Performing Artists
Performing artists at this year's Festival include:
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Candace Jaymes is 17 and will be a senior in high school. She studies voice with Diane Dingler and enjoys singing classical, jazz, and fold-rock music. She plays guitar and piano, and writes her own songs. She performs for school shows, community festivals, and church. She is a third-year member of MVHS Chorale. She was part of a duet that tied for second place in the Young Musicians Competition this past February and had the title role in the MVHS spring musical Olivia Twist. In addition to her musical activities, Candace plays on the MVHS girls' tennis team and is a member of the MVHS Big Buddies program, Key Club, and Drama Club. Candace plans to study music or speech pathology in college. |
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Singing since she could talk, Cassidy Noonen has a unique sound and style to her music that is unmistakable. Although she sings a wide variety of music, the uniqueness of her voice stays the same. She was in a travelling choir for four years, has taken voice lessons for over six years, and started taking piano lessons two years ago. Cassidy has performed at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival for the past three years and sang at Disney World. Tom Noonen accompanies her on the acoustic guitar while she plays the piano and sings. This is a unique act you don't want to miss! |
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John Belushi [a.k.a. Dayne Baughman]: You may have loved him or hated him, but you could never ignore him or his impact on the 1970s. Comedian, actor, musician, original cast member of Saturday Night Live and The Blues Brothers - let John tell you in his own way. For more information, click here |
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The Beatles: John Lennon [a.k.a. Jim Stoner], George Harrison [a.k.a. Desmond Wall] and Paul McCartney [a.k.a. Mike Petee]: In 1976, Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live offered the Beatles 00 to appear in a reunion concert on SNL. All four Beatles were in New York City at the time and almost happened as 3 of the 4 wanted to do it. What if...
John Lennon (Jim Stoner), George Harrison (Desmond Wall), Paul McCartney (Mike Petee) and Ringo Starr (Bill Miller) will take the stage on August 11, 2011 as part of the Thursday Night Chautauqua's providing an alternate history version of the night the Beatles reunited to play together once again.
Filled with the Beatles discussing their lives, the origins of their songs and the wonderful music they created and changed the world of entertainment with in 7 short years in the sixties. Join, John, Paul, George and Ringo for an experience you're not soon forget. As they said on the Sgt. Pepper's album, "A Splendid Time is Guaranteed For All." For more information, click here |
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The Colonial Kids is a youth ensemble 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. |
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Dance Revolution, Ltd., Mount Vernon's home for quality dance education, offers instruction in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Musical Theater, Lyrical, Clogging and Hip Hop for students of all ability levels ages two through adult. The studio, under the ownership of Drew 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 ThePlace@TheWoodward. Through this and weekly instruction, students gain self confidence, pride, poise, teamwork, and physical fitness in a positive and nurturing environment. All classes are open for observation to provide family members and opportunity to witness dance development. Registration for fall classes is available at the Dance Revolution booth during the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival. |
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Erin will be a Senior this fall at MVHS and is very much looking forward to it. She has enjoyed acting, singing, and dancing since she was little, including tap, ballet, and pointe. She has performed in many plays through MVHS, Right Brain Productions, and BJ&C (including the production of "The Wizard of Oz"). Erin has always had a song to sing. She is a part of The Heritage Singers, of Right Brain Productions, and takes voice lessons from Dr. Ben Locke. She is a veteran of the Dan Emmett Festival stage, and palced second in the 2009 Knox Idol competition. |
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Ian Ernsberger has been acting and singing for nearly all his life. He has performed at the Memorial Theatre in Mount Vernon in MTVarts productions of Beauty and The Beast, Annie, and most recently Cinderella. He has also performed at the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield, Ohio in productions of Into the Woods and Bye Bye Birdie. He has also performed in several shows at the Mansfield Playhouse and OSU-Mansfield. A member of Bruce Jacklin and Company for the last seven years, he has directed and acted in many of the dinner theaters on the Alcove stage. He will next be directing MTVarts Classic Series production of 12 Angry Men this September and be seen in the Alcove Dinner Theatre prodcution of The Bad Seed this October. |
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Katie Johns has a love for music that shows in her voice. She has sung in the Knox Choraliers, the church choir at Faith Lutheran, and the Mount Vernon Middle School talent show. She is a freshman at Mount Vernon High School and plays saxophone in the marching band. Other musical experiences include the Middle School jazz band, the handbell choir at Faith Lutheran, and piano lessons. Besides music, she enjoys reading and is talented writer. Katie is excited to be a part of the Dan Emmett Festival, as well as having a chance to practice her stage presence. |
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Knox Choraliers began nurturing children's love of singing sixteen years ago when a grant was received from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. The Choraliers serves singers in 4th through 8th grades who attend Mount Vernon City Schools, Knox County Schools, parochial schools, and home schools. Exceptional younger students are also accepted. Singers learn vocal and choral skills, experience many styles of music, and learn to sing in numerous languages. Performances include two major concerts each year as well as a variety of other performances. The Choraliers were chosen to sing with John Denver on his last tour through Columbus. Founded and directed by Diane Dingler until her retirement in June 2011, the choir is now under the direction of Laura Ackert and Sarah Reyes and is accompanied by Christa Hammond. Students meet at Pleasant Street Elementary School on Mondays from 4:00 to 5:00. More experienced students may also by chosen to participate in the Choraliers' Ensemble. Students interested in singing with the Choraliers need a recommendation from their music teacher. For more information please contact Laura Ackert at Pleasant Street School. Auditions are held the first Monday after Labor Day and rehearsals begin the following week. New members are welcome! |
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"Nothin' Flat" quartet started singing together late in the fall of 2005, just to see how things would go. It must have worked out because they've been singing together ever since and became a registered quartet in the spring of 2006. Carol Hicks, who sings bass, has been a member of the Dogwood Blossoms Chorus since 1991. Retired from Continental Can/Ludlow and the Mount Vernon Developmental Center, Carol lives in Fredericktown, with her husband, Art. Maureen, the baritone of the quartet, has been a member of Sweet Adelines for 31 years and is a charter member of the Dogwood Blossoms Chorus. She is a retired veterinarian and resides on her farm near Martinsburg. Singing the lead is Barb Bower, who has been a Sweet Adeline for 23 years. She retired after teaching second grade for 30 years. She lives on a farm near Martinsburg, with her husband, Charlie. Gail Piper, who sings tenor, became a Sweet Adeline in 2002. She resides with her husband, Jim, near Nellie, in Coshocton County. |
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Steve Hatfield is a life-long resident to Knox County. He holds the rank of Fifth 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. |
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Southbound Music provides students one-on-one lessons to help build character and confidence through music. Yvonne Sanson, creator of Southbound music, has 15 years in the music industry. She provides instruction on guitar, vocal technique, stage presence, speaking/diction, and performance. This year's featured students at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival are the Ashcraft Sisters, Haley Davis, Nick Kurtz, and Lisa May. |
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Sweet Adelines - Dogwood Blossoms
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The TaVaci School of Performing Arts is excited to be performing for the 10th year at the festival! TaVaci is a children's singing/performing group in Knox County. Youth ages 3-14 learn vocal technique, choreography, drama, and stage presence in weekly lessons. TaVaci performs in two concerts each year at the Memorial Theater as well as performances in the Knox County Fair and Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival. |
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The Project, consisting of Andrew and Ian Clarkson, Johnson Cochran, Will Teater, and Taylor Dallas, formed in the beginning of the summer of 2010 with the intent of performing in the Dan Emmett Festival that year. After a rather successful performance, they went on to play in the Forum Show at the Mount Vernon High School, in which they were again successful. They will be performing again in this summer's Dan Emmett Festival. They have worked hard, and expect this to be the best performance they have given yet. The set list encompasses music ranging from the 1950s to an original composition written this past year by Cochran. |
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Timothy Noble, age 12, is the son of Kevin and Cynthia Noble. He has a sister, Amanda, age 6 and a brother, Christopher, age 4. They live near Mount Vernon, Ohio, where Timothy is homeschooled and is in the 6th grade. At the age of three, his parents started noticing his God-given musical talent when he began playing on the piano the hymns he had heard in church. He was enrolled at that age in a program called "Music for Young Children" which he participated in until he began formal piano lessons at the age of 5 with Glee Smith of Mount Vernon, which he has continued to this time. This musical gift flows from his heart - put there by God - and is seen in his love of the hymns and gospel music of which he has done his own arrangements with the help and direction of his piano instructor. Timothy has been blessed to have the opportunity to play on stage with several talented and gifted pianists such as Dino Kartsonakis, Kim Collingsworth, Jeff Stice and Michael Howard. He was invited by Kim Collingsworth, when he was 10 years old, to play at a Piano Extravaganza in Shipshewana, Indiana, alongside of Kim and four other nationally known pianists. Timothy had the honor last fall of playing for the opening segment of a Mike Huckabee Faith and Freedom Tour event held at Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio. Timothy has also opened for and/or played special numbers with several local, as well as nationally-known gospel quartet groups. As a young man of just 12 years of age, he maintains a full weekly schedule of playing at churches, special events, nursing homes, camp meetings and other ministry-oriented events. |
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The Apple Valley Singers are once again preparing for an exciting singing season throughout the Knox County area. We will be performing for various community groups, nursing homes, and other local venues along with their Fall Show, Veterans' Day and Christmas performances in Apple Valley.
The singers will continue this year under the direction of Jean Foster, who brings great creativity and energy to their performances. We thank Jean for the approximately 10 years she has volunteered her time to lead this group. Together we all sing for the joy of singing and sharing that joy with others.
Along with many other dates, our group looks forward to singing for the 2011 Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival Friday night.
The Singers continue with their support of the Community Outreach Program. This program enables professional musicians and performers to visit schools around the area.
Come join us at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival - you'll find it to be a fun, toe-tappin' time!
Ashleigh Zarley has been involved in dancing and singing nearly her entire life. She began her dancing and singing at the age of three. She has been trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern dancing. She has attended summer dance intensive programs at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Company and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. She took voice lessons from her mother, Nancy Stelter, competed at various vocal competitions, and was heavily involved in the Praise Band at her home church in Pennsylvania. She has been under the direction of Diane Dingler for one year and had the privilege of performing at this Festival last summer. She has performed in MTVarts musical productions of the Wizard of Oz (dancer), Annie (choreographer/Grace Ferrell), and Cinderella (choreographer/Stepsister Joy). She has a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, with minors in Computer Science and Spanish Language from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She has been teaching Ballet and Pointe for four years to students ranging in age from five to eighteen. She currently works at Kenyon College as a Systems Analyst. She is pursuing a Masters's degree in Computer Information Systems through Boston University this fall.
Ashley started singing in church at the age of three. Soon she was participating in talent shows including the North American Country Music Association International (NACMAI) competition held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Ashley was eight when she placed first at the NACMAI in her age category. Ashley has also enjoyed singing for church musicals, at the Knox County Fair, the Centerburg Farming Festival, local banquets, and performing the National Anthem at special events. She was also the 2010 Knox Idol winner for the teen category. Ashley sings country and gospel music. Her parents are Jack and Lisa Burke. She will be a senior in high school in the fall. Besides singing, Ashley helps on her family's dairy farm, enjoys riding her horse, Montana, and has her own flock of Tunis sheep.
Brittany Roberts will be going into her Junior year at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She is studying Early Childhood Education and is hoping to one day be 1st grade teacher. Brittany has been singing ever since she was a baby. she has performed at the Dan Emmett Festival 3 years in a row, including Knox Idol for 2 years. She is very excited to be back after a 2-year absence! she has been involved in high school choir, NCO Impact Team, competed in Colgate Country Showdown, placed 1st in the Sweet Adelines singing competition, sings in the praise team for both church and school, and has been in many musicals, her favorite role being Lucy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown for the Mount Vernon Players in 2009.
THE CAFFIENDS is a talented and versatile quintet of musicians/vocalists whose experience and professionalism are equal to any musical challenge. The 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 many famous artists. They can be seen regularly at several locations around north central Ohio. THE CAFFIENDS is a strong, beautiful mix of two to four part harmonies accompanied by intricate electric and acoustic six string guitars, twelve string guitar, nylon string guitar, electric violin, mandolin, bass guitar, drums and percussion. Their songs are an eclectic assortment of rock and roll, country, folk, jazz, and bluegrass featuring hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. 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.
Carol Dance Studio has been training and entertaining in Knox County for 55 years! Caring faculty members 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 have become career dance professionals.
Audrey Hepburn [a.k.a. Amy Stoner]: Born in Belgium, moved to England in 1948, she was best known for practically inventing the romantic comedy, including roles in Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady. She was a noted humanitarian. You are in for a treat from the first lady of American cinema.
Hank Williams [a.k.a. Jeff Putnam and his sidekick - Wilson Brinkley on lap steel guitar]: Charting 11 number one records between 1948 and 1953, he was unable to read or write music to a degree. Williams died at the age of 29 and claimed to have written over 1000 songs, 300 of which were published before his death. From "Your Cheatin' Heart" to "I Saw the Light" - a musical icon!
The all gospel group, Chestnut Ridge, is from the Knox County area and have been playing together for about six years. Its members include: Jeanell Branstool - mandolin and vocals; Jim Dunfee - guitar and vocals; Mickey Holback - banjo and vocals; John White - dobro; and Duane Hardesty - bass.
They enjoy playing for various churches, extended care facilities, community gatherings, festivals, and family events. They have played at the Dan Emmett Festival and several "First Friday" events in Mount Vernon and Coshocton, Ohio, and in the local restaurants Sips and Peggy Sue's. They have also had the privilege of playing at the Relay for Life event in Newcomerstown. Sit back, relax, and put a smile on your face!
Elixir re-invents music of the American 1800s into unique arrangements. Taking the popular songs of our ancestors and blending them with the music of musicians that followed them. Long before Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen recorded his Americana album, Elixir was mixing old songs with different music styles along with tradtional versions. No musical style is safe from this trio's inventive minds.
This talented trio plays guitars, bass, guitjo, mandolin, fiddle and a number of swell percussion instruments, not to mention a duck call. Audiences are delighted by their harmonies and goofy senses of humor. Every performance is full of laughs, sing-a-longs, toe tapping, hand clapping and lots of historical information.
Elixir was formed in 1992 by Mike Petee. This wonderfully fun, historical group's members for the last decade have been Mike and Chris Petee and Gerry Rensel. They all have long histories of musical performance, and each member brings their own strengths to the group, making a delightful elixir of vocal and musical skills.
GRASSAHOL is a high-energy, five-piece bluegrass band consisting of Carl Yaffey on banjo, Chas Williams, fiddle; Heidi White, bass; Buren Carter, guitar; and Scott Brooks, on mandolin.
Their music is a mix of the old, the new, the occasionally obscure, and a full quiver of original songs that keep folks entertained and tapping their toes. Their songs range from the bluegrass standards to the less traditional newgrass sounds of more recent days, drawing on musical influences in bluegrass, blues, minstrel, folk, and Americana.
Grassahol is based in Columbus, Ohio and entertains audiences across Ohio and the Midwest - young and old - in the city or out of town - from gardens of the Ohio Governor's Mansion to the main stage at the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival.
Grassahol band members are professionals who have been around music for many years and have a real love of bluegrass as well as a love of sharing it with an audience. They would love for you to hear them play!
Haley's favorite thing to do is sing. Now 7 years old, she has been singing almost before she could talk. Haley has been in TaVaci since she was four years old. Her idols are Taylor Swift and Hannah Montana. Her goal is to sing the best that she can and to one day be an idol herself.
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, the group strives to present sophisticated and entertaining music related to our country's heritage. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival!
Jamee Gresley has been writing songs since age 7 and has been performing in the Dan Emmett fesitval for the past 11 years. She has been known to sing a variety of music ranging from her very own songs off of her CD entitled Violets in September all the way to country and old rock. She is currently finishing her Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton.
Kevin Oliver has been playing guitar since the age of 17, playing in churches for most of his life. He sang his first Johnny Cash song, "A Boy Named Sue," during a jam session in 2008 and from there expanded his repertoire to become one of the best Johnny Cash imitators in Central Ohio.
The Kokosing River Surf Club is a homegrown local group. It features Kevin Mishey on guitar and vocals, Robert Shipley on keyboard and vocals, Rusty Shinaberry on drums, and lead vocalist Lew Sleeman. They celebrated their third year as a band in March of 2011. During this short time their appearances have increased dramatically, and their venues become as far-reaching as the prestigious "Boudreaux's" in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Of course, they then had to go on to N'Orleans.
Their musical interests are diverse, which has led to their eclectic mix of Classic Rock and Blues that their fans enjoy. KRSC loves making music. The band's motto is: "If it isn't fun, it doesn't get done!"
Limping Dog Band is a classic rock and blues band based in Gambier, Ohio, home of Kenyon College. In addition to its original material, the band covers songs by the Rolling Stones (The Last Time, Sympathy for the Devil), the Grateful Dead (Fire on the Mountain), and Neil Young (Hey Hey, My My), plays 60s chestnuts like Good Lovin', Wild Thing, Gloria and All Along the Watchtower, and stretches out on classic blues numbers like King Bee and C.C. Rider. LDB formed in 2008 and played as a trio until 2011, when lead guitarist Jim Pierce joined drummer Tom Anderson, bassist Shawn Dailey and rhythm guitarist Kyle Henderson. The addition of Pierce turned what the Kenyon Collegian described in September, 2010 as a "simple and clean classic rock sound" into a complex stew of pounding rhythm and white-hot leads.
16-year-old Lisa May is no stranger to the stage. She has participated in Knox Idol, American Idol, X-Factor, May Fiesta, MVHS spring musical Olivia Twist, the Christmas Walk, TaVaci, and has sung the National Anthem at the Knox County Fair and High School Gymnastics Meets. Her musical talent includes guitar, oboe, bass, flute, and singing. She recently took part in Power Chord Academy at Loyola University in Chicago. Other activities that she's involved in include ballroom dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Lisa May would like to attend Berklee School of Music, majoring in music business and production with a minor in music performance.
The McManaway Family Singers are from Mt. Vernon, Ohio. The group consists of Charlie and Margie McManaway and their daughters Cyndy Bonsignore and Kim Atkinson.
The singers perform only gospel music ranging in the style of Southern Gospel to Contemporary Christian.
They have traveled extensively throughout the Midwest and Southern States, as well the Eastern Seaboard.
The McManaway's have also shared their message in song at local festivals, including the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival, Oldtime Farming Festival, The Relay for Life, and The Danville Turkey Festival.
The family recently completed work on their latest CD titled, Sing Me Home.
Their ministry for Christ spans over thirty years. They enjoy the fellowship of the sharing the Gospel through their singing.
Megan will be a 7th grader at MVMS. She has performed in MTVarts' Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and played the role of Michael Darling in Peter Pan. Megan is a member of Knox Choraliers, MVMS Band, and enjoys performing at church.
From the toe-tapping beat of a lively reel to the lilt of a tear-jerking Irish ballad, Morningstarre sets the stage for a night of entertainment you wouldn't want to miss! Created on the fiddle, guitar, keyboard, percussion and vocals, Morningstarre Celtic Band brings to the stage a fiery mix of Celtic, folk, gypsy, original, and popular music for all ages.
Located in Central Ohio, Morningstarre began in 2007 as a family band, with the first three sibling-members, Rosemary, Caitlin, and Christopher Hedge. They are sometimes joined by younger brother Joseph. They mostly play for private groups and parties, plus many weddings both in and out of state.
In the summer of 2009, Morningstarre recorded their first CD, entitled "Awake with the Dawn."
The boys have been lifelong friends but have recently come together in the last year to form the band New Rebellion. The band consists of Jamie Hull (13) playing drums, Drew Staats (11) on bass, Trent Staats (13) on lead guitar/song writing, and Todd McKinley (14) singing vocals/song writing. They will be doing a mix of original and cover songs for the program.
Nick Kurtz has been singing ever since he learned to talk. Music enthusiast and Mount Vernon High School student, Nick has been playing guitar since he was 11 years old. Nick has been taking voice lessons with Yvonne Sanson for 2 1/2 years.
Grounded by the unmistakable sound of the Hammond B3 organ, driven forward by drums and percussion with trumpet and sax blowing melodies over the top, Padula Oblongata has a distinctive and irresistible sound. Starting you off with straight-ahead standards by the likes of Miles, Mingus and Monk, spicing it up with the funkiness of Hubbard and Harris, then stretching your musical boundaries with the musings of Coleman and Sun Ra, this five piece band will satisfy your ears and light a spark under your feet.
One of the few Jazz Stage acts named by The Other Paper as a Best Bet at Comfest 2010, Padula Oblongata did not disappoint. They will play the Comfest stage once again at noon on Saturday, June 25, 2011.
Michael Padula is our founder and a wizard on the B3 Organ. In '72 and right out of high school Michael landed a gig with The Platters. He toured with them for several years, and remained on through the '70s for their Las Vegas casino show. In the '80s Michael played with Jon Faddis and Ernie Watts while earning his degree in Biblical and Religious Studies. Michael's stage presence is quirky and funny. His solos drip with emotion and will leave your jaw hanging.
On trumpet is Ted Buehrer. Ted teaches jazz at Kenyon College and has played with Louis Bellson, Freddie Hubbard, and Betty Carter. Through his work creating arrangements of Mary Lou Williams songs, Ted was invited by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as a judge for the 2010 Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition hosted by Wynton Marsalis.
Saxophonist Ross Feller has taught at Oberlin and Kenyon Colleges. His performance was described by John von Rhein of The Chicago Tribune as "an elaborate show." Ross recently returned from New York City where he performed a show of his original compositions. The contrast between Ted's deep and rich melodies with Ross' eyeball popping fire give Padula Oblongata a unique and exciting sound. Both these guys can blow.
Padula Oblongata found drummer Skip Trask funkin' it up for his church choir. A lifelong drummer, Skip lays down a groove that gets your toes tapping. Finally, percussionist Ed Schiebel is a student of Caribbean folkloric music and brings this traditional rhythmic vocabulary to the jazz of Padula Oblongata.
All these fancy credentials on paper translate into a swinging time at our performances. If you like jazz played with emotion, played with soul, then I know you'll enjoy having us perform for you.
PHIL DIRT & THE DOZERS are America's premiere "Rock 'N R'oldies" review (and the most popular vintage rock and roll show in the nation) will help you recapture those wonderful days! With their musical talent, high energy and contagious sense of humor, Phil Dirt & The Dozers will transport you to another time and place . . . namely, the 50's, 60's, and 70's of Rock and Roll! Imagine hearing The Four Seasons' Sherry with the original falsetto vocals intact . . . or the hauntingly beautiful Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody or their You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling or the beautiful ballads of Roy Orbison including Pretty Woman and In Dreams. Party on the beach with The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean. And imagine the Platters' soul-stirring Only You performed with all the scratches and skips found on a well-worn 33 1/3 record, the way The Dozers first learned it! The Phil Dirt Time Machine also stops in the '70's, where you'll experience some of this decade's greatest hits including those from the Doobie Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, The Eagles and even the O'Jays.
Project Roundtable is a collaboration of five musicians! That has been playing in the Central Ohio area for 30 years. One Spence Hoefich and Bill Mahan of Sweet Revenge fame. Sammy Stephenson and Ben Blackford are two guys bringing those days gone by to life. And of course Jerome Kies holding it all together for them. A great mix of 50, 60, 70, and 80s. That will keep your toe taping and your mind remembering those days gone by.
Safire Sun consists of members DARELL SANSON who is featured on mandolin, lead, tenor and baritone vocals. His driving attack and uncanny style of mandolin playing will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Audiences are amazed at how fast his fingers can move on a mandolin! Darell has enjoyed a long and varied musical career and lights up the stage with a new dimension of high energy and excitement, delivering a unforgettable performance!
YVONNE SANSON is Darell's oldest daughter. On the rhythm guitar, she also sings lead and harmony vocals. Yvonne moved to Nashville in the 1990's where she worked as a singer/songwriter and landed the opportunity to co-write the Randy Travis song "America Will Always Stand," written about the 9/11 tragedy. Yvonne has written most of the tunes on Safire Sun's debut CD.
ALLIE DIBLE possesses an angelical voice that captures people's attention when they hear her sing. Audiences can't help but fall in love with Allie and her voice. With versatility and natural ability to sing any vocal part, Allie is the next generation of country singers.
BRITTNEY HICKEY is Darell's youngest daughter and began playing guitar at the age of 7. She has performed at not only the famed Ralph Stanley Bluegrass Festival with Judy Marshall of the legendary Marshall Family, but other national bluegrass festivals as well. Brittney plays bass and sings some backup vocals for Safire Sun.
ETHAN WHITEHAIR At just 10 years of age, Ethan is Darell's nephew and the youngest member of Safire Sun. When he was 3, he started playing tambourine for Darell Sanson and String Sensations. People are amazed to see this little guy and the great timing he has! When Ethan turned 5, Darell started teaching him guitar. Today, he plays most of the music on his guitar that Safire Sun performs.
MARTY TOWNSEND plays banjo for Safire Sun. He also plays bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo and even a little fiddle, but his first love is the banjo. Marty joined Safire Sun in 2009 and is featured on "Devils Fire" and "One of These Days" on Safire Sun's debut CD.
The Dogwood Blossoms Chapter of Sweet Adelines International formed in 1980 and officially became a chapter in October 1981. The chorus strives to improve those barbershop chords by attending regional classes and competitions. They won the Most Improved Chorus Award in 1988 and 2000. Currently, chorus members represent six counties and twelve cities and towns.
The Dogwood Blossoms Chorus has entertained audiences throughout central Ohio. They perform annually at Ye Olde Mill, the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, and a show at the Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon. They also sing at area nursing homes, churches, banquets, reunions, and other meetings. Their repertoire includes old standards, pop, country, gospel, and Broadway.
In 2005, the Dogwood Blossoms Chorus was selected to be a representative for the State of Ohio in the 2005 National Festival of the States, held in Washington D.C. Performances in the Capitol included the Jefferson Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Fairfax Military Retirement Community.
The Ashcraft Sisters prove that certain talents run in the family.
Emily, the oldest sister at 14, has been singing in church since she was 7 years old. She loves singing, riding horses, cooking, and all types of art. Emily hopes to have a career in law enforcement after graduation.
Sarah, 11 years old, loves singing and playing guitar. She has sung in many church plays, and would like to be a singer or a teacher when she is older.
8 year old Abigail, like her older sisters, loves to sing and participate in church plays. She also enjoys playing basketball.
Cassie is the baby of the group at 7 years old. She loves to sing, dance, and is a natural performer.
One of the most beloved and respected Chicago bands ever to explode onto the national scene, The Buckinghams' live concerts pack power into 60s pop rock. Bringing back great memories with chart-topping 60s hits, The Buckinghams also perform popular 70s favorites in their sets, electrifying audiences with high-energy fun. Since 1985, original Buckinghams Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna and their band have continued to deliver fast-paced, solid shows that get crowds up on their feet to enjoy.
Walker, 15-years-old, has been singing for as long as he can remember, though he started taking professional lessons only four years ago when he sang with the Episcopal Church choir. He is currently a student under Diane Dingler, and has been singing with her for nearly three years. The Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival will be his first major performance. He is an honor student, and a National Master in chess. He enjoys soccer and volleyball, and hopes to sing in musical theater in the future.
