By Kathy Olivarez
For those who loved the music of Neal Diamond during their youth, singer Ralph Kuster has put together a show featuring the best of Diamond’s music from his many albums such as “Cracklin’ Rosie,” which tells the story of two fellows sharing bottle of a cheap wine and lamenting their lost loves.
Genres: Elvis, Country, Gospel
Specialty: Guitar, Piano, Impressionist, Vocals
Bill Chrastil has been a full time musician and entertainer since 1983. In addition to being a songwriter and producer, he is also an accomplished instrumentalist, playing the guitar, piano, bass guitar, drums and harmonica.
Bob 'Tunda' Hupp is a nationally known singer, songwriter, entertainer, comedian, music historian, and national recording artist from Norfolk, Nebraska. He started playing professionally at the age of fourteen.
He has appeared on national television shows including Dick Clark's American Bandstand, Cleveland's Upbeat, and New York's Scene 70. He has also appeared on numerous local Rock & Roll television shows.
Read More
Genre: 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, gospel and music of today
Specialty: Vocals, comedy, live instrumentation
Bobbi & Punch are an energetic duo that perform a variety of hits from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s as well as gospel and current music of the day. Everything from CCR and Martina McBride to Bob Seger and Alabama is included in their show and features dynamic vocals, live instrumentation, and comedy in a terrific show with a down-home feel.
Genres: Country (new, old, classic), Rock, Disco, Pop, Funk, Tejano, Dance, Waltz's, Polkas, Line dances, etc..
Specialty: Playing what the crowd wants to hear!
Bottomline Band is a Country/Variety band from South Texas, playing together since they were kids. All members have their specialty instrument and also use their vocal talents. Band members include Chris Marshall, guitar; James DeBarry, fiddle; Jay Alvarado, bass; Steve Molina, Keyboard; and Peter Shotts on the drums.
Genre: Oldies, Country Classics
Other Specialty: 50s/60s Rock and Roll, 60s/70s Easy Listening, Mexican Boleros, Mariachi, Gospel and Patriotic Music
Carlos Canas, a Rio Grande Valley local, has been entertaining the Winter Texans for over 35 years. Canas specializes in singing only the very best oldies, country classics, 50s/60s rock and roll, and 60s/70s easy listening hits, plus some Mexican Boleros, mariachi music, and gospel and patriotic music – a little bit of everything found in the Valley.
Genre: Country/Classic Country
Specialty: Guitar, Voice
Vocals: Merle Haggard, George Strait, John Conlee
Chris Moreau is a US Navy Aircrew, Combat Decorated Veteran with a style groomed from playing dance halls and festivals of Southwest Louisiana and East Texas. Strong style influences from Classic Country Legends such as Merle Haggard, Gary Stewart, and many more. During live performances these influences come through in the cover songs Chris performs…mainly 70s, 80s, and 90s Country with quite a few Classics thrown in.
Genres: Country, folk, cowboy, gospel, rock & pop, and comedy
Specialty: Vocals, Piano, Guitar
Dale & Gayle Eisenhauer, now simply “Dale & Gayle” are retired school teachers from the little town of Newkirk in northern Oklahoma. They are on their 10th year as full-time entertainers, traveling and spreading their love of music to everyone they meet. Since their retirement of 30 years each in the public school systems, they have visited and entertained in 38 states and performed nearly 1,000 shows.
Genres: Country, Yodel
Specialty: Guitar and Vocals
Dave Salyer has toured the world with Barbara Mandrell, performed for presidents at the White House and appeared on countless TV shows.
Roy Clark proclaimed Dave as one of the most fabulous guitarists on the planet and I quote, “I can't believe this guy; If I could get my hands on him, I'd kill him!!" Barbara Mandrell simply states, "Dave Salyer is the best guitarist I've ever had.”
Dave credits his uncles—(Bluegrass Legends and Grand Ole Opry Members) Jim & Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, for his love of music and musical ability and talents.
Currently, Dave performs specific show dates with his uncle Jesse at The Grand Ole Opry. His…
Read More
By Kathy Olivarez
For the first time since covid hit the Valley, the very popular group, Goldwing Express has returned to perform. The group consists of Irishman, Bobby Baldridge, who was referred to in the show as Pop, or, “white man,” and two of his three Indian sons, Steven and Paul, who towered over him. Shawn, a former favorite with crowds, was unable to come.
Read More
Genre: Country, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Gospel, Classic Rock
Specialty: Live Music/Comedy Variety Shows and Dances
Helen Russell & Company are from Missouri and very excited to be returning to the Rio Grande Valley for their 7th season! They are honored to have been awarded "Best Small Band Variety Show" by the Valley Star Awards for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 and received the Wintertainer of the Year Award in 2020 and 2022!
Genre: 60’s, 70’s & more acoustic R&B, Country and Rock
Specialty: Music from a wide variety of genres from Air Supply, Alice Cooper, Alison Krauss, Alman Brothers, America, Bad Company, The Band, The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, David Alan Coe, Don Williams, Dwight Yokum, Eagles, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Firefall, Fleetwood Mac, Garth Brooks, George Jones, George Strait, The Hollies, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, The Judds, Kenny Chesney, Kris Kristofferson, Little River Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Randy Rogers, REO Speedwagon, Rod Stewart, Tammy Wynette, Tom Petty, Tracy Lawrence, Waylon Jennings, The Who, Willie Nelson.
Instrument(s): Magda Peynado – guitar, harmonica, and vocals; and Ray Peynado - guitar, mandolin, lap steel, harmonica, and vocals.
The In Six Days Band is an acoustic duo based in Harlingen, Texas that…
Read More
Genre: Country and Gospel
Specialty: Vocals
Jamie’s love of gospel music began as he started listening to Gaither Homecoming TV Shows in the late 90’s. He especially loved listening to and singing along with the bass singers. After attending Baxter School of Music, he was hooked. He sang with the River City Quartet for a number of years. He now sings by himself and with the Abundance Quartet.
Genres: All
Specialty: Taking requests and crowd interaction
Jason Whorlow is entering his eighth year entertaining Winter Texans. He has been nominated and won several awards during this time. As well as becoming in high demand for his extremely versatile, unique and interactive show. Jason has had crowds of 400+ singing along to Sweet Caroline with their hands raised high in the air and couples dancing emotionally to "I can't help falling in love" and "Unchained Melody."
Genre: Variety
Specialty: Ukulele
Kainoa “Kai” Kamaka, born and raised from the Big Island of Hawaii, now resides in San Antonio. Kai has been entertaining the Winter Texans since 2018. Known as the Rio Grande Valley’s Favorite Hawaiian, Kai’s ukulele playing goes far beyond music from Hawaii as he transcends a variety of music favorites that connects audiences to sing, dance, laugh and be entertained by his amazing energy.
Genres: Bluegrass, Country
Specialty: Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Dobro, Lap Steel, Vocals, Trumpet
The Kenastons, along with the Burtons of High Country and Mike Hughes features two of the best female singers in the Midwest and three of the best guitar pickers too. They’ll keep it country with a little western swing featuring lots of steel guitar, electric guitar and some fiddle.
Genres: Country, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Bluegrass, Pop, Rock and Roll
Specialty: Guitar and Vocals
Kenny Ray is an RIAA Gold Record Award Winner for his composition of “A Soldier’s King” recorded by Kenny Rogers on the Christmas album, “The Gift.” He is also the former lead singer for the US Navy’s Country Current Band retired in December 2021.
Kenny Ray’s music was born and bred in southeast Missouri. Living on a dairy farm outside a small town he was raised on the southern gospel harmonies of Albert E. Brumley (“I’ll Fly Away”) that could be heard through those Ozark mountains of his childhood.
Read More
Genres: 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, Blues, rock, folk, country
Specialty: Guitar duo with vocals!
Larry's Little Brothers are two old guys who play guitars while singing their favorite songs from their younger years. Old Country. Rock. Some Folk. Some somewhere in between. Larry's Little Brothers stress good grammar, dresses appropriately, and are generally well-behaved.
Genres: Bluegrass
Specialty: Vocals, Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin, Upright Acoustic Bass, Acoustic Rythm Guitar
Lindley Creek is an acoustic family band showcasing beautiful, traditional bluegrass & gospel music, soulful, soaring lead vocals, soothing family harmonies, intricate instrumental breaks and original songwriting, Lindley Creek presents compelling acoustic music and a sincere family sound.
“At a Lindley Creek concert, you will laugh, smile and tap your foot along with awesome music and unique arrangements. Lindley Creek has a great mix of cover and original tunes with a powerful message that inspires.”
Read More
Genres: Country, Classic Rock & Roll, Blues
The Midnight Mustang Band is a very unique and talented group of musicians from The Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and is considered by many to be one of the finest new bands in South Texas.
Genres: Bluegrass, country, and gospel music
Specialty: Banjo, bass, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and tight blood harmony!
With a style all their own, Mountain Highway is an authentic young family band steeped in traditional bluegrass, country, and gospel music originally made famous by icons like Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Ralph Stanley. The band is comprised of sibling singers who play banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, with their father playing upright bass. The group is often heralded for its tight family harmony.
Genre: Country, western, gospel, yodeling
Specialty: Yodeling
Naomi is a young artist that hails from a small farm in Ontario, Canada. Her family was involved in the rodeo life which led her down the path of country, western and gospel music. At a young age, Naomi has made some impressive contributions to the industry which include opening for Gene Watson, David Frizzell, Moe Bandy, Ronda Vincent, Charlie Daniels, Marty Stuart, Jim Ed Brown, Bobby Bare and many others.
Genre: Country/Bluegrass
Specialty
Instrument(s): Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo
Vocals: Carolyn Routh, Daniel Routh
After releasing four Top Ten Billboard albums, North Carolina based Nu-Blu has quickly established themselves as one of the top Acoustic acts in the music industry, delivering a set of songs that range from the melancholy to the exuberant, and at every step they prove they’ve got a knack for finding their way into the deeper parts of you.
Genre: Variety Show
Specialty: Comedy, Magic,Juggling
PAT DAVISON & TESS have been presenting Comedy and Variety Entertainment worldwide for more than 50 years, including 35 years entertaining Winter Texans here in the Rio Grande Valley with their unique and popular “Comedy Magic Circus”!
Genres: Classic Country, Rock and Roll, Comedy
Specialty: Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray
Rainy returns to the Rio Grande Valley with her special tribute to the Legendary Patsy Cline. With a voice that is distinctly "Patsy", she presents a convincing performance celebrating the songs and spirit of this country music legend.
Read More
Genre: Late 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s, Dance Band, Classic Rock & Roll
Specialty: Performing songs by Stevie Ray Vahn, Rollling Stones, Beatles, Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, The Rascals, Van Morrison, Eddie Cochran, Loggins & Messina, Bee Gee’s, Moody Blues and more
Instrument(s) - Keyboard, Guitar, Bass and Drums
Poison Ivey is a complete four-piece dance band offering classic rock n roll. This group got together to provide “baby boomer” true classic rock and roll dance music. Their choice of music demonstrates their success in the Valley which is something unique and different.
Genres: Standards, Classic Country, Broadway, Gospel, Easy Listening
Specialty: Vocals
Ralph’s life-long passion for music became a reality with the production of his first 3 CD’s from 2003 to 2005. In 2006, he was thrilled and honored to perform ‘I May Never Get to Heaven’ by Conway Twitty and ‘Unchained Melody’ by the Righteous Brothers before 2000+ people at the annual COSAP Variety Show at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Canada.
Read More
By Kathy Olivarez
For those who loved the music of Neal Diamond during their youth, singer Ralph Kuster has put together a show featuring the best of Diamond’s music from his many albums such as “Cracklin’ Rosie,” which tells the story of two fellows sharing bottle of a cheap wine and lamenting their lost loves.
Read More
Genres: Original Christian songs (country/southern gospel) written by Rich and/or Joanie, Classic old hymns, traditional Christian songs, and plantation songs from an era gone by.
Specialty: Sharing God’s Love through Word and Song Website: JesusCrossMyHeart.org
rich ‘n friends … wealthy in friendships
FOREVER TOGETHER …. we are all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and we will spend eternity forever together in heaven.
Band …. not like a band with instruments, rather like a band of brothers standing for the same purpose … to bring others into His family.
Mission Statement: Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Joanie…
Read More
Genre: Comedy, Gospel, Mix of music
Ron has been performing in front of audiences for over 60 years. Whether solos in churches or acting and singing in school choirs, barbershop quartets, musical theatre, or bands and orchestras he feels quite at home.
Genres: Country, Rock and Roll, Polkas, Waltzes
Specialty: Accordion, keyboard, Vocals
“Full band sound in a one-man band”
Since the age of eight years old music has always been a passion for Ron Moshier. He began his music career with eight years of accordion lessons and started his first band at the age of 13. His desire to perform for audiences quickly grew along with his repertoire and song catalog. He began touring at the age of 25, opening for amazing artists like Tammy Wynetter, Chuby Checker, Eddie Rabbit, Pam Tillis, Gene Watson and many other talented entertainers.
Read More
Genres: Country
Specialty: Country, Gospel, Christmas
Rusty Rierson is a native of Leon, KS. He has been entertaining audiences for 23 years although this is his first full season in the RGV. Growing up on the family farm he fell in love with agriculture and pursued the degree at Kansas State in Agricultural Economics. Rusty graduated in 2008 and then completed a masters degree in Animal Science from K-State as well in summer 2011. Rusty got into music when his father, Roger, suggested that they take lessons together. In 2005, Rierson won the state wide "YF&R talent find contest" hosted by Farm Bureau and performed at the Kansas State fair where he is annually invited back. In 2007 Rusty won the "Colgate Country Showdown" at the state level and placed in the top 15 nationally. He competed again at state in 2008, 2010, and…
Genres: Country
Specialty: Vocals, Banjo
Ruthi's Rock-n-Country is just that. It is Upbeat Country and Rock, Killer Slow Songs and Blues. If it makes you move, that's what you are gonna hear! Ruthi sings from the heart in her smooth captivating style that will make you want to slow dance real close and then she will belt out a classic rock that will take you to another time and place and surely make you want to move your feet. Country dancers, Swing Dancers, Line Dancers & free style dancers will find something to love.
Genres: Classic Country, Classic Rock, Oldies, Blues, and even a few Gospel. Variety
Steven May and the Southern Knights are a South Texas Band playing a variety of Country, Rock & Oldies. Steven and his band were humbled and honored to be voted, “County Western Band of The Year” by the Valley Star Awards in 2022.
Born in Oklahoma and reared in Denton, Texas. Terry Smith has been a resident of Nashville, TN since 1972, when he moved there to pursue a songwriting career. By day, he taught school and afternoons and evenings he walked the streets of Music Row, knocking on doors, visiting publishing companies, and pitching his songs.
His persistency paid off. Over the years his songs have been recorded by a wide array of artists. His most well-known composition is “Far Side Banks of Jordan,” first released by Johnny and June Carter Cash and subsequently cut by over 300 performers.
Read More
Genres: Rock/Island Music, 50’s, 60’s and Country
The Castaway is Dennis Craswell, an Original Castaway, known for being a million-dollar seller of the famous song “Liar, Liar.” He currently plays solo with occasional guests. He plays in Minnesota during the summer and most of his winter is spent playing on South Padre Island and all around the Rio Grande Valley. He and Rich are currently regulars on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at Laguna Bob.
Genres: Classic Country, Rock n' Roll, Gospel
Playing a variety of Classic Country and Rock n’ Roll, as well as Gospel music for your listening or dancing enjoyment.
This five-piece group features Mary Chamberlin on lead vocals, Doug Chamberlin on rhythm, Dan Steele on lead, Jim Hanson on Bass/Keyboard, and Mike Peterson on drums. And with each also lending their vocal talents you have a group that can’t be beat.
Read More
Genres: Gospel
Specialty: Vocals, Guitar, Comedy
The Texans got their start singing country gospel music as a traveling quartet based out of Dallas Christian College. Today the group consists of Sam Ray, lead singer and emcee, his wife, Brenda Ray, who sings tenor and is a comedian, and their son, Curtis Ray, who sings baritone.
Genres: Country, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Blues, Pop, Rock and Roll
Specialty: Guitar and Vocals
Out of the gate Tom Wurth was nominated for a Grammy at only twenty years of age. That milestone built a foundation for his career. The Grammy experience fresh in his mind, Wurth pushed forward with his songwriting aspirations.
Performing for shows and dances.
Classic Country, Blues, Big Band, Rock, 50 and 60's, Folk, Gospel.
I was raised by a single Mother and my love of music came early in life. Mother worked as a waitress at a Honky Tonk and we heard many country bands as I grew up. Mom also loved Gospel, Big-Band and Blues music. My best audience was Grandma and I sang and danced to her for hours. So, from knee high I was always singing...it was in my blood you could say.
Read More
Genre: 60’s, 70’s
Specialty: John Denver, Neil Diamond, Pete Seeger, Peter Paul & Mary, and others
Florian has a special show titled Those Were the Days ™ - Songs, Stories, Humor. It is an upbeat musical journey of Americas greatest folk and pop songs of the 60’s, including hit songs performed when he was a member of The New Christy Minstrels.
Genres: Country, Gospel
Specialty: Gospel, Country, Bluegrass, Clog Dancing
Nashville based, Williamson Branch, is a high energy, high steppin’ show that features a fine-tuned variety of bluegrass, gospel and country music, accentuated by world class Appalachian clog dancing. As Pinecastle recording artists, this family fills every performance with memorable moments of love and laughter. In recent years audiences from Canada to the Cayman Islands, Maine to the Mexican border have thrilled to the soaring vocal harmonies and sparkling personalities of Williamson Branch!
Genre: Country / Classic Country
Armed with two guitars and an old suitcase drum, to say this americana duo is greater than the sum of their parts would be a vast understatement. Hailed as one of Alberta’s best kept secrets and known for their dynamic and energetic shows, Winnie Brave is a sonic force to be reckoned with.
