Riverhawk Music Festival
Nov. 8th - 11th, 2007
Sertoma Ranch
Brooksville, Florida

Riverhawk 06 shots below by Dawn Wash

Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans rockin' the main stage

KIDS VENDOR ROW! click here for details

BRING YOUR FAMILY TO A GREAT ENVIRONMENT!

ALBERTI FLEA CIRCUSI

OLD FASHIONED FUN

BEST CAMP OF 06- THE BARDOWSKI'S!

JUST PICKIN'

CONTENDERS!

THANKS KAREN!

SHOTS BY LINDA AGOSTA

11 11 A.M...GETTIN READY!

PHOTO'S BELOW BY STILL BILL

FOLKS ASK WHAT THE AGE GROUP IS AT RIVERHAWK...

 

RIVERHAWK MUSIC FESTIVAL
2007 LINEUP

In no particular order 'cause they're all amazing!


Laurie Lewis & the Right HandsLAURIE LEWIS &
THE RIGHT HANDS

Hometown: California
On Stage: Saturday & Sunday
Genres: Bluegrass / Acoustic / Folk
Official Website: www.laurielewis.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/laurielewis

Legend is not always loud. Particularly in the beneath-the-radar sub streams of American folk music and bluegrass, it is bestowed more by whispered word-of-mouth, over years and decades, than by the hurried hype and ballyhoo of the pop mainstream. You can't measure Laurie Lewis's 30-year career with the usual commercial yardsticks. She has won a Grammy ("True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe," 1997), and twice been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association).

The Right Hands: Tom Rozum, Todd Phillips, Craig Smith & Scott Huffman


Frank Vignola QuintetFRANK VIGNOLA QUINTET
Hometown: New York
On Stage: sat/ sun
Genres: Acoustic String Band / Gypsy Grass
Official Website: www.frankvignola.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/frankvignolaquintet

Members: Frank Vignola (Guitar), Josh Pinkham (Mandolin), Vinny Raniolo (Guitar), Rich Zukor (Percussion), Pete Coco (Bass),

The Frank Vignola Quintet has shattered the barriers between popular music and traditional jazz to create an exciting new sound in acoustic string music. Their repertoire together with the amazing virtuosity puts them in a league by themselves, in essence creating a new genre of music. They are like no other band— mixing high-energy original material with new unique renditions of contemporary tunes by the likes of The Police, Frank Zappa, Black Sabbath and even Slayer. The quintet also taps into the standard songbook, creating unique interpretations of classic jazz tunes. Showing superior versatility, Vignola and the band also tackle new arrangements of Bach and Mozart. To quote the great mandolinist Jeff Pinkham, “This is the best string band on the planet”. Click to watch
The Frank Vignola Quintet
perform "Luke"


The GourdsTHE GOURDS
Hometown: Texas
On Stage: Saturday
Genres: Roots Music / Acoustic
Official Website:
www.thegourds.com
Myspace:
www.myspace.com/thegourdstx

Many have attempted to personify, lablefly, quantify, verbalize and sanctify the concoction of musical quilts these here gourds have somehow knit together. In a saucepan of slow roasts they have conjured tempo's, tango's, waltzes, zydeco, old timey, two step, lowgrooved, long winded, short tailed, tiny, phat, stompin gizmo's of tunes tripped out of lonely, solid teeth and wet green earth. Bugs all bedazzled with this comic tear soaked golden throated close harmony caved in a corner with hat drippin' rain. Lo and behold lo and behold they was just lookin' for they lo and behold. There is just absolutely no way to categorize this music, these songs, without tearing up the English language. On any given night, in any given bar, somewhere out in Eugene or Amarillo or Jacksonville or Lincoln. In new York city, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle or Austin. One can sit listening to a gourds show without a clue as to where in the hell it's gonna go. They are quilters in the true sense of the word. Scraps, fragments, leftovers, images strung together in a continuous scrabble of sheets draped over old wood like charm. This is first and foremost a music of joy. From there it's anybody's guess what the friggin' hell it is.


Mark Johnson & Emory LesterMARK JOHNSON &
EMORY LESTER

Hometown: Florida
On Stage: Friday & Saturday
Genres: Alt' Grass / Americana / Acoustic
Official Website: www.clawgrass.com & www.emorylester.com

NEWS!  2007 Riverhawk performers Mark Johnson & Emory Lester have been nominated for the 2007 I.B.M.A. instrumental album of the year!

Mark Johnson and Emory Lester are masters! They are two severely talented guys. Johnson plays the clawhammer banjo and Lester plays the mandolin and guitar. They have distinctive styles and have taught throughout the United States at various festivals and acoustic music schools.

Mark Johnson has revolutionized the art of playing clawhammer style banjo and advanced the five �string banjo well into uncharted territory by incorporating complex rhythmic runs and beautiful melodies into his banjo music. He calls his banjo style "Clawgrass" and his style will shatter and expand any preconceived notions the listener may have had about clawhammer banjo playing. Mark has performed and recorded with many bluegrass and acoustic musicians and is a gifted teacher and songwriter as well.

Emory Lester is an American master of the acoustic mandolin. His mandolin style has caught the attention of many other mandolin masters and he has performed and recorded with some of today�s hottest acts. Emory is also a gifted teacher and songwriter as well. The power of his playing is unmatched, and his sound is infectious.

When you put these two masters together you get double masters. The duo features Emory�s guitar, mandolin and vocal work, with Mark providing supporting vocal with his highly innovative banjo playing. The music they present will be sure to touch every listener, and create a memorable experience.


The Hacienda BrothersTHE HACIENDA BROTHERS
Hometown: Arizona
On Stage: Friday
Genres: Country / Soul / Roots Music

Official Website: www.haciendabrothers.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/haciendabrothers

Playing classic style country music with a strong undertow of vintage soul, the Hacienda Brothers are a collaboration between two gifted roots music artists. Chris Gaffney is a singer and songwriter who has released several albums with his band, the Cold Hard Facts, and recorded and toured as a member of Dave Alvin & the Guilty Men. Dave Gonzalez is best known as the guitarist, singer and songwriter with the veteran blues-rockabilly combo, the Paladins. Longtime friends Gaffney and Gonzalez first performed together for an informal set at a mutual friend's birthday party in 2002. Gonzalez was impressed with the results, and as he was looking for an outlet for the country style songs he was unable to perform with the Paladins, he proposed a more formal collaboration.

Teaming with David Berzansky on pedal steel, Hank Maninger on bass and Dale Daniel on drums, the duo adopted the name the Hacienda Brothers and set up a base of operations in Tucson, Ariz. Gonzalez, who has a passionate interest in vintage cars, struck up a friendship with fellow gearhead, Dan Penn, the legendary producer and songwriter who was a key figure in the Muscle Shoals [Alabama] sound crew. He persuaded Penn to produce the Hacienda Brothers' debut album. Penn also contributed two songs to the sessions, which appeared on the group's self-titled 2005 release.


CHESAPEAKE!

Homestates: Tennessee, Maryland and Virginia
On Stage: Saturday

Genres:  Newgrass/ Americana

Having graced the stage for several years at the Wings and Strings Festival, many of you Riverhawk fans are more than familiar with the talent spread in this group. Back together for a great day of jammin, we are proud to have 'em back!

Chesapeake as "kind of a cross between The Seldom Scene, Tony Rice, Vince Gill and Jackson Brown." That sounds kind of scary to me! Chesapeake is a bluegrass supergroup; Coleman and Klein came out of the groundbreaking and highly respected Seldom Scene, and Coleman has also played with Doc Watson for fifteen years. Gaudreau played with the Tony Rice Unit for nine years and performed with the Country Gentlemen and J.D. Crow and the New South. The band has won the Wammie award (Washington Area Music Award) as best bluegrass band in 1995, 1996 and 1997; and each member has won many individual awards over the last 20 years.

Members Websites
: Moondi Klein, T-Michael Coleman, Jimmy Gaudreau & Ricki Simpkins


MOUNTAIN HEART
Hometown: Tennessee
On Stage: Friday
Genres:  Bluegrass / Jam Band / Folk
Official Website: www.mountainheart.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/mountainheartofficial

Mountain Heart is the band that has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music can be presented and played. Widely known throughout the music industry for constantly redefining the cutting edge, the band has gained legions of fans both as a result of their superlative musicianship, and more notably, their incomparably exciting live performances. Mountain Heart's name has been synonymous with cutting-edge excellence since their creation in 1998. As one of the most highly awarded ensembles ever assembled, Mountain Heart, or members of the band, have won numerous Grammys, ACM, CMA, and IBMA Awards. They have appeared on the revered stage of the Grand Ole Opry in excess of 100 times and have shared the stage with everyone from Lynard Skynard, Montgomery Gentry, Merle Haggard, and Brad Paisley, to Alison Krauss, Yonder Mountain Stringband, LeAnn Rimes, and Patty Loveless. Now, with the introduction of their phenomenally talented young lead singer, the band is poised to take their success to an even higher level. As the group leading the charge in taking acoustic music to the masses, Mountain Heart deftly combines elements of rock, jam band, blues, jazz, and bluegrass into a high-energy sound that is at once fresh, accessible, and unmistakeable.


Asylum Street SpankersASYLUM STREET SPANKERS
Hometown: Texas
On Stage: Saturday
Genres: None of the above...you'll have to see for yourself!
Official Website: www.asylumstreetspankers.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/asylumstreetspankers

Founded thirteen years ago at a booze and hallucinogen-fueled party at the Dabbs Hotel along the river in Llano, Texas, the Asylum Street Spankers stand as one of America's most distinctive groups. Defiantly acoustic, fiercely independent and absurdly good, the Spankers have been led by founders Christina Marrs and Wammo from being a country-blues revival act playing happy hours in Austin, through nearly 40 musicians, endless touring and constant evolution to being an internationally reknowned underground institution. Fueled by an ethos born of their punk roots, Marrs and Wammo have built their lives around making unique music that surprises and entertains.

"A whimsical collision between ragtime, two-step parlor dances, jazz, vaudeville, off-color blues, hip-hop swagger, country and western - that's the kaleidoscopic musical universe of the Asylum Street Spankers, one of the single best live bands you'll ever see." - Strong Week, Portland


Randy McAllisterRANDY MCALLISTER
Hometown: Texas
On Stage: Thursday & Friday
Genres: Blues / Americana / Roots Music
Official Website: www.randymcallister.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/randymcallister

Randy McAllister is one of the premier singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist to emerge from Texas. Heartbreak, humor, high hair and tall Texas tales all play a part in the song writing of Randy McAllister. His music has been hailed as some of the most original and innovative being made today. While comparison's are not easy, it has been said that his music is a cross between Doug Sahm, John Hiatt and Delbert McClinton, with a blues man's background and sensibilities thrown into the mix.

If Mark Twain had envisioned a 21st century roots musician, he might have created a character like Randy McAllister, with an easy-going persona and a wry, and an observant wit. McAllister weaves material in the singer/songwriter tradition, with nods to a variety of styles. He is one of those rare artists who is able to meld genres such as gospel, blues, country, Tex-Mex, rock and Zydeco together and come away with something that is uniquely him.


Rosie LedetROSIE LEDET & THE ZYDECO PLAYBOYS
Hometown: Louisiana
On Stage: Friday
Genres: Zydeco
Official Website: www.rosieledet.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/rosieledet

Zydeco music is most identified by the accordionists who lead the band - which has been male dominated - but over the last 12 years, a sultry, sexy female voice has risen through the ranks and established herself as one of the leading voices in Zydeco.  Rosie Ledet wouldn't be denied.  Rosie has carved out a unique spot in the Zydeco pantheon, a spot that is defined more by her special style than that she is one of a handful of female accordionists.

Singing in both Creole French & English, Rosie is known for her songwriting ability, as well as her bluesy, sexy singing voice.

The Zydeco Playboys: No matter how talented the lead, the band backing ther must be just as skillful, energetic, and cohesive.  Rosie has been blessed to have just such a band!  Comprised of her husband Morris on bass, father-in-law Lance Ledet on Rubboard, nephew Lukey Ledet on Drums and longtime Kent August on guitar, the Zydeco Playboys are without a doubt able to supply just the right sound so that Rosie can give her fans the performance they have come to enjoy and expect.


REGGAE COWBOYS
Hometown: Canada
On Stage: Thursday & Friday
Genres: Reggae / Country
Official Website: www.reggaecowboys.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/thereggaecowboys

The West Indies meets the Wild West! Reggae Cowboys pay tribute to the black cowboys of the past century and the contribution they made to cowboy culture. Combining the powerful rhythms of reggae with country, pop and rock, Reggae Cowboys capture the hearts and souls of audiences everywhere. Whether a reggae fan or not, EVERYONE who sees the Cowboys becomes an instant fan.


the williamson trio

Hometown:  St. Augustine
On Stage: Saturday & Sunday
Genres: Americana Acoustic
Official Website: www.gatorbone.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/elisabethwilliamson

 

What they play is influenced by an amazing spectrum of musical styles from Dr. Ralph Stanley to Pat Metheny. From David Grisman to Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard. The Williamsons have been gracing our stages since the founding Wings and Strings festivals in 1995.  Great songwriting skills, lovely vocal's and very easy to listen. We are glad to have them back this year!

 


Pinkham Family BandPINKHAM FAMILY BAND
Hometown: Florida
On Stage: Thursday & Sunday

Genres: Bluegrass
Official Website: www.pinkhamfamilyband.com/
Myspace: www.myspace.com/joshpinkhammusic

 


Hindu CowboysHINDU COWBOYS
Hometown: Florida
On Stage: Friday
Genres: Americana / Rockabilly / Folk
Official Website: www.hinducowboys.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/hinducowboys

 

A mix of folk, traditional string band, and roots music topped off with retro country gravy. Formed in 1998, the Hindu Cowboys present line up includes Craig Roy on upright bass, backing vocals, and accordion, George Dimitrov on lead guitar and backing vocals,  Joseph Martens on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, and Marc Lewis on drums.

 


 

Tia McGraffTIA MCGRAFF
Hometown: Canada
On Stage: Saturday
Genres: Acoustic / Folk Rock / Country
Official Website: www.tiamcgraff.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/tiamcgraff

 

Tia's eyes and ears were opened when she heard the orchestra play the first bar of the overture at only 7 years of age. She turned to her mother and said, "I want to be on stage"! Since that life calling experience, Tia's musical career has led her on a journey that includes 3 albums, videos on CMT Canada, and radio play on Americana and Country stations in the US, Canada and the UK as well as around the world. In the last year and half, Tia toured the UK 3 times performing on BBC2 Whispering Bob, outdoor festivals and indoor concert venues. Tia's fan base has grown to include "music lovers" from all around the world and is perhaps her biggest passion. She loves meeting people and sharing the gift of music.

 



The Dappled GraysTHE DAPPLED GRAYS
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
On Stage: Fri/ Sat
Genres: Bluegrass / Acoustic
Official Website: www.dappledgraysmusic.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/dappledgrays

 

The Dappled Grays are Atlanta’s bluegrass band. They have had many accomplishments over the past five years including being named Best Bluegrass Band in Atlanta by Creative Loafing Magazine and being featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine as well as having several original songs played on MTV. Most recently the band was the featured entertainment for FOX 5’s broadcast of the 2006 Peachtree Road Race. They have also had the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in acoustic music, including the Del McCoury Band, Mountain Heart, Ronnie Bowman, Larry Cordle, and David Grier. Now, with an exciting new configuration and direction, The Dappled Grays are focused on creating an original, distinctive sound fueled by their exceptional songwriting and musical ability.

 


 

Michael Reno HarrellMICHAEL RENO HARRELL
Hometown: North Carolina
On Stage: Fr/Sa/Sun
Genres: Americana / Acoustic / Folk
Official Website: www.michaelreno.com/
Myspace: www.myspace.com/michaelreno

 

Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South…the Southern Appalachian Mountains to hone it a bit finer. Four decades of performing have taken him to over forty states and several foreign countries. One could compare Michael’s performances to his granddaddy’s pocket knife, well warn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp and with a point. He gets the job done. His recordings top the Americana Music Association charts year after year and his touring schedule stays full. Michael’s combination of music and storytelling are based in experience, sometimes downright funny, sometimes just plain scary, maybe even with a message worth taking away, but always mesmerizing and entertaining. He has penned hits for Nashville receiving both Gold and Platinum Awards. Michael won First Place in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting contest at Merle Fest in 2002. He has recorded with some of the giants in the acoustic field including pals Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas. His storytelling has been described as, "Andy Griffith with an edge" and "...the Appalachian Mark Twain". Don’t miss an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Southern Experience. As Michael puts it, "You don’t have to be from the South to be Southern, you just gotta live here... and like it!"

 


THE DIZZY RAMBLERS

Homestate: Florida
On Stage: Saturday
Genres: Cowboy harmony /Americana / Acoustic
Official Website: http://www.dizzyrambler.com/

These guys performed at the very first Wings and StringsFestival in 1995 for us! Members include Nationally acclaimed songwriter Carl Chambers,  who's accomplishments include  writing "Close enough to Perfect" (Alabama) ; "Love's Gonna Get You"  and "Brand New Me" recorded by Ricky Skaggs. He teams up with Artists Joe Spann and Steve Durwachter bringing some great soulful three part cowboy harmony and “Round the Fire” songs that fit perfectly in the Riverhawk Ring.

 


 

 

Eastman String BandEASTMAN STRING BAND

Hometown: Maryland
On Stage: Saturday
Genres: Alt' Grass / Americana / Acoustic
Official Website: www.eastmanstringband.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/wacoramblers

 

Combining the talents of Good Deale Bluegrass founder and mando tech Tim Finch, Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter Savannah Finch, Fiddle master Jon Glik, and Bassist extraordinare Chris Walls, the Eastman String Band creates a unique and exciting acoustic sound all their own. Sponsored by Eastman Strings, they have shared the stage with artists such as Doc Watson, Junior Brown, Alison Krauss, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Mountain Heart, Del McCoury, and many more. Mixing heartfelt originals with high energy instrumentals, their “Alt’grass with a touch of celtic” leaves audiences cheering for more!

 


Sharla June & The MayhawsSHARLA JUNE & THE MAYHAWS
Hometown: Florida
On Stage: Sat/ Sun
Genres: Country / Folk / Soul
Official Website: www.themayhaws.com
Sharla June's Myspace: www.myspace.com/sharlajune
The Mayhows Myspace:  www.myspace.com/themayhaws

The mayhaw is the fruit of several kinds of hawthorn trees native to the low and swampy parts of the deep south. As the name implies, the fruit ripens in early May. Because hawthorn trees are covered in thorns and impossible to climb, folks used to go out and collect the fruit by laying a blanket under the tree and shaking the haws out onto it. The jellies and wines made from the Mayhaw are considered to be amongst the finest in the world.

Like their namesakes, The Mayhaws are sweet and thorny, playing music rooted in American and American-immigrant traditions. Each member brings to the enterprise a wealth of musical experience, their combined talents resulting in a piquant mix of folk, honky-tonk, soul, bluegrass and old-school country. A Mayhaws set can run the gamut from traditional hill music to delta blues to pop songs re-imagined as jug tunes.


Hymn for HerHYMN for HER
(Maggi & Pierce of MPE Band)
Hometown: Pennsylvania
On Stage: Fr/Sat/Sun
Genres: Folk / Americana / Acoustic

Myspace: www.myspace.com/hymnforher

A duo who takes you over the stars and the sands playing soul-scaping music with voices and hands. A variety of stringed instruments and chords of vocals intertwine in a way that captivates and mesmerizes. "The performance was so intimate and raw, I felt like I was spying on them in their living room." -random H4H listener. "Its just SOMETHING with the duo's sound and presentation. It hits me hard in all the right places." Mama Miriama, rock goddess of France


BUGTUSSLE!
Hometown:
On Stage: Sat
Genres: Gypsy / Jazz
Official Website:
Myspace:


BILL BLUE
Hometown: New Symrna Beach
On Stage: Sat / breakfast jam @ 9:30
Genres: acoustic blues
Myspace: BILL BLUE

His only show is Saturday at breakfast...get outa bed!

When Bill Blue(Yup,that's his real name) went to Virginia to meet blues great Arthur(Big Boy) Crudup, writer of Elvis's first record "That's Alright Mama'', little did he know that he would go from a struggling out of work musician to being on the road with Big Boy on Bonnie Raitts first US tour.That started a career that has lasted over 30 years and taken Bill Blue to stages all over the world playing shows with the likes of ZZ Top,BB King,Bonnie Raitt,Allman Bros.,Albert King,Albert Collins, Johnny Winter,Hank Williams Jr., Chuck Berry,Bo Diddley,John Prine just to name a few. His only show is Saturday at breakfast...get outa bed!


 Budarooski
Hometown: Lakeland
On Stage: Sunday / breakfast jam @ 9:30
Genres: acoustic/ singer songwriter

Anyone in the Lakeland arena knows Bud Robinson from "Bud's Place", the best music bar in town. For over 15 years Bud has brought in music acts for the Polk County tribe and does a pretty fine job himself. Catch him at breakfast Sunday, he'll be putting some jam on your toast!