Johnny and June Carter Cash, Roy Acuff, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kitty Wells, Chris Le Doux, The Statler Brothers, Kris Kristofferson, Patty Loveless and others. website: www.terrysmith.us.com.
Janie Preston: Janie Preston plays guitar and sings at various music festivals and is jam host at McAllen Mobile Park in McAllen.
Red Johnson: Red Johnson, singer & songwriter covers the realm of real country music, traditional country and western music with a blend of bluegrass, tex-mex, Cajun and gospel. Red performs in the Rio Grande Valley and also can be seen on the Midwest Country Show on RFD-TV. website: www.redjohnson.net Tommy Helms: Tommy Helms, a good entertainer that looks and sounds like Burl Ives. He does tributes to Burl Ives but that is not all he does. He likes to mix up his shows with a little of Dean Martin. website: www.tommyhelms.com.
Don Grubb: Don Grubb, a very talented harmonica player from MN, he also plays guitar and sings.
Ervin Pickhinke: "The Singing Farmer", and song writer lives in Sioux City IA. and comes to the valley in the fall. He is also a past vocal contest winner. One of his own most requested songs, is "The John Deere Tractor Song."
Francis Hahn: Francis Hahn, of Mapleton, IA., a retired military officer, is a country singer/songwriter. Francis has also worked as a stage manager and master of ceremonies. He also has been a band member & singer in different bands in the Rio Grande Valley.
Jacob Austin Band: Jacob Austin is a twenty year old young man that has been singing more than half his life. David, (his father) (who was in a band back in the "old days). He plays the twelve and six string rhythm guitars. Mama Liz, plays the autoharp, adding another dash of bluegrass flavor to the band's already classic sound. They love to play traditional country, ballads, and spiritual/traditional gospel music, as well as some of their original material. They also play a few of the more modern country songs.
Walter Plant: Walter Plant was born in 1952 in Corpus Christi, Texas and raised in the coastal bend area. Born blind, Walter was immersed in the Gospels of our Lord. He has a spectacular voice and blends four keyboards into his background music. He sings songs he wrote and other song writers songs. He is very entertaining. Walter is confirmed to perform on Thursday, Feb. 17th. at 1:30P.M.
The Link Family: The Link Family are coming back to the festival again this year. The popular Link Family are known for their bluegrass and gospel music. They are scheduled to perform on Friday Feb. 18th at 1:00 P.M.
From The Heartland: From The Heartland comes from the Sooner State of Oklahoma. The band plays and sings a combination of original songs and bluegrass favorites with a little county, blues, and old time rock and roll.
Lindley Creek Band: They are a family band specializing in Bluegrass and Gospel Bluegrass. They compose some of their own songs and music. They love to play at music festivals, concerts, churches and community events as well as private parties.
Jack Nelson of County Line Band: Jack Nelson, from Manitoba, Canada, began his singing career in the 70's. His easy listening style is well suited to the broad range of "Classic Country Music" that he performs. He has appeared with Tommy Cash, George Morgan and various other Nashville entertainers throughout his career.
Jim Jones: Jim Jones is a song writer, a singer and an accomplished musician. He is a native Texan who moved to New Mexico in 1991. He has performed on the Western Music circuit as well throughout the Southwest. He has taken a leading role in the Western Music Asso. outreach programs to involve young people in Western Music.
Edinburg Parks & Recreation Folkloric Dance Team: The National award winning Folkloric Dance Team from Edinburgh, Tx. The dance team dancers range in age from 9years old to 21 years old. Their colorful costumes and dances are a delight to watch.
Valley Grande Academy: Valley Grande Academy Marimba band has performed at several Rio Grande Music Festivals. They are well received when they perform at the festival. Valley Grande is also having their bell ringers with them this year they are called the Valley Grande Bells.
John Varone: A singer and rhythm guitar player from Minnesota. He has also helped with the stages and a jam host at Trails End Park in Weslaco.
Louie Long: Louie Long from St Joseph, Mo is a singer, guitar player and entertainer. He has put on shows in the valley for a number of years with his band. You will enjoy his style of country music.
Gordon Hildreth: Gordon Hildreth is a Canadian singer, guitarist and performer of country music in its traditional form. He has been the host of several music shows and festivals.
Bruce & Elaine Nelson: Bruce & Elaine Nelson, vocalists and instrumentalists, perform Bluegrass, a little Classic Rock and Roll, Gospel, Romantic tunes from the 20's-60's, original songs as well as Classic Country.
Chris Marshall: Chris Shaw Marshall is a singer/songwriter from Mission, Texas. He has played with several local music groups and performed as a solo artist.
Deanna Nelson: Deanna Nelson, a vocalist, is from Michigan. She performs around the valley at various venues.
Edcouch-Elsa Mariachi Band: Edcouch-Elsa Mariachi Band will be making two performances at the 2011 festival. Watch the schedule as to time and stage.
John Pedersen: John Pedersen, better know as Big John Pedersen is a farmer and singer from Northern Iowa. He has performed here in the valley and at the Rio Grande Valley Music Festival. His wife sometimes accompanies him on stage.
The Cowboy and Hobo Show: The music is acoustical with vocal leads and harmonies. A combination of Country, Folk, Bluegrass & Lite Rock-'n-roll. Songs you will remember and a stage presence that is truly professional. Website: www.cactuswillie.net
Ruthi: Ruthi sings an array of old country, country line dance, old rock & roll, blues, gospel and lively vintage favorites. website: www.ruthi.net
Lonnie Joe Howell: Lonnie Joe plays harmonica solos and plays backup for the singers on stage. Lonnie also conducts an harmonica workshop at the festival.
Allen Mayne's kids, Las Guitaritas: Allen Mayne brings his guitar students to the festival every year. The students play guitars and sing. The also compete amongst themselves at the festival for prizes. You will be amazed how talented these young students are.
Darlene Smyth: Darlene, a Canadian singer and rhythm guitar player. Darlene also has been a jam host here in the valley.
Lucinda Monger: Lucinda, a familiar face around the valley, who has been singing here at jams and businesses for quite some time.
Don Lorenzo: Don is a singer and harmonica player. He has entertained in many different venues and he has also played backup for other singers.
Noah and Nancy Stone: Noah and Nancy are a fun loving couple who have been performing at jams and the festival for a number of years. They will be familiar faces to all who attend the festival.
Carlos Y Carlos: Last year was the first time Carlos and Carlos, a duet from Mexico performed at the festival. They play keyboard and sing. They were well accepted by the crowd.
Jodi Ward: Jodi Ward and his wife Rosalie hail from Gladewater, Texas. Jodi sings and plays rhythm guitar and Rosalie sings. They have been in the valley for six years during the winter months.
Country Shades: Tony Brezinski and his wife Colleen play and sing. Tony has been a jam host for a number of years. Tony and Colleen are winter Texans from Canada.
Jim Brummel: Jim Brummel is an Iowa farmer who spends his winters here in the Rio Grande Valley. Jim sings in jams down here in the valley and when up in Iowa you can hear his strong sounding voice while he is tending to his farm.
Duke Ellingson: Duke Ellingson, is a winter Texan. He sings and plays at various jams, he is an accomplished piano and accordian player.
Natalie Montez: Natalie Montez, A singer that performs around the valley. She has been a part of the perfomances that are held at the Shrine Temple in LaFeria and she also has performed at the Elvis festival. She sings country songs. She likes to sing Patsy Cline songs. Sometimes her brother accompanies her on the guitar.
Jim King & The Texas Connection Band: Jim King, is a vocalist with great original vocal hits, Cindy Lou, Lone Star Beer and a Sweet Tater and many others. Jim is also a guitarist with a stunning and broad command of his instrument. His band is extremely versatile both in their talent and range of entertainment. They perform musical stage shows as well as dances and many other types of venues. website:jimkingband.com
New Performers
James King Band: In 1988 James King released his first record under his own name, James King Sings Cold, Cold World. King began to tour steadily, gradually assembling the James King band. The group was named emerging artists of the year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 1998. 1998's "Bed by the Window" was the recording debut of the James King Band, and its gripping, bittersweet title track about a man in a nursing home with a vivid imagination--was nominated for IBMA's 1999 song of the year award. King released "30 Years of Farming" in 2002. The album featured the James King Band as the supporting instrumentalists, with a potent blend of classic bluegrass, hardcore country and contemporary songcraft. Including the country classics "Saginaw, Michigan" and "Carroll Country Accident," King released the Bluegrass Storyteller in 2005. The band tours nationwide from its' base in Danville, Virginia. website: www.thejameskingband.com .The James King band will make a special one day appearance on Wednesday, February 16 with two performances, 11:00a.m. on Stage #1 and 12:00 on Stage #3.
Heart to Heart: Jerry and Sharon Mays was voted 2010 National Duet and Vocal Group of the Year by the Gospel Music Asso. and IMMERSE and recently won an award as a Daywind Records/GMA National Songwriter. They are a full-time gospel and family music entertainment group. They sing Southern gospel, and 50'and 60's doo-wop. They also put a little comedy in their performances. website: www.hearttoheartmusicgroup.com
The Kooi Family: The Kooi Family from Inwood, IA will surprise you...they are an up and coming quartet of young siblings with outstanding harmony and musicianship.
George Massa: George Massa A singer and guitarist. George is from McAllen Texas.
Alaskan String Band: The Alaskan String Band is a concert group comprised of members of a single family performing with guitar, twin violin-fiddles, bass, mandolin, ukulele, percussion and vocals. Much of their material dates from the pioneer days of Alaska when the Gold Rush was on.
Southern Train: Southern Train, is an Acoustic Rock n' Blues trio that perform throughout the valley on the weekends.Their style is "bluesy rock-southern rock" they call it "Backyard Bar-B-Que, Blues n' Rock. They will be performing late afternoon on Saturday. Watch for the schedule for exact time and stage.
New Trick Band: The New Trick Band is a group that combines many fields of music, southern rock, pop, soul, jazz and blues, and leans strongly toward country. The band is from Branson. The members are:Scott Riley, bass guitar/vocals, Barry Bales, lead guitar/vocals, Tony Carson, keyboard/vocals, and Derek Walker, drummer/vocals. website: www.newtrick.net
Buddy & Tina Wright: Buddy & Tina Wright are a brother and sister band that performs with their parents. They are a traditional country, bluegrass, cowboy and gospel quartet with the best known twin fiddlers hailing from the state of Texas. This NEA award-winning group tours nationally and internationally. Watching this group perform encourages creativity and hope and provides positive role models for the young. website: www.buddyandtina.com.
Back In Time Band: Back In Time Band plays a variety of music. They like to play the 50's and 60's. The band consists of Mike Rega, Drums, lead and back-up vocals, Paul"T-Bird" Kettren- keyboard, left hand bass, and backup vocals, Ron De-Fillippo- guitar, lead and back-up vocals. website: http://www.backintimeband.net
The McKinney Washtub Two: The McKinney Washtub Two combine a variety of Americana music-traditional,country,western,folk,ragtime,blues and gospel with a variety of comedic and storytelling. website: www.mckinneywashtubtwo.com.
Merle Duguid &Texas Grace: A group of 5 Winter Texans from Canada and the US joined together by God's Grace. All with a heart to serve here in the Rio Grande Valley through Good Old Gospel music and song.
Doug Perser: Doug & Lori Perser are Southern Gospel singers/songwriters that travel everywhere.
Weslaco HS Jazz Band & Weslaco HS Show Choir: The Weslaco HS Jazz Band, is a competing band that prepare pieces of music and plays them before judges. They also play at school functions. Also appearing will be the Weslaco HS Show Choir both under the direction of Paul Noel.
The Punches Family: The Punches Family, an award winning group who has been singing together for 5 years, is based out of Fredericktown, Mo. Bruce and Bobette and their four children perform at a variety of venues including bluegrass festivals, fairgrounds, churches, and private or business events. website: http://thepunchesfamily.com
The Harper Family: Gaylon and Katrina Harper were both raised around music: festivals, church singings and get together's. Katrina was born into the Bob Lewis Family Band from Doniphan, Mo. They traveled the bluegrass circuit for a couple of years upon hiring a young banjo picker named Gaylon Harper while he and Katrina were both seniors in high school. After marrying and making their home in Bunker, Mo. God has blessed them with three very talented children. Katrina is the sister of Bobette Punches, of the bluegrass group, The Punches Family. website: www.theharperfamilymusic.com