2008 Entertainment Line-Up

Sammi Moore Band

Sammi Moore is a 21 year-old, up and coming, country/southern rock, singer, song-writer originally from Marion County, Tennessee, now residing in Murfreesboro, TN. She and her band, the Sammi Moore Band, have been together approximately four years and played fairs, festivals, clubs and social events throughout the Southeast. They have fronted acts such as Chris Cagle, Craig Morgan, John Berry, David Allan Coe, Jason D. Williams, the Marshall Tucker Band, Darryl Worley, the Road Hammers, Confederate Railroad, John Michael Montgomery, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Bucky Covington, Trent Tomlinson, Jamie O’Neal, Cowboy Troy and Big & Rich. In 2005 and 2006, Sammi was a top finalist in the USA Network talent competition, Nashville Star. She has performed at many well known bars and clubs such as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville, TN and Wild Bill’s in Atlanta, GA. The Sammi Moore Band will be bringing a program of upbeat originals, strong vocals and a lively, entertaining stage performance. Visit her website at www.myspace.com/sammimooreband for more information, pictures, music and a list of upcoming performances.

MSD

In October of 1997, five close friends joined hand and hearts to breathe life into the new born entity of melody and emotion. The musical brainchild was dubbed MSD. and became the embodiment of their combined passion, inspiration, and dreams. With haunting melodies, heartfelt aggression, and there powerful stage performance, MSD rapidly obtained one of Louisville's largest and most devoted followings which would continue to expand each time they claimed the stage.

The name of MSD would spread like fire as they stole ever opportunity to gain experience and recognition. In 1999, MSD took first place in the Bellarmine College Battle of The Bands. A string of hit songs place MSD in the position of number one most requested unsigned band on Louisville's biggest rock station WTFX 100.5 for three solid years. Early 2002, they were titled "The most requested unsigned band in Louisville history" on the station's weekly local music show. They have shared the stage with many national acts including 3 Doors Down, The Misfits, Flaw, Chimaira, Shadows Fall, Outspoken, Tantric, Dave Brockie Experience, Drowning Pool and a spot on the second stage at the first Summer Sanitarium Tour with Metallica, Korn, Kid Rock, System of a Down and Powerman 5000.

Today MSD remains a brotherhood of creativity and expression. Their music sings deeply of beauty, horror, life, death and over coming the trials of existence through self empowerment. Compelling lyrics create powerful imagery with poetic depth, while guitars ring the melodies that balance between tranquility and ferocity. Unafraid of change, they are in constant exploration and experimentation of there artistic outlet, testing ever end of the musical spectrum pushing them forward in a constant endeavor to achieve greatness.

E & I Band

They’re young, they’re humble, and they’re performer/songwriters on their way from their beloved childhood home in Tampa, FL, to somewhere else. Evan and Ian Koteles (professionally known as E&i) have been performing in a band publicly since the summer of 2004. Tampa audiences came to recognize them for their easy listening yet strikingly tight original material accented by their stage presence and witty brotherly sense of humor.

Evan and Ian were raised in Tampa, Florida. Much of their musical inspiration came from their father who started playing musical gigs in his early teens. As a child, the Koteles kids spent many weekend nights hiding in the back of clubs for a glimpse of their dad on stage. From the first show they saw of their father it was clear, music would stand as more then just noise in their young lives; it would be the window to the soul. Ian’s father continues to be involved in the music business.

In early 2007, Ian competed in the Youthfest Battle of the Bands at the 2007 International Dogwood Festival as a solo act. He placed third in a competition typically reserved for full band ensembles. Due to the popularity of Koteles style and charming stage presence next year E&i will perform on the MAIN STAGE as one of the featured acts at 2008 International Dogwood Festival and return to battle in the Youthfest.

Ian Koteles performed most recently at the 23 rd Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival (FBISF) in November 2007. Most songwriters wait years to make the cut. Ian, however, was selected early in the 2007 selection process on for his incredible songwriting skills, smooth music style and perhaps even his boyish smile. An event of magnificent proportions held along the gulf shores of Alabama and Florida (11 days and 20,000 in the listening audience) Ian was an instant success as a newcomer to the festival. His solid voice and welcoming style also struck the fancy of the Blue Bird Café, the legendary songwriters bar on the outskirts of Nashville generally reserved for the most seasoned songwriters. Ian is schedule to play the Bluebird May 23rd, 2008. E&i will be headlining the third annual 2008 May Classic to prevent child abuse in Tampa, Florida and has been asked to open for the Chris McCarty Band, in Tallahassee, who is set to open three shows throughout Florida for Dave Matthews.

To date, Ian and Evan have better than 85 original songs to their credit and continue to write almost daily thanks to the modern marvels of electric connections.  E&i’s unique style and vigilant effort to realize their dreams make this duo a sensation to watch. There will come a time you will be able to say, I knew them when….

The Rigney Family Bluegrass Band

We are a bluegrass lovin' family that enjoys making music together! Located in Normandy, Tennessee, our family hobby has grown as fast as the children. You will find us making music at our home nightly and on weekends at jams, festivals, contests, and performances. Our music ranges from contest-style fiddle songs to traditional bluegrass favorites, and of course beloved gospel.

Roni Stoneman

Roni Stoneman's new book, as told to Ellen Wright, recounts her fascinating life as the youngest daughter of the pioneering country music family, and a girl who, in spite of poverty and abusive husbands, eventually became "The First Lady of Banjo," a fixture on the Nashville scene, and, as Hee Haw's Ironing Board Lady, a comedienne beloved by millions of Americans nationwide. Drawn from over seventy-five hours of recorded interviews, Pressing On reveals that Roni is also a master storyteller. In her own words and with characteristic spunk and candor, she describes her "pooristic" ("way beyond 'poverty-stricken'") Appalachian childhood, and how she learned from her brother Scott to play the challenging and innovative three-finger banjo picking style developed by Earl Scruggs. She also warmly recounts Hee Haw-era adventures with Minnie Pearl, Roy Clark, and Buck Owens; her encounters as a musician with country greats including Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, June Carter, and Patsy Cline; as well as her personal struggles with shiftless and violent husbands, her relationships with her children, and her musical life after Hee Haw.

The 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.

Ashleigh Cole

Ashleigh Cole is a 17 year old country music singer who is a senior at FCHS. She has been performing since the age of 12 and most recently was a guest vocalist at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN. She is also a member of the contemporary gospel group Won by One, Winchester CP Church Choir and FCHS Show Choir. She has established her Advisory Board with experts in the industry that include Grammy Award Winning Producer/Composer/Arranger/A&R Jeff Bova (Celine Dion); World-known Vocal and Presentation Coach Doug Lawrence; Master Musician Andy Andrus (Billy Preston); Finance & Accounting Expert Brenda Sterling, CFO/COO; Entertainment Advisor Al Cecere (Founder of Save The Eagle Foundation & Owner of Challenger the Eagle); Chief Networking Officer Arnette Goodman; World Class Business Coach Fred Bauer; CEO & Lyricist Mike Manno; Entertainment Attorney Terry Camp, Esq. of Budd Larner, PC; and managed by Kim Cole. Ashleigh has been offered a recording contract and a press release from the label will be forthcoming in the near future.

Steve Macon

Steve Macon is an invaluable fixture in the City of Winchester. He has been a volunteer firefighter with the Winchester since 1975 and has been instrumental in the formation of the International Dogwood Festival. Steve is a talented musician and has dedicated countless hours in the production of Music Row (Stage Two). He has performed at South Jackson Goes Country, Broadview School Country Music Show, Cancer Walk-A-Thon and other area entertainment venues. He is very active in his Church and many civic organizations. We are happy to have him showcased on our main stage – April 2008.

Michelle Rae

Michelle Rae is a dynamic powerhouse, captivating her audiences with her voice and stage presence. Entertaining in and around the Richmond, Virginia area for the past 11 years, she has been blessed with a special gift setting high goals and succeeding in attaining them.

Michelle Rae is a relocated Californian seeking to put roots down on the east coast. She is a crowd pleaser with both young and old at heart covering music to span all ages. Her ability to work a stage large or small supports the fact that she is a true professional in every aspect of the music industry.

Michelle Rae began her musical career owning a disc jockey - karaoke - singing telegram company. Her drive, persistence, professionalism and self-confidence are the main force behind her success. She has proven to her constituents she is worthy to work in the circles of professionals in all fields of music. She has corporate - personal interest groups - non-profit organizations - charities and many other clients, that call back year after year to provide service in one realm or another.

Cody Huber

Cody has only been playing and singing music for the past 18 months but you would think he has been playing all his life, of 18 years! Cody got his musical background from his mother who used to sing and play the piano. Cody is inspired by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, etc. His performances mostly include the sounds of Johnny and a few of the newer country favorites such as Josh Turner, Tim McGraw, etc.

Audiences are amazed at this young man’s voice as soon as he starts a show! Cody has performed at various festivals, coffee shops, etc. through the area, i.e., Jamboree by the Lake, Polly Crocket Days, International Dogwood Festival, Heritage Harbor Days in Foley, Alabama, San Miguel Coffee Co., Bell Buckle Café, etc.

Cody is a very well-mannered young man with just the love of performing and playing music. You will see that in his performances.

Boggy Branch Band

From a small community in Southern Florida, nestled within the heart of Polk County, is a town too small for even a traffic light. The towns name is Alturas. “Winding and turning through the woods and marshlands of Alturas, runs a small but thriving creek or branch, named the Boggy Branch.” That is where the band gets its name.

For many years, the originator of this band (Henry Brewer) donned an acoustic guitar with family and friends, around campfires strumming the nights away. Aspiring of being more than amateur musicians, early in the year 1998, this family of performers made a decision to pursue a career in the entertainment business and established the “Boggy Branch Band.” In 2007 the band moved to Tennessee to be closer to Nashville and signed with Stardust Records of Nashville, “Barbra Doss Productions”.

With their combined vocal and musical talents, only few groups possess the charisma and energy that these guys radiate from their performances. The band has performed across the Southern United States including Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and their home state of Florida. From large venues and clubs to honky-tonks and taverns the band has performed in front of many artists and has backed up a number of artists as well. From opening shows in front of The Charlie Daniels Band to performing at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pre-Game Shows, and from backing Jeannie Seely to Ferlin Husky, this band has collectively performed time and time, over and over again, while paying their dues on the road. This band is dedicated to satisfying their audiences with their unique style of entertainment no matter where or who it is in front of. Quote: by Colonel Buster Doss of Thunderhawk Records, “The best damn honky-tonk band I have ever heard!”

2nd Nature

2nd Nature, a country/bluegrass trio based in Nashville, is comprised of three wildlife professionals who also have diverse backgrounds in songwriting and performing that span more than 30 years. Don King, a fine singer and guitarist, has had success as both a major recording artist with Epic Records, and as a songwriter with hit singles by Reba McEntire and Janie Fricke. Fellow band members Brant Miller, an accomplished harmonica/mandolin player and vocalist and Dave Woodward on guitar and lead vocals, have teamed up to write several award winning bluegrass songs, one a Top 10 hit titled “As Fast As I Can Crawl” for Mark Newton. In 2007 the trio won first place in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest, one of the country’s largest bluegrass festivals, where they were featured playing their award-winning original song, “The Roadkill Bill” to a crowd of over 20,000. 2nd Nature has also performed at the world famous Ryman Auditorium, played at major conventions and county fairs throughout Tennessee, performed for the Governor and opened shows for country acts such as Blake Shelton and Craig Morgan. To Don, Brant and Dave, three part harmonies, along with writing and performing songs relating to wildlife and the outdoors have become “Second Nature.”

Wilson County Line

“Wilson County Line” is a talented trio from the outskirts of Music City in Middle Tennessee. WCL is Baker Goodman on bass, Preston Walden on banjo, and Jeff West on guitar. Their sound is based on keen musicianship and well-blended vocal harmony. They perform weekly at the Caney Fork Fish Camp in Nashville and can be seen at various events throughout the South.

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 in the United States. She has had two tours to Europe to including the countries of Belgium, Holland and Germany. Most recently in January 2008 she had a three week tour to Australia with Nashville singers/songwriters Becky Hobbs and Kacey Jones.
Before moving to Tennessee she was born in southern New Jersey but country was what she grew up listening to as her father was raised in Eastern Tennessee. She had her own band “ Fire Mountain” for 7 years before moving. She is a down-to-earth girl with a down-home feel to her music. She is a people person and always keeps in touch with her fans. Once you meet Julie, you will understand the words to the song “Taylormade for me!" the title track to her new CD. The song "Kisses for Kids" featuring Luther Lewis and her co-writer as well and producer, is also the title of her non-profit organization that she started in the beginning of 2005. Julie has always had a soft spot for kids and always wants to do something special for them. That is why a portion of each CD sale will be donated to the Kisses for Kids Foundation. Kisses for Kids has helped during Hurricane Katrina and cancer patients. Remember the children of the world are our future: "Kisses for Kids that's what they need, kisses for kids don't cost a thing, kisses for kids can do so much, kisses for kids let's give them love."

Julie Taylor's personality and heart shows in her songwriting and music

Luther Lewis

One of the most unique and diverse performers, Luther Lewis has been entertaining audiences everywhere with his music and personality.  Luther has dedicated his life to music in all aspects.  He’s a singer, songwriter, and musician.  He’s talents were recognized when he moved to Nashville, Tn and started playing local clubs.  Soon after, he hit the road with various artists including Blake Shelton and Trick Pony.  From across the states to across the seas, he has had a lot of touring experience under his belt.  “I was fortunate to perform with some of the best in the music business.  I believe to be the best, you learn from the best.”  And he has learned well, opening shows for countless recording artists.  Now, with his band of all-stars called White Lightnin’, Luther brings his own music, along with his unique southern charm, to delighted audiences at his show every chance he gets.  “I want to show my audiences a good time.  It’s what I love to do.”  So go see what all the buzz is about and catch a Luther Lewis & White Lightnin’ show near you and say ‘hey’ to him.  You and he will be glad you did.

Todd Boswell

Todd's been playing the Highland pipes for about fourteen years, and has played for many events, solo, and with the Nashville Pipes And Drums. He has played on recordings with Amy Grant, Ricky Skaggs, and Dwayne O'Bryan. Todd's prior performances include  Amy Grant Christmas Concerts, Dove Awards, Billy Graham Crusades with Michael W. Smith. Over the years, he has traveled throughout Tennessee , playing for weddings, funerals, memorials, church services, conventions, living history demonstrations, re-enactments, political campaigns, and the 2005 International Dogwood Festival.  Woodmen of the World, Lodge 315, of Winchester , is delighted to sponsor the return of enormously talented bagpiper Todd Boswell to the 2008 Festival

Clear Creek Revival

We are very happy to be specially blessed with opportunity, to travel and spread the word of God through Traditional Southern Gospel, “Old Time” Quartet style singing, and through sharing our testimonies, telling others what God has done for us!
We serve a great and wonderful God! Hallelujah! We love to praise His name.
We were formerly called, The Jubilee Revival Quartet. Unfortunately, another group in our area had a similar moniker so we decided it would be in the best interest of everyone, if we changed our name.
So, you probably wonder how we came around to CCR. Well. Back in 2006 when we first formed this new group Clear Creek Revival was considered as one of our choices for a name. So, I guess we have come full circle. It has been over a year now and we have gone back to one of the first choices we had to make as a group. But the journey has been GREAT!
Just about the time we chose the name for our group, we had our first real singing. It was at a little Church down in Paint Rock Valley ….called Clear Creek Church. We had debated for some time about the selection of a name and reluctantly agreed upon Jubilee Revival. As the service concluded that evening and we were loading the equipment onto the bus, one member of the group said,” what is the name of this church?” Another member of the group said it was Clear Creek. That almost did it! Then someone said, "that would be a good name for a quartet". The rest is history!
The name kept coming up over and over again.
We have returned to Paint Rock Valley , AL since then and have always been made to feel like one of the family at that warm little church. So when the conflict arose with another groups name, very similar to our own, we leapt at the chance to be affiliated with the little church that took a chance on us and booked us for our first engagement. Now you know,” the rest of the story”.

Tennessee Bill

Born, William K. Foster in Manchester, Tenn. on June 3,1937. since my mother and brother played instruments, I guess if was fate that I taught myself to play guitar between the ages of 5 and 7. I entered the army when I was 17 yrs. of age, in Jan. 1955.

During my first tour of duty I used to visit the Service Clubs in my off time and watch people play music, or if I was lucky, play with different people, and so I was introduced to a wide range of music. But through all this my favorite was always country & western. After getting out in Dec. 1958, 1 went into the active reserves and was in that until I went back into the service in Sept. 1965.

During this time out of the army I taught my best friend to write songs, and we put some on tape and after a few tries, we got Starday Records to listen to them, and got 5 or 6 recorded by various artists, like Hi Lo Brown, Bobby Sykes, Glenda Raye, and Marlin Centers. Before we got going good at this, me friend took his life. This affected me greatly and I struggled for awhile working at different jobs and trying to raise a family until I tried to buy a house through V.A. and found I couldn't because I worked construction. I went back in the service and finished my twenty years in 1982. 1 played all over wherever I was stationed through Europe. My biggest thrill was in 1981 when my band was named the only true country in Europe. After I got out I continued to play and write songs, mostly for myself, and played at home or church.

After moving to Shelbyville, Tenn. closer to where I work, my wife Sandra supported my song writing and encouraged me. Then the tragic events of Sept. 11, happened and I couldn't get them off my mind until I had the events written down and put to music.

I titled it "The Day The Eagle Cried" and made it the title cut on my new album.

Nikki Brazelton

Nikki Brazelton is a singer some local citizens are familiar with. She has lived in Franklin County and worked for the City of Winchester for 11 years. Nikki has proudly participated in the Franklin County Police and Fire Memorial, the Polly Crockett Festival, the Dogwood Festival, and also the Jack Daniels’ BBQ. She is very proud of the talent and the family she has been blessed with.

Franklin County Cloggers

Class Act

They are regional and national winners in dance competition.  They are:  Heather Lee, Kelly Rabb and Katelyn Fuller  (not pictured: Jantelle Clark)

Totally Tumblin'

The performance team from Totally Tumbling of Winchester is coached by Tiffany Watson. Talented tumblers from grade 6 and under are selected for team by invitation. The team can be seen showcasing their skills at local sporting events, festivals, and other gatherings. The 2007-2008 team pictured left to right: (back row) Kylee Norris, Natasha Kirschling, Riley Crabtree, Sarah Coulson, Trinity Finney, Jixi Watson, and Savannah Alvarez (front row) Ellie Grace Stevens, Courtney Hanger, Chloe Brandon, Grace Owens, and Kayelyn Davenport. Not pictured is Mikaela Trussell.