2023 Spring Festival Music Groups

BTR

Eric Thompson, Bo Riddle and Mark Browers bring ’70s Americana to life. Their voices and instruments blend together to give a unique music experience that brings the nostalgia of ’70s folk rock, adds creativity to the familiar, and gives an entertaining performance everyone can enjoy.

Bo Riddle – fiddle, guitar, vocals – Riddle is known for his musical work in Nashville’s recording studios and as master boot-maker to the stars. In between, he writes songs and even co-owns an independent label, Las Vegas-based Dream Cat Music. “I feel I’m as good a songwriter as I am a bootmaker,” he said. “In the not-too-distant future I should have some big cuts.”

Eric Thompson – harmonica – Considered a rising star in the harmonica world, Thompson, an Arcadia Valley resident and high school teacher, currently plays with at least three other groups: The Tin Mine Trio, Jive Turkeys, and The Shut-Ins Band. He has also performed at several Nashville venues such as, Antique Archaeology (American Picker’s) Store, and some of the world famous honky tonks on the Broadway Strip (The Wheel, Legend’s Corner, Tequila Cowboy, and Crazy Town.)

Mark Browers – guitar – Mark started playing guitar at age 14. He has been influenced by a broad range of artists such as John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot to rock groups such as the Eagles and Marshall Tucker. He has enjoyed the opportunity to play music with many accomplished artists in the area since 1990.

THE PUNCHES

The Punches is a bluegrass gospel group who make their home in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.  Mom, Dad & four children all play instruments, sing, and have been performing nationwide at churches, festivals, fairs and special events since 2009. They’ve been featured on Great American Gospel (a weekly television show) in many countries and on over 200 stations across America.  Bruce and Bobette currently reside in Fredericktown, Missouri. Bobette was raised in a musical family of seven kids while Bruce grew up an only child and started playing at the age of 13. When they met, it seemed to be a natural fit and the rest is history.

Their son, Owen plays a Gibson RB-250 banjo. He also is a valuable part of the vocal blend of the family holding down a few lead parts but mostly singing the bass line in the quartets.  Emily (one of the twins) started playing fiddle at age 7. Emily has developed a rich voice and a sweet demeanor on stage and carries many of the high tenor parts in trios and quartets. She also sings much of the lead with the group. The other half of the duo is Brooke. Brooke also started on the fiddle at age 7. In fact, some of the early Great American Gospel videos have Brooke on the fiddle before she moved to the dobro.

THE RISING SON

Rising son was formed in 2016 when five good friends from Southeast Missouri decided to use the talent God gave them to spread his word through music.  They have a well blended combination of Bluegrass and Gospel music.  They are blessed with five lead singers, which gives them a broad spectrum of sound.

Members of the group are Junior Harmon, Guitar; Mark Hopkins, Banjo; Don Goff, Dobro; Rusty Hamilton, Mandolin and Freddie Wilferth, Bass.

LOGAN CREEK BAND

Logan Creek Band is a local home band in Ellington, MO.  The band was originated as a house band for a small club at Webb Creek by Clearwater Lake in 1978.  The two-piece band was formed by the original members of Kenny Albert and Randy Buxton.

The band has performed as opening act for many stars including David Houston, Faron Young, Dan Seats, Gene Watson, Charlie McClane, Pirates of the Mississippi and many others over the past 45 years.The group has performed and placed 2nd place in the TV show “Be a Star”, as well as house band for the 24-hour Jerry Lewis Telethon. 

Present members are Kenny Albert and Randy Buxton of Ellington, Tammy Tucker of Annapolis and Chris Gilespie of Cherokee Pass.

DAVE BLACK BAND

Dave Black from Bonne Terre, has been a musician most of his life and plays the piano.  He and band member, Doug Berry, have played music together for over 30 years.  Doug sings and plays the keyboard.  The other member of their group, Keith Barton, plays the steel guitar.  The group plays in churches throughout the area and Dave has been the opening performance for many well known musicians, i.e., T. G. Sheppard, Daryle Singletary, the Bellamy Brothers, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers, Shenandoah and more.  The group plays a large variety of music which includes country, gospel and 50’s.