2007 Winchester Dogwood Festival - Celebrating Franklin County's Bicentennial

2007 Entertainment Line-Up

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Starship	Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled STARSHIP through the decades of the 80’s and 90’s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Mickey has established himself as one of Rock Music’s most recognizable stars. Backed by the power of Mickey's vocals, JEFFERSON STARSHIP immediately scored a #1 hit with “Jane”. With this new sound and powerful new vocals, the group was renamed STARSHIP and continued to record an amazing string of hits including “No Way Out ”, “We Built This City ”, “Sara”, and an Oscar Nomination for the #1 hit “Nothing's Gonna Stop Us " from the movie “Mannequin”. Other top hits included “Find Your Way Back ”, “Stranger”, “Laying It On The Line ”, and “It's Not Over Till It's Over ” which became Major League Baseball’s theme in 1987. Click here to visit their website

Sullivan Sisters	Heidi, Holli, Amy and Kelly are four sisters from the small town of Jemison, right smack dab in the middle of Alabama, with roots in country and gospel. Since their move to Nashville, they have served as one of the rotating house bands at Gaylord’s Wildhorse Saloon, been pre-game house band for the Tennessee Titans at the Coliseum for the 2004 season, and won the local Nashville Colgate Country Showdown. They have shared the stage or opened shows for Sugarland, Charlie Daniels, Mark Chesnutt, Sara Evans, The Oak Ridge Boys, Julie Roberts, Joe Nichols and many others. The Sullivan sisters are truly a sound (and a sight!) to behold! Click here to visit their website

Tommy Crain and the Crosstown All-Stars	Southern rock pioneer, Tom Crain, from Franklin, Tennessee, is best known for his two decades of work with the Charlie Daniels Band. He wrote songs and performed on over 20 CDB albums, winning a grammy for "The Devil Went Down To Georgia." Tom has played with countless other artists, and his fiery guitar work is always recognizable. Tom Crain and the Crosstown Allstars current cd is an original project, titled, "Give It To Ya" on Chattahoochee Records and is available through CD Baby. Click here to visit their website

Sulentic Brothers Band	The Sulentic Brothers Band's music is a unique combination of styles and ideas. These styles and ideas form a band with the incredible ability to write music all their own. To date the band has written 95 original songs and they play numerous cover tunes as well. Since the band's formation the members have demonstrated a unique dedication to the writing and playing of their music. Moreover, the quality of music this band produces shows a distinct chemistry among all the members. The band continually strives to exploit their music, and are willing--in fact--anticipating opportunities to tour as well as taking other avenues to promote their material. Click here to visit their website

Jenny Lynn Melton	Jenny Lynn Melton resides in Murfreesboro Tennessee. Jenny Lynn is a 22 year old from, the small town of South Fulton which is located in Northwest Tennessee. She is a student at Middle Tennessee State University. She attends " World Outreach Church" in Murfreesboro. Jenny Lynn has performed "family country music" for thousands of tourist, as well as "Christian" music for churches, charities, rehab centers. and other Christian functions. Early 2004 Jenny Lynn felt a calling to focus mainly on serving God with the talents that He has given to her. Click here to visit her website

The Van-Dells	The Van-Dells are an oldies show group specializing in 50's and 60's Rock and Roll. We sing a cross section of oldies and combine a unique blend of comedy, choreography, tight harmonies and costume changes. When The Van-Dells hit the stage, it is nonstop action from start to finish. Our shows are designed to please audiences of all ages. Click here to visit their website

The Alabama Blues Brothers	The Alabama Blues Brothers are Jamey (Jake) and Justin (Elwood) Crisler. They are the only “actual” Brothers performing as Jake and Elwood Blues in the nation/world today. Along with their show band, The Brothers have performed to over 1200 audiences worldwide since 1998. They continue to provide festivals, corporate, and international venues the best and most authentic recreation of The Blues Brothers. Click here to visit their website

Hard Drive	Hard Drive have performed bluegrass and gospel music for many years. They have been a group for ten years performing primarily in the Middle Tennessee area. They are also the host band for Larry’s Grand Ole Garage, which is located at 549 East Maple Street in Madison, TN. Click here to visit their website

The Gardners	It’s not about what we’ve won. It’s not about what we’ve done. It’s about what we are continually doing for the One who has done so much for us. This idea perfectly describes one of Southern Gospel music’s busiest family groups – The Gardners. For more than 40 years, The Gardner family has performed Gospel music throughout the southeastern United States – doing so without the fan fare of winning major industry awards; without the glitz and glamour of bright lights; or even without the assets of a major financial supporter. Click here to visit their website

Life's Highway	Life’s Highway is a Bluegrass/Bluegrass Gospel group from the Cookeville/Livingston area of middle Tennessee. The group was formed in early 2001 after several members had been in other groups together. The group consists of Linda Proffitt – vocals, Joe Proffitt – vocals and guitar, James Horner – vocals and rhythm guitar, Gunther Bennett – Banjo, Donnie Phillips – mandolin, and Junior Phillips – vocals and bass. Although the group plays some traditional bluegrass, they are primarily bluegrass gospel, playing at churches for singings and homecomings.

Music City Swing	Known for their high energy performances of swing classics from the 1940s to the present, Music City Swing aims to please music lovers from every generation. Feature vocalists Karl Wingruber and Hannah Visocky, along with a host of talented instrumentalists, invoke nostalgic sounds ranging from Glenn Miller and Doris Day to Harry Connick and Brian Setzer. They will be performing a Tribute to Dinah Shore Sunday on the Main Stage. Music City Swing - bringing the swing back!!!!!!!!

Dollar Mountain Bluegrass	Dollar Mountain Bluegrass has been a formed group out of north Alabama for close to two years. The combining of this group has put together many years and experience of down home pickin' and grinning. This group consists of Ryan Stutts, Tanya Stutts, and their comical father Ronny Stutts, (who ads all the humor to the show) including Jerry Sparkman, Namon Eldridge, Scotty Arnette, and not pictured: Ian Panton. The group has performed at many festivals, benefits, churches, private bookings and has opened for Rhonda Vincent and The Rage. Also they have had performances on live radio shows for Tommy Holcomb and Teddy Barnes at 105.5 FM, and Paul Jones and The Old Time Radio Show at Ken and Samantha Fly's Bar-B-Que Caboose Cafe' in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Crosspoint	Crosspoint is a bluegrass/gospel band out of Shelbyville, TN, that consists of Glenn and Shelley Kosiorek along with their daughter's Sarah and Amanda, and Sarah's husband Rick. The band was born from Glenn's heart and have been full time living by faith since 2002. One of the greatest compliments they have received is that "we didnt like bluegrass until we heard you!"

Tabitha Darden	Tabitha was born and raised in the small town of Tullahoma, TNwhich is ten minutes from Jack Daniel’s Distillery and an hour away from Nashville. She has always dreamed of pursuing a career in music. Tabitha currently attends Tennessee Technological University where she is earning a degree in Elementary Education. She has performed at the South Jackson Civic Center in Tullahoma several times including the South Jackson Goes Country show and a fundraiser for the Tullahoma Christian Academy. Tabitha has also traveled to Nashville to perform in the famous Printers Alley. Tabitha loves singing country, but also loves to praise her Lord.

Troy Cook Jr.	Take the good looks of Tracey Byrd, the great voice of Clay Walker & the wonderful country music of Tracy Lawrence, it all becomes an outstanding way of "INTRODUCING TROY COOK, JR." to country music fans who may not be familiar with this fine new young country artist. Country music has been a life-long passion with this 24 year old artist. For being so young, his musical talents are amazing. Over the years he has developed a lead guitar style & quality comparable to any in the country music industry, he can also play steel, mandolin, dobro & bass guitars, fiddle & drums. He also has a fine talent for writing songs & can sing a variety of songs in various styles, the best part of all is THAT IT'S COUNTRY!! Click here to visit his website

Julie Taylor	Listening to Julie Taylor's music will give you reflections of things that have happened in your life or someone close to you. Her songs touch the heart and soul of all ages. Julie is received very well overseas as well as in the United States. She is inspired by great songwriters like Becky Hobbs and the all time great Loretta Lynn. She is a people person and always keeps in touch with her fans. Julie has a soft spot for children in need and has performed for various organizations to help raise money for needy children or children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Down home music, down-to-earth personality and caring person all wrapped into one, Julie Taylor. Click here to visit her website

Gene Melendrez	Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Gene sang behind closed doors in his grandparent’s house listening to a transistor radio. He grew up in the country life at rodeos with his father Frank Melendrez, who rode bulls and team roped. Gene and his band Spur Ride played clubs, rodeos and even was an honored guest performer at the Miss Teen New Mexico Pageant. After attending a Clay Walker concert, consulting with family and fellow musicians, he was convinced to go for his dream of becoming a country music artist and he moved to Nashville. There he is singing in clubs, writing/recording music while growing musically and gaining priceless experience honing a craft in Music City. Click here to visit his website

Brenda Taylor	The Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame named Brenda the "Female Vocalist of the Year" back to back, recognizing that Brenda Taylor is a star on the rise. Influenced by artists ranging from Dwight Yoakam, Patsy Cline and Merle Haggard, to Martina McBride and the Dixie Chicks, Taylor has developed a sound that is uniquely her own. Click here to visit her website

Tyler Nixon Band	The Tyler Nixon Band has been performing for over 9 years. They are based in Chatsworth, Georgia. The band has 5 members ranging in age from 12-16 with unbelievable talent far surpassing their ages. They play all over the southeast; festivals, fairs, fundraisers, private parties, and other venues. They are slated to open for Gene Watson in May, have performed at Tootsies in Nashville, TN, appeared at the Jamboree by the Lake in Winchester, TN in ’06 and played for over 20,000 people at the July 4th Celebration in Calhoun, GA in 2006 to name a few. They play mostly country, with a few bluegrass, gospel, rock, and southern rock selections. Their repertoire includes original songs written by the 3 lead vocalists and a large array of cover songs. Click here to visit their website

Jay Clark	Jay Clark’s singing and playing style have been described as a sweet mixture of folk and bluegrass, and his lyrics run the gamut of hard living, hard drinking, and old-time religion. Originally from Winchester, Tennessee, Jay began writing songs during his high school years and has been actively involved in songwriting and performing ever since. After leaving Winchester to attend college in 1992, Jay spent two summers performing at Dollywood and various bluegrass festivals with Keith Garrett (Blue Moon Rising) in a traditional bluegrass brother-style duet. From 1997-1999, Jay was a member of a traditional bluegrass band, The Stringbeans, that played around the Knoxville area and were voted the “Best Bluegrass Group” in 1999 by the Readers Poll of Knoxville’s alternative weekly, the Metropulse. Click here to visit his website

Harvest Moon	If “variety is the spice of life,” then Harvest Moon is one of the “spiciest” bands you’ll find! This Chicagoland-based band will be celebrating their first visit to the International Dogwood Festival by bringing their signature blend of country and rock classics, blues standards and contemporary ballads, all mixed with a tasty smattering of original material from the pen of the band’s founder and leader, Dick Tezak (rhythm guitar), to the festival stage on Sunday afternoon. But wait! - There’s more! As an added bonus, joining the band on stage for this year’s festival will be long-time friend of the band, Winchester’s own Randy Prince, lending his own unique guitar style to the mix! Hot licks, cool music, great friends and a fabulous festival… Who could ask for more!

Cody Huber	This seventeen year old, based out of Hillsboro, TN, is currently a junior at Coffee County Central High School and has performed at the Cancer Walk-A-Thon in Winchester, for the New Life Adult Activity Center, and many other events and fundraisers. His passion for playing and singing country music is unrivaled among young adults. Also notable is his perfomance of hits and classics by none other than the "Man in Black", the late-great Johnny Cash.

Mountain Melody	Mountain Melody have been together about three years and play bluegrass and southern gospel at it's finest. The band consists of Rayburn Steele, Ambrowse Steele, Joyce Steele, Alvin Steele, Brenda L. Steele, Brenda D. Steele, Bobby Gifford and Rex Mize. They have performed at churches, benefits and homecomings, and hail from Keith Springs mountain.

Second Chance	Get ready for high-energy, heavy on the harmonies, get up and dance rock 'n roll! Offering a mix of original material and covers from the 70's, 80's, 90's and today, Second Chance is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable performance! Founded almost two decades ago, Second Chance is best known for their performances under the name Jonathan Chance. Whether large venue or small, they always strive for a jaw-dropping musical performance. Based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Second Chance creates an instrumental wall of sound topped by thick vocal harmonies. This combination ensures an orchestrated experience that keeps fans coming back for more! Click here to visit their website

Two Dog Rose	Two Dog Rose are a southern rock outfit out of Cowan, TN. The members are Nathan Wilson, Danny Hartman, Clark McClain and Dillard Woodall. They will be bringing their brand of southern rock to the Dogwood Festival on Saturday, April 14. Click here to visit their website

Won By One	Won By One are a fantastic band based out of Winchester, TN. The members include Sherri Tucker, Leslie Stephens, Dale Coulson, Steve Sisk, Mendy Johnson, Jonathan Clark, Brian Baggett, Patty Johnson, Rob Caldwell, Tracy McDonald and Dwight Hill. They will be performing Sunday on the Winchester Utility Stage at 12:00 noon.

Passive	Passive is a band of few words but are striving to make a colossal musical statement. With influences in jazz, alternative/progressive rock, funk, experimental, and the jam band scene, Passive creates their own eclectic and diverse wall of sound. Winners of last year's Youthfest, members include Josh Donegan, Jamie Godsey, Chad Duke and Jack Goodrich. Click here to visit their website

Bodoc	The Bodoc Band is a diverse group that plays classic & southern rock, country and some original tunes as well. Each member of this band has extensive musical experience and a genuine love of music, as well as performing! The diversityof this eclectic group of musicians and their great harmonies make Bodoc and experience that you just don't want to miss! Click here to visit their website

Nikki Brazelton	Nikki Brazelton is a singer some local citizens are familiar with. She has lived in Franklin County for ten years and now calls Estill Springs home. Each year, since 2001, Nikki has proudly participated in the Franklin County Police and Fire Memorial. For now, she is singing locally, participating in the Polly Crockett Festival and was honored to sing at the Jack Daniel's BBQ this past year. Nikki is very proud of the talent and the family she has been blessed with.

Year and a Day	Formed in 2000, Year and a Day combine elements of modern alternative, hard rock and heavy metal resulting in music, that while distinctively different, is in line with today's radio market. Determination and an ever growing fan base is what drives them to aspire to the next level. Extensive performances throught the SouthEast has given Year and a Day the experience required to perform the professional quality shows they do. Click here to visit their website

Rhythm Express	Appearing for the first time at the 3rd Annual International Dogwood Festival, Rhythm Express is an exhibition and competition clogging team based in Manchester, TN. Some members of the group have been performing together almost 20 years and have literally grown up clogging. The adult group is under the direction of Shannon Martin, while Stefanie Lusk oversees the children's team.

Ben and Jesse Ayers	For the past three years, this brother-sister duo has been entertaining area audiences with their eclectic mixture of musical styles. Ranging from the smooth vocal classics of Peggy Lee to the rambunctious and zany rock ballads of Tenacious D, their repertoire offers something for everyone. Jesse and Ben have performed in Tullahoma’s annual South Jackson Goes Country for several years, as well as in numerous PACT (Performing Arts for Children and Teens) showcases, Cowan’s Polly Crockett Festival, Lynchburg’s Jack Daniels Barbecue Cookoff, and the annual MCCSN Walkathon in Winchester. Joining Jesse and Ben for their International Dogwood Festival performance will be guitarist Greg Singer of Sewanee.

Confidential Ingredients Blues Band	We are a new age, [all orignal], contemporary blue's band that is on fire for the "Relistening"of blues music. We take pride and integrity in the fact of what our fore father's have given us to consume and digest of time's gone by that not so many people can understand. We are an upbeat band that will have you taping your feet and crying tears of joy all in the same breath. From the hitman's impeccable timing to the searing,cutting harmonica of harp dawg. As the night move's on, you here the low,fluttering,bottom end that only jay cliche can bring from the classic bass guitar's he provide's for the show's. He really is the trade mark "Live Guy" of this group. Hurricane Kelly, from his powerful, belting voice to his compassion of the six string and writing most of the band's music, he proclaims, C.I is the best band he has ever worked with and fronted in his career. Click here to visit their website

Audioreign	Audioreign is a rock/southern rock band based out of the Franklin County, Coffee County area that tours the local club circuits. Audioreign is known for their thick fat tones, with the two guitar attack. That became their signature trade mark along with the ever so heavy and groovy fills and stops of their drummer, not to mention the funk/jazz feel that the bass guitarist playing with his un real bass lines. The vocals are also a big crowd stopper for the band, from the blues to some of the best southern rock vocals out of this area in a long time. They will be performing at the ampitheatre across from the Oldham on Saturday during the car show. Click here to visit their website

Masters Trio	The Masters Trio was reactivated by JD White in April of 2005 with 2 other singers Bill Cunningham and Garland Harmon. JD White has been writing songs and singing for the Lord for over 40 years, starting with The Masters Trio in 1963. He joined the Gospel Crusaders in the early 70's and has sung with other various groups throughout the years. He currently resides in Manchester, TN. Bill Cunningham served 3 years in the military and has been in the entertainment business since 1969. He has been a percussionist for 32 years, plays bass guitar and sings in the choir at his church in Tullahoma, TN. Garland Harmon grew up singing in the church choir and began singing solos and duets with his mother by the age of 10. He is active in the worship team and choir at his church in Tullahoma, TN. All 3 men love to sing for the Lord!

Karen Starnes	Karen Starnes was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but was raised in Franklin County. She has lived here for 30 years, and currently resides in Winchester. Karen has participated in the local Police and Fire Memorial since 2005, performed at South Jackson Goes Country, and she sings with the praise and worship team where she attends church at Winchester Christian Center, International. She is a single mother of three wonderful children, ages 14, 12, and 8, and she is very proud of them. She is very grateful to her mother, father, and friends for all their love and support.

Tennessee Valley Cloggers	The Tennessee Valley Cloggers are a gifted group of ladies that really know how to shake a leg. They have been performing together for many years and will entertain the crowd in front of the Winchester Utilities Stage on Saturday, April 14th.