Performing Artist and Events
(in order of appearance)
| MV Players Youth Showcase Mount Vernon Players Youth Showcase is comprised of talented high school and middle school aged young people from around Knox County. |
Dogwood Quartet |
Lowell Borchers Lowell Borchers, keyboard and vocal artist, has been entertaining professionally for over twenty years. He has appeared at convention centers, restaurants and clubs around central Ohio playing for corporate events, private parties and festivals. Lowell specializes in the sounds of the 40s, 50s, and 60s with the sounds of a complete band and backup singers. All done live, playing a Yamaha 9000 keyboard, this music is sure to bring back memories. |
Mary Vonck and Joe Barone Mary Vonck and Joe Barone, both frequent performers in Festivals past, return this year for a joint, hour-long show. Mary and Joe have been making music together since they were children, and continue to at The Ohio State University, where they both currently study. Since graduating MVHS, Joe has been pursuing his English major, as well as many other pursuits on campus. He is an Honors student and Music Director for a Musical Theater organization called SERV Team. He is currently taking summer classes, as well as interning at the Ohio Union. He will be a Resident Advisor on campus next fall. Mary is currently pursuing her passion for numbers as a math major. She hopes to eventually become a Calculus teacher. She is currently employed at The Kenyon Inn in Gambier, and spends a great deal of her free time singing and creating new music. Despite their busy schedules, Mary and Joe manage to meet frequently for jam sessions in the OSU practice rooms. Both lovers of all musical styles, they hope you enjoy their set tonight, and have fun at the festival! |
Sarah Reed Sarah Goslee Reed grew up in a musical household – her father played the bassoon in the Cleveland Orchestra and her mother played the cello and string bass. There was always music, mostly live, coming from the house. The folk music of the sixties was very influential, so she taught herself to play the guitar, based on her knowledge of the violin, while learning songs by listening to records. Sarah’s newest CD, “It’s About Time” is a tribute to her dad, George Goslee, former principal bassoonist with the Cleveland Orchestra. Previous solo recordings, “Like the Light of the Moon” and “Cowboy on the Highway”, also feature her dad playing his bassoon – an unusual accompaniment for folk music. Classical music is still a big piece of her life, as she plays violin in the local county symphony, and recently attended a summer chamber music workshop with members of the Manhattan String Quartet. Besides music, Sarah has a Master of Science Degree in Biology and has worked both in research and clinical microbiology. In addition, she loves nature and animals and surrounds herself with both. She lives in rural Mount Vernon, Ohio with her husband. For more info about Sarah, visit her website www.sarahgosleereed.com. |
Caffiends THE CAFFIENDS is a talented and versatile quartet of musicians/vocalists whose experience and professionalism are equal to any musical challenge. They are a strong, beautiful mix of two to four part harmonies accompanied by intricate acoustic six‑string guitar, twelve‑string guitar, electric nylon string guitar, electric violin, mandolin, electric/acoustic bass and/or percussion. Their songs are an eclectic assortment of rock and roll, country, folk, jazz, and bluegrass featuring hits from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's. A typical set might include original songs blended in with songs by the Beatles, the Eagles, Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Doobie Brothers, the Everly Brothers, a bluegrass standard, or a new contemporary pop/rock hit. If a particular engagement requires drums a customized complete band can be assembled to fit the occasion. THE CAFFIENDS members have made hundreds of special appearances at various clubs, fairs, and festivals throughout the state. Individually, they have appeared as the opening act for such artists as Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, Kathy Mattea, Restless Heart, Diamond Rio, and many others. They have also appeared at the famous “Bluebird Café” which is the premier songwriters and artists night club in Nashville, TN, and at “Wolfman Jack's Rock & Roll Palace” in Kissimmee, FL. They may be seen regularly at many locations around north central Ohio. Their members include: Dennis Eggerton - Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and mandolinist. He is the former lead guitarist and vocalist for the rock band "Justus" and the contemporary Christian rock bands "Back in the Saddle" and “Just Passin’ Thru”. He is a multi instrumentalist with over thirty-five years experience as a professional musician. Dean Kastran - Singer, songwriter, and bassist. He is a gold record recipient for his work with the 1960’s band “The Ohio Express”. He has performed with bands such as “The Who”, “The Beach Boys”, “Herman's Hermits” and many other classic rock bands, and has appeared on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and at New York's famed “Carnegie Hall”. Dean is also a former member of “Flite”, “Back in the Saddle” and “Just Passin’ Thru”. Bob Cox - Singer, virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist, and music instructor. He has been performing with various bands throughout Ohio, as well as neighboring states for over forty years. Bob is an adjunct music professor at Kenyon College. He is also a music instructor and faculty member at the “Richland Academy of the Arts”, and has written method books. Sam Beatty - Singer, violinist, mandolinist, drummer, percussionist, guitarist, and trombonist. He graduated from “Ohio Wesleyan University” with a major in violin and minor in trombone. He currently serves as the Director of Worship and Technology at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. |
John Vining and Friends The John Vining Trio is a part of the J&H Productions group of entertainers. John is joined by bassist Glenn Sigler and percussionist Tim Fitzgerald on the South Stage as Thursday evenings headline entertainment. The trio brings a broad range of jazz, rock and pop featuring innovative arrangements and strong vocals. From the standards of Hoagy Carmichael to the Beatles and Billy Joel, the evening will charm all with songs for a summer evening. John Vining has been praised for his rich tenor and beautiful singing. His credits include performances at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, and The Brooklyn Academy of Music. His performances in Thomson’s The Mother of Us All, and Richard Foreman’s Dr. Selavy’s Magic Theater brought him wide recognition as a versatile performer. From 1986 through the mid 90’s he made a career performing with wife Linda in venues from New York to Indiana, producing several recordings of their unique form of American song. A twenty year resident of Knox County he has been the Director of Music at the St. Vincent School for the past ten years. Glenn Sigler is well known in the pit orchestras for many musicals both here and in Columbus, a gifted cellist as well as bassist, he plays in the Classical Sounds string quartet, he recently toured Ireland and Scotland with the Worthington Civic Band. Tim Fitzgerald has been playing drums since 1976. He has been in numerous rock and roll bands and has played in pit orchestras for many musicals. He enjoys a wide range of music and enjoys the eclectic blend of songs that make up the trio’s repertoire. He and wife Vicki have a busy antique business. |
Phil Dirt & the Dozers |
Apple Valley Singers Apple Valley resident, Vern Braun, inserted an article in the Apple Valley Cider Press of November, 1988. The article was asking for singers of all ages to come together to form a singing group which would meet once a week and share a variety of music. In the March, 1989 issue of the Cider Press, Braun’s article stated that he had heard from interested people, but still needed to locate and accompanist. By August of 1989 Braun wrote that the group now had 18 members and was meeting weekly. He was asking for 12 more members in order to produce a fall musical for the residents of Apple Valley. Since that time, the directorship of the group has been passed on to Rex Eikum, Gretchen Turney, and the present director, Jean Foster. There are now 47 members in the Chorus. They perform not only in Apple Valley by also Mount Vernon, Danville, Fredericktown, Utica, and Newark. In keeping with Vern Braun’s advertisement of “a variety of music” the group sings music from cantatas and gospel to modern Hollywood and Broadway…including music adapted to fit this special occasion of the Knox County Bicentennial. |
Heather Green & Brandon Cummings Mount Vernon native Heather Green holds a BFA from Ohio Northern University (2006) where she appeared in many productions; Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods”, Louise in “The Underpants”, and created the role of Viviana in “Shattered Stories” under legendary Mexican director Otto Minera while performing in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Heather is a freelance composer/arranger and conductor as well as a private voice and piano teacher. Co-owner of J&H Productions, she now divides her time between performing in Chicago and Ohio. She resides in Columbus playing keyboards at Shepard Church of the Nazarene, performing, and teaching privately. Brandon Cummings has been playing guitar since he was seventeen. Originally from Westerville he is has been coming to Mount Vernon all his life to visit family. A member of the United States Coast Guard, Petty Officer Cummings has performed in Virginia in addition to numerous places in Columbus. Last August he performed in Memphis during the celebration of Elvis’ birthday playing lead guitar for one the tribute artists. He resides in Westerville playing guitar at Shepard Church of the Nazarene, works as a studio guitarist, and performs regularly.
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BreAyne Groom BreAyne Groom is excited to be back at the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival for her fourth year. She is the daughter of Bryan and DeAnne Groom. BreAyne is a cheerleader at East Knox High School where she will be a senior this fall. BreAyne has performed in the Christmas Walk, Food for the Hungry, the Knox County Fair where she performs in her own show and sings the National Anthem, and also sings the National Anthem at the East Knox Varsity Football and Basketball games. BreAyne is a member of the Knox County Musicians in Action, and is an assistant with the TaVaci School of Performing Arts. BreAyne also enjoys singing in her church. |
Rendition Rendition's goal is toinspire memories and revive the fun of days gone by through the infusion of an eclectic potpourri of classic oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s.Theyenjoy delighting their audience withfavorites from Elvis, the Beach Boys,Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole,the Beatles and other legendary performers. Rendition, which now includes five members,has been entertaining audiences since 2001. They've shared their music at a variety of events in Franklin County and surrounding areas, includingfestivals, reunions, coffee shops, charity fundraisers, weddings, private events andchurch functions.For the past seven years, they've been annually featured at theGahanna Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. Band membersinclude Carl Schmueckle -lead singer, percussion and harmonica; Tim McCauley -guitar and vocals; Tom McCartney -saxophone, flute, harmonica and vocals;Tom Kingery - bass guitar; and Mark Cordle - drums, percussion and vocals. For more information about Rendition, contactthe band manager at [email protected]. or visit the official Rendition website: www.renditiononline.com. |
All-Ohio State Fair Band |
Knox County Idol |
TaVaci School of Music TaVaci School of Performing Arts is excited to be performing again at the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival. TaVaci is a children/youth singing, performing arts group in Knox County. TaVaci has been in Knox County for 9 years, and has taught hundreds of students ages 4-13 vocal technique, stage presence, choreography, drama and diction. TaVaci performs in two full concerts (major productions) each year at the Memorial Theatre, as well as the Knox County Fair, Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival and many other performances. TaVaci is now registering, with limited class spaces available, for September classes. The lessons and classes are taught at a new great facility—ThePlace@TheWoodward. TaVaci is under the direction of DeAnne Groom. To register for classes, please call (740) 397-3992. |
Panther Kenpo Karate Steve Hatfield is life long resident to Knox County. He holds the rank of Sixth Degree Black Belt and has studied the martial Arts for over thirty years, specializing in the American Kenpo Karate Parker System for the past twenty. He has been teaching professionally since 1986 as owner, operator, and Head Teacher of the Panther Kenpo Karate Studio in Mount Vernon, Ohio. In addition to Kenpo Karate, Mr. Hatfield has received specialized training in numerous other Martial Arts disciplines including Philippine stick and knife training, Russian martial Arts, Kickboxing, Tai Chi Chuan, and Chi Gong. He travels extensively throughout the United States for martial arts seminars. He has completed advanced training and certification in Cardio Kick Boxing instruction, and currently receives advanced instruction with Lee Wedlake, 8th Degree Black Belt of Fort Meyers FL; Huk Planas, 10th Degree Black Belt, New Orleans, LA; Al Mcluckie, Fort Wayne, IN, and Debra Weisenburger Liptez, Columbus, Ohio. Past and present professional affiliations include the Chinese Karate Federation, International Kenpo Karate Association, and the national Association of Professional Martial Artistes. Mr. Hatfield volunteers many hours in the Knox County community doing workshops, demonstrations, and programs in the area of Martial Arts, Self-Defense, Stress management, Movement, and Relaxation. He has done programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Knox County, Mount Vernon City Schools, Fredericktown High School, Family Fun Day, Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, Knox County Alternative School, and Freedom Center. He volunteers weekly at the Knox County Adult Day Care Center. In 2003, Panther Kenpo Karate Studio received the Child Advocate Business of the Year Award from though Children and Family First Council of Knox County. For more information, visit www.pantherkenpokarate.com. |
Ball & Stahl Larry Stahl and Steve Ball are musicians from the central Ohio area who have played music of all types in the Coshocton area for over fifteen years. Stahl, a long-time resident, is both a diary farmer and township trustee in Adams Township. Larry is an accomplished musician on many instruments including fiddle, guitar, dobro, and mandolin. He is well known in the area as a champion quality fiddle player, and actively plays several square dances a month in a dance band in Coshocton County. Stahl has an excellent knowledge of American history, Coshocton County history, and American folk and country music. Ball is a resident of Columbus and met Stahl at a Martin guitar seminar in 1985. During the course of a jam session at the seminar, the duo realized they shared the same esoteric interested in American music. Before long, they were working together at the local Roscoe festivals, as well as at the homecomings in the area. During the early 1990s, Stahl and Ball started playing a few American Civil War songs to show the audience a sort of prelude to what later became "western" music and slowly evolved into country-western music. The Civil War music was always very well received by the public, and the people enjoyed hearing the origins and stories behind the songs. As time went on, Ball and Stahl developed enough material to give a complete presentation on Civil War-era music. Ball plays guitar and fiddle and sings most of the lead vocals. He is an authority on American guitars, including the Martin line, which he has collected for over 20 years. The guitar used by Ball for the Civil War performances is an 1885 2-21 Martin guitar that he found in a vintage guitar shop many years ago in need of repair. Ball completed the repairs and returned the instrument to playing condition. It is used exclusively for the Civil War performances. |
Carol Dance Studio Carol Dance Studio has been training and entertaining in Knox County for 55 years! Caring faculty members Emily Thompson (Director), Stephanie Stute (Ballet, Pointe, Gymnastics), Katie Delozier (Tap, Ballet, Jazz) and Tonya Cubbage (Tap, Gymnastics) work closely with students to educate and oversee that proper form and technique is practiced, and that the choreography reflects the current trends in dance styles. Carol Dance Studio produces two dance concerts per year, as well as performs in parades, festivals and assisted living centers. Students, ranging in age from 2-adult, participate recreationally and/or competitively- winning first place creativity, and student recognition awards. Many students haven become career dance professionals. Excited to once again be entertaining during the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, Carole Dance Studio is proud to present “Star Spangled Tribute”, a dance production dedicated to the American Soldiers who volunteer their lives to keep us free. |
Abe Lincoln Gerald “Gerry” Payn, a native of Lodi, Ohio, began presenting Abraham Lincoln in 1999 after being inspired by James Getty of Gettysburg, Pa. The Wooster resident has spoken at schools, churches, retirement centers, service clubs, and Civil War re-enactments. During recent years, he has had about 60 engagements a year as Mr. Lincoln and has visited every place Mr. Lincoln lived during his lifetime plus a number of Civil War Battle sites and other related places.. Payn will be portraying Abraham Lincoln during the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival. He will give a speech at the Civil War encampment. Payn is a life member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters and considers it an honor to portray our greatest president. He is a “full height” Lincoln presenter at 6’4” and performs in costume (and whiskers), presenting in first person. Payne can speak on a large variety of topics, including Life of Lincoln (any “chapter”), Lincoln and Religion, Lincoln and Slavery, Lincoln and Politics, Lincoln’s Education, Trials and Tribulations of Lincoln’s Presidency, plus others. He can deliver any of Lincoln’s speeches, and sometimes performs with a Mary Todd Lincoln Presenter (his wife Marilyn Ferguson of Wooster). He is a retired science teacher and guidance counselor, a former dairy farm owner-operator, and is active with the Congress Community Church, Northwestern Ruritan Club and Wayne County Historical Society. Payn graduated from The Ohio State University College of Agriculture, where he played tuba in the OSU marching band (and dotted the "i"!). He is married to Marilyn and has three children and six grandchildren. |
Knox Choraliers The Knox Choraliers Youth Enrichment Choir, which is offered through the Gifted Education Departments of the Mount Vernon City and Knox County Schools, has been serving musically talented youth for 13 years. Students learn vocal technique as well as musical skills sing in several languages and perform for numerous events. The Choraliers sang with John Denver on his last tour through Columbus. Most students who participate in Knox Choraliers are in grades four through eight, though younger children are accepted if they possess exceptional talent. Students come from public and private schools as well as home schools. Singers who wish to participate get a recommendation from the music teacher in their school, which indicates that they can sing in tune, and then audition for the director of the Choraliers. Auditions are held on the first Monday after Labor Day each year. Questions about the Choraliers may be directed to Diane Dingler, the director at Pleasant Street Elementary School, 393-5990. |
COSI Science Spot Have the best of COSI's hands-on science right here in Mount Vernon! COSI's all-new "Science Spot" traveling science exhibition gives your everyone the opportunity to play, explore, discover, and learn about science together. COSI's Science Spot consists of durable, colorful hands-on kiosks that feature activities suitable for "budding scientists" ages 5 and up (adults too!), led by a trained COSI Team Member. Come on out and enjoy the fun and wonder of COSI in your own back yard! |
Briar Studio Briar Studio Dance and Gymnastics has been open for the past four years. In June, 2006 it went under new ownership. Since that time we have added new equipment to include vault and bars. We are in the process of building a spring floor. With these new additions, the gymnasts have progressed in their skills and have enjoyed learning new skills. We have three levels of classes for gymnastics that includes beginner, intermediate and advanced. Dance includes ballet and tap. The students perform a winter and spring recital each year. They also perform at a variety of locations throughout the year. Gymnastics is all year long as dance is from September to April. For enrollment or questions, contact Suzanne Boyer at 740-397-7923. |
Kayleigh Jo Ayers Kayleigh Ayers is a senior at Mount Vernon High School and is a member of Chorale. She has performed in the Youth Showcase for the last two years and plans to continue performing in the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival. She has also performed in the Mount Vernon High School Forum Show. Kayleigh is a graduate of the Tavaci School of Performing Arts. She volunteers as a student teacher for Tavaci director DeAnne Groom. She helps with Tavaci students ranging in ages four to six and really enjoys teaching others. In her spare time she baby-sits for young children and loves to dance and sing with them. Kayleigh loves working with young children and plans to become an early childhood teacher. She wants to continue to perform for others in the future. |
Dance Revolution Dance Revolution, Ltd., Mount Vernon's home for quality dance education, offers instruction in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, and Song & Dance for students of all ability levels ages two through adult. Located at 113A Howard Street, Mount Vernon, the studio, under the ownership of Therese and Sue Marotte, has flourished since its opening in 2003. Students enjoy many performance opportunities, including annual recitals at the Memorial Theater, regional dance competitions, the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival, and Holiday performances at The Place at the Woodward. Through this and weekly instruction, students gain self-confidence, pride, poise, teamwork, and physical fitness in a positive and nurturing enviornment. All classes are open for observation to provide family members an opportunity to witness dance development. Registration for fall classes is available at the Dance Revolution booth durning the Dan Emmett Festival, and Saturday, August 30th at the studio from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. For more information, please contact the studio at (740) 392-TAPS. |
Colonial Kids – Right Brain Productions The Colonial Kids is a youth ensemble that has recently been established by Right Brain Productions. It is a vocal group that provides an outlet for teenage singers from many area schools. It provides an avenue for energetic and talented singers to showcase their talents in an ensemble format, performing music that has great audience appeal and recognition. The Colonial Kids will make their debut at the Dan Emmett Festival on Saturday at 3:30 pm. |
Elizabeth Vining Liz Vining has been on stage since before she could walk. Traveling with her parents as they performed made music part of her life. Not only does she come from a musical world, but also a theatrical one. She has done much work locally and with the Mount Vernon High School including Crazy for You, Once Upon a Mattress, and most recently Long Live Rock and Roll. In years past, Liz has preformed with her family in the Dan Emmett Festival, and starting in 2004, she began performing for the festival on her own. Liz hopes to take her talents as far as she can, and have a career in the Musical Theater field. She attends Ohio Northern University, majoring in Communication Arts, with a distinction in Musical Theater. "I just live for reaching out to my audience," says Liz, "It’s a way for them to see a little piece of me, one song at a time." |
Britney Roberts Brittany Roberts is 17 years old, and will be a senior at Mount Vernon High School. She loves singing and music more than anything, and has participated her high school musicals for the past 2 years. She was in the Wizard of Oz her sophmore year, and Give My Regards to Broadway this past year. She is in her high school choir, as well as the Nazarene IMPACT team. She has participated in Knox Idol the past two years, and plans on doing it again this year. She has also performed at the Dan Emmett Festival for the past two years. She hopes to try out for American Idol season 8. Her biggest dream is to meet Idina Menzel. She loves Broadway musicals and her favorites are Wicked, Rent, and Hairspray...the originals, not the movies! She would love to one day play Elphaba in Wicked. |
Jamee Gresley Jamee Gresley is back this year. She is an Ohio State University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Anthropology. She hopes to further her education in graduate school. Jamee has been singing in the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival since she was thirteen. She sings a variety of music and has her own CD entitled Violets in September. This year, her performance will include country favorites for everyone. |
Dogwood Blossoms The Dogwood Blossoms Chapter of Sweet Adelines International formed in 1980 and officially became a chapter when they received their charter in October 1981. Since that time the chorus has grown in number and most of all musically as they strive to improve those barbershop chords. Currently the chorus has about 30 members, representing six counties and thirteen cities and towns. The Dogwood Blossoms Chorus has entertained audiences throughout central Ohio. They perform annually at Ye Olde Mill and The Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival. The chorus also sings at area nursing homes, churches, banquets, reunions and other meetings. Their repertoire includes old standards, pop, country, gospel and Broadway. The Dogwood Blossoms Chorus meets every Tuesday evening at ThePlace@TheWoodward at 111 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, OH. Rehearsals begin at 7:30. All women who enjoy singing are invited to attend a rehearsal. For more information, contact 740-668-7222. |
Lew Sleeman Lew Sleeman has been quite active during the last year with not only his solo appearances (The Kenyon Inn, Ye Olde Mill, The Ice Cream Station, etc.), but also appearing as lead vocalist with the newly formed "Kokosing River Surf Club" band. In addition to this Saturday performance, he will also sing with the KRSC band on Sunday August 10 at 11:00 am. |
Elixir Come and hear Elixir re-invent Americana music. They’ve been putting their unique styling to American 1800’s music for over 15 years, traveling throughout the great state of Ohio. (They were even allowed into West Virginia a couple of times). Long before Bruce Springsteen thought it might be neat, Elixir had been doing a reggae version of “Down in the Valley” and a rockin’ Beach Boys rendition of “Skip to My Lou.” Don’t let the clothes fool you. Elixir will have you tapping your toes, clapping your hands, and singing along to classic Americana tunes done their way. Elixir celebrates the music of Dan Emmett all year long with Old Dan Tucker, Turkey in the Straw, and Dixie. An Elixir performance is kind of like putting Peter, Paul, and Mary and the Smothers Brothers in a bottle. Elixir is based out of Mount Vernon and has performed for many community concerts, museums, schools, libraries, and festivals. Thousands of Ohio school children are now hooked on Goober Peas and know twelve important facts about Ohio from singing Elixir’s own “12 Days of Ohio Bicentennial” sung to the “12 Days of Christmas” of course, written by Mike Petee, founder of Elixir. Elixir is known for their tight harmonies, interesting instrumentations, and the fun that they bring to their performances. It’s hard to find a group that can bring kindergarteners to giggles in the morning, win over middle schoolers in the afternoon, and impress a group of retirees in the evening. They are a group for all ages. Elixir is comprised of Mike Petee, playing guitar and electric bass, Chris Petee on guitar, guitjo, and funky percussion instruments, and Gerry Rensel burning up the strings on guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. Elixir is a fee supported group through the Ohio Arts Council. |
Knox County Re-enactors |
Mount Vernon Heritage Singers Mount Vernon Heritage Singers are a local group consisting of community members who share the love of music and close harmony. Singing purely a capella music, the group strives to present sophisticated and entertaining music related to our country’s heritage. We look forward to seeing you Saturday evening. |
| Lip Sync Contest The creative Lip Sync will be held on Saturday, August 9. Registration will take place near the stage area, starting at 6:00 pm. The Lip Sync will begin at 7:00 pm. In order to encourage creativity, solo and duet performances will compete in the same category. Duet entries will be placed in the age category of the older duet member. Scoring will be based on a scale of 40 points: creativity/originality (20 points); appearance (10 points), and lip sync (10 points). Division entries will be as follows: Solo/duet and group (age category based on oldest performer in duet or group)
Please limit performance to a maximum of three minutes. Contestants must provide music on cassette, ready to play. A tape player will be provided. Please provide your own props. The committee reserves the right to split or combine classes according to the number of entries. Groups may go before solo/duet entries. The order of performances is up the committee. However, the youngest ages will perform first. The judges' decisions will be final. Prizes will be awarded for the first three places in each class. |
Micky Dolenz of The Monkees |
Kokosing River Surf Club The recently-formed 'Kokosing River Surf Club' band presents the talents of Lew Sleeman (lead vocals), Robert 'Doc' Shipley(keyboards and vocals), Kevin 'KR' Mishey (lead guitar and vocals), and Craig Kight on drums. Lew Sleeman has appeared several times at the Dan Emmett Festival, as well as several TV appearances, including 'Pepsi's Gimme The Mike, Columbus'. He performs as a solo act at various venues such as The Kenyon Inn, Ye Olde Mill, and corporate and private functions. Robert Shipley has played with many area groups such as The Rolling Hams, Shaun Booker, The T.J. Lewis Blues Revue, The Nomads, and others. Kevin Mishey is known for his work with The Nomads, a group whose roots go back to the '60s. Additionally, his own group, The T.J.Lewis Blues Revue, has been pleasing crowds throughout the area for many years. Craig Kight is known for his work with Jinx's Yard, Principally Speaking, and others. |
New Covenant New Covenant is an official student traveling music and ministry group from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and shares God's love through songs, testimonies, and relationships throughout the tri-state area of Ohio, West Virginia, and Eastern Kentucky. New Covenant is a contemporary praise and worship group geared to all ages, complete with a live band and vocalists. The members of New Covenant for summer 2008 are Amber Bryan (junior from Mount Vernon, Ohio), Courtney Cheek (junior from Mount Vernon, Ohio), Nicolas Felizzola (sophomore from Pilar, Argentina) Austin Lamos (senior from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania), Mark Porostosky (junior from Madison, Ohio) and Caleb Magness (sophomore from Batavia, Ohio). For more information, visit mvnu.edu/churchrelations/musicandministry.asp |
Desmond Wall Desmond Wall is an Acoustic Singer/Songwriter currently residing in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Growing up in a musical household, his father would have impromptu jam sessions whenever friends would drop by. His musical influences include The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and Cat Stevens just to name a few. When he was not busking in the streets of Europe he appeared on the stage in some of Amsterdam’s hottest nightclubs including the Melk Veg (Milky Way) and the Folkport Café, where incidentally Bob Dylan once played in the 60s. He has also played in venues at Berkley, San Franciso, and Toronto, Canada. Desmond is a frequent guest at Sip’s Coffee House in Mount Vernon, and The Mustard Seed Café in West Jefferson. He has television and radio appearances to his credit such as Global TV, WDCX, and the Crossroads Family Network. Desmond’s repertoire is diverse enough that young and old alike will enjoy singing along to the songs that are uplifting and sure to bring a smile that will brighten up your day. |
The Shumans Sam Shuman has been playing music professionally for over 30 years. His son Jesse has been playing guitar since he was 8 years old. Jesse Shuman has performed at the Forum Show and has most recently joined his father in performing at The Kenyon Inn and Ye Olde Mill. Together The Shumans play a variety of original compositions as well as crowd favorites. Sam Shuman has entertained at dozens of colleges and over 100 festivals including the Ohio State Fair and Jamboree in the Hills. In his professional career Shuman has also opened shows for Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Charlie Daniels. His album credits include, Fly Like the Wind, LongBlack Train, and Bridges. Bridges includes the much requested song “We All Held Hands.” |
Autumn Daze Mount Vernon, Ohio’s own Autumn Daze performs classic rock and rhythm and blues. With a total of over 150 years performing experience between band members, the group is well experienced at entertaining. Autumn Daze has performed at major fairs and festivals all across Ohio, and has played 175 fairs and festivals in the last four years. Autumn Daze consists of Dave Metcalf – Lead guitar & Vocals, Lorilee Metcalf – Vocals, John Ellis – Guitar & back-up vocals, Roger Chalfant – Keyboard & Vocals, Chuck Valley – Drums & back-up vocals, Eric Clouston – Bass & back-up vocals, Tony LeProtti – Rhythm Guitar & back-up vocals, and Joe Booker – Saxophone & Flute. With five singers, they have strong vocals and musical abilities. |
Columbus Zoo |
Veggie Tales |
McManaways The McManaway Family Singers consists of Charlie and Margie McManaway and daughters, Cyndy Bonsignore and Kim Atkinson, all of the Mount Vernon area. The McManaways will be performing Southern Gospel Music on Sunday, August 10, at 2:00 pm. on the Gambier Street South Stage. The McManaways are members of the Centerburg Church of Christ. They have also been seen locally at the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival and will perform at the Centerburg Oldtime Farming Festival. The group has also performed at the Ohio State Fair many times as well as other area festivals. |
Chestnut Ridge The all gospel group, Chestnut Ridge, is from the Knox County are and have been together approximately 4 years. Members include: Jeanell Branstool – mandolin, vocals; Tom Branstool – vocals; Jim Dunfee – guitar, vocals; John Elswick – banjo; Arlin Bradford – bass, vocals; and John White – dobro, vocals. For booking information or current schedules, go online to www.chestnutridgemusic.com. |
Nothin' Flat “Nothin’ Flat” quartet started singing together late in the fall of 2005 to see how things would go. They combined over 68 years of barbershop talent. It must have worked out because they’ve been singing together ever since. They became a registered quartet in the spring of 2006. All four ladies are members of the Dogwood Blossoms Chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Carol Hicks, who sings bass, joined the chorus in 1991 and previously was a member of three other registered quartets. She has served on the Dogwood Blossoms Board of Directors, held several offices and is the bass section leader. Carol, who is retired after 28 years with Continental Can/Ludlow and 11 years at Mt. Vernon Development Center, lives with her husband Art and their dog Cricket, in Fredericktown. Maureen Hunter, who was born a baritone, has been a Sweet Adeline for 28 years and is a charter member of the Dogwood Blossoms. She has sung in at least 5 other quartets, has served in the Board of Directors and has held the office of President more than any other member. Maureen is the baritone section leader. She is a retired veterinarian and resides on her farm near Martinsburg. Barb Bower sings lead and has been a member of the Dogwood Blossoms for 20 years. She has held all the offices, served many years on the Board, chaired several committees and is the current President of the Chorus. She has sung in 4 other quartets and is the lead section leader. She retired after teaching second grade for 30 years. She lives with her husband Charlie on a farm near Martinsburg. Their daughter Andrea is a senior at Ashland University. Gail Piper, who sings tenor, joined the Dogwood Blossoms early in 2006, shortly after she and her husband Jim returned to Ohio. She became a Sweet Adeline in 2002 when she joined Mountain Harmony Chorus in Morgantown, WV. Gail is currently serving of the Board of the Dogwood Blossoms. She resides with her husband near Nellie and tries to keep up with all the antics of their three children and one grandson. |
Note: All schedules and events are subject to change without notice. Please continue to check our website for all the latest updates.
For more information, call 740-392-FEST
(3378)
or e-mail:
festival@danemmettfestival.org
or visit the Knox County Convention &
Visitors Bureau at www.VisitKnoxOhio.org