2010 Artists

Interested in Performing at the 2010 Festival?	If you would like to perform at the 2010 festival please send a complete media kit to: Balloons & Tunes Festival Attn: Entertainment Coordinator PO Box 430 Rock Spring, GA 30739
Backwater Still	From long hair, leather, and heavy metal . . . to cowboy hats, jeans, and country . . . this group of devoted friends has evolved into a band of skilled songwriters and musicians. Backwater Still is a genre busting blend of kickin’ country, southern rock, rhythm and blues . . . add in some swagger, a bit of attitude, a touch of humor, and a truckload of talent. As their bond of friendship strengthened over the years, through life’s struggles, joys, and every day circumstances, the members of Backwater Still used these experiences to become who they are today. Their songwriting is based on those life lessons, and strikes a chord in all who hear the music of Backwater Still.
The Band Perry	Inheriting a cross-pollinated love of country and rock & roll from their parents, The Band Perry - siblings Kimberly, Reid, and Neil Perry - say that they bleed the bright red blood of American music. The three have always felt the drive to perform and create music, sweating out the summers in Mobile, Alabama playing in any dusty roadhouse or church that would have them. Kimberly strapped on her first Gibson - and fronted her first high school band - at age 15, employing Reid, then 10, and Neil, only 8, as her roadies. Changing guitar strings and polishing cymbals for their big sister lost its charm after awhile, so the brothers formed their own band, opening for Kimberly's band. "My bass and I've been attached at the hip since I was 10 years old," says Reid. "While most of my friends were playing little league, I was sitting in my room learning Rolling Stones' and Beatles' bass lines. It's really all I've ever known." Even as the three worked in different bands, the siblings would spend nights at home playing together: "I remember sitting out on our front porch singing old Hank Williams and Bobbie Gentry songs in three-part harmony, hoping to channel the spirits of old country through musical séance while fighting off the southern Alabama mosquitoes," says Kimberly. "We always knew we'd take the stage together - all we were waiting on was the right moment." That moment came in July of 2005, when - after years of writing together - the siblings decided to join forces as one band. "We've walked a long way to find your ears," Kimberly Perry finishes with a grin. "So play us long and play us loud. The Band Perry is here, and we just have so darn much to say."
Bel Aires	The Bel Aires are a show band that specialize in the sounds of the 1960s, an era that brought us the British invasion to the Motown sound to the unique spirit of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The group is very versatile with excellent vocals, music interpretation, and a horn section that exemplifies that period music.
Bounty Hunter	Bounty Hunter is a 4 piece Southern rock and Blues band from North Ga. The band consists of Terry Williamson who plays Guitar and Bass and is the lead vocalist. Terry also writes and co writes a lot of the bands original material. Roger Carlton who plays guitar, sings and writes a lot of the bands material. Ashley Williams joined Roger and Terry nearly two years ago to become the bands permanent drummer after two years and going through several. Matt Williams Joined the band in 2009 to take over the bass and occasionally play guitar. Matt’s guitar skills are even better than his bass skills. Bounty Hunter plays Southern Rock, Blues and originals and has been playing the tri-state area for over 4 years.
Common Ground	Common Ground is a north Georgia based cover band that performs songs from the 1950s to current hit music. Common Ground has performed in night clubs, dance halls, private clubs, festivals, and private parties in north Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Strong vocals and solid musical skills drive this musically diverse band that blends country and rock, with soul and blues. Performing together since 2005, this band is guaranteed to entertain.
Cowboy Church Singers	Front Row L/R: Sandy Harden, Kay Johnson, Janet Garner, Rhonda Keith Back Row L/R: Kenny Lermon, Jim Jones, Nick Jones, Stephen Long, JD Holland Truly annointed by God, our Cowboy Church Singers, led by Jim Jones usher in the Holy Spirit every Sunday morning. Their songs invite Him to join us and His presence is there during every service. How blessed we are at Cowboy Church to have such a committed group of talented people who sing from their hearts. They love the Lord and it shows.
Flynnville Train	A band of brothers in music who produce a sound and a show that will hit fans like a freight train. Flynnville Train is God-fearin’, women lovin’, workin’ man, stick-to-yourribs music with twangy, dirty guitar riffs, and nostalgic vocals as gritty as a long dirt road. Channeling an era of southern rock reminiscent of the 1970’s, Flynnville Train brings a vinyl vibe to the digital age… No smoke and mirrors, Flynnville Train is as live on tape as they are on stage. Leaving the station more than a decade ago with miles and miles of road behind them, and hours upon hours seated at the writing table or standing on stage, four men are aboard Flynnville Train--Brian Flynn (lead vocals), Brent Flynn (lead guitar/vocals), Damon Michael (Bass), Tommy Bales (Drums).
Nathan Farrow	From the time he was old enought to walk Nathan was singing and playing music. Raised in the small town of Ringgold Georgia, just outside of Chattanooga TN, Nathan was exposed to music at an early age. Nathan recalls when he first remembers the joys of live music. "When i was around 5 my grandparents would take me to my uncles old Chicken House that he converted into a place where people would gather for jam sessions. I would sit up on the stage and play my plastic guitar all night". As Nathan grew older music took a backseat to sports. It was during his Day's at Ringgold High School Nathan's intrest in music would come back around. At the age of 15 Nathan's mother bought him his first guitar and he began to learn a few chords on the guitar. By the time he was 16 he was the front man for a local band that was playing over 100 shows a year in local and regional venues. It was during this time Nathan started writing his own songs and adding them to the set list. After graduating high school Nathan began a career as a Firefighter. It was at this point music once again took a back seat. Over the next few years Nathan balanced playing the occasional gig along with raising a family and maintaining his career as a Firefighter. In 2005 Nathan was introduced to a local performer Davey Smith, after a few weeks of playing some small gigs Davey encouraged Nathan to go after it full time. Today Nathan can be found playing all over Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Nathan's crowds have grown from a few people in a small bar to record breaking crowds at many venues. A mix of outlaw country with the mainstream music of today, Nathan's music will keep you coming back for more.
Rhonda Frye	Rhonda Frye is a singer,song-writer, recording artist and worship leader from Ringgold GA. She released her first album "Second Chances" of all originals in 2009. Her musical style includes Southern Gospel, Contemporary and Praise and Worship. She is on staff at Rock Pointe Ministries, teaches preschool music and is a columnist for SGNScoops Magazine. Rhonda is supported by her husband and their 3 children. For more information, visit Rhonda's website at rhondafrye.com
Georgia Scruff	Three acoustic guitars, two part harmony and one hard-handed percussionist is all the guys from Georgia Scruff need to play all of the best hits. From Hank Williams Jr. all the way to The Rolling Stones, these four locals mix the songs you know with an acoustic sound you’ll love. Guitar player and singer Aaron Lowrance has a vast background playing with bands like Crawfish Gordon and touring Japan with The Atomic Eyes. Josh Pettyjohn also has an extensive background with performers like Buck and Duke and Casey Adams, and brings style with hot licks on the guitar. Percussionist Scottie Mattos plays with a full drum-like sound and lead singer Bear Scott always brings strong vocals to the show.
Robby Hopkins	Singer/Songwriter Robby Hopkins and his receently formed band, Georgia Clay, are proving to be a match made in heaven! Robby Hokins & Georgia Clay opened up the 2010 City of LaFayette Freedom Festival with a bang and rave reviews. His distincitve voice combines with a rocking band to deliver an impressive sound of country and country gospel music. The blend of Robby's songs, his stage presence and his charisma really connects with a lot of people.
Katelyn Pope	A 14 year old singer, songwriter, musician from Powder Springs, Georgia, Katelyn has just released her debut CD "UNSHAKABLE" on May 1st. A compilation of original songs recorded on Nashville's music row's Studio 19 proves she is years older in talent than her age demonstrates. She has spent that last 2 years dividing her time between home where she is a ninth grade student and on the road back and forth to Nashville. She spends her days in Nashville with some of the industry's top writers and playing her originals all over Nashville's venues at night. She is driven beyond her years. She knows this is her life's work. She writes daily and finds that music is the best way to express herself and she does so in a fashion similar to the story telling of Taylor Swift, a definite role model to her. Her vocals have been compared to Miranda Lambert and Trisha Yearwood. She definitely has a sound of her own.
Cody McCarver	REAL! That is the word to describe Cody McCarver. In 2008 alone Cody had a #1 Video with his Top 20 hit single "Red Flag". He has had another Top 20 single with his Hit "Through Gods Eyes. These two singles have garnered him 2 Awards, Music Rows Independent Artist and Music Row's Independent Breakout Artist of the year.If you call Cody a Good Ole Boy, he will just smile with pride as he was born and raised in Dunlap, Tennessee, a quiet suburb of Chattanooga. His musical career began at age 9, playing piano in a small church. Teaching himself to play multiple instruments, by age 17 he was performing in local Honky Tonks. Check out the Self Titled CD from Cody McCarver later this year. You wont be sorry.
Dave Mathias	Dave Mathias was born in the small rural town of Silvis, Illinois but was raised by the sounds of Bob Kingsley and the Country Top 40. As far back as he can remember, country music has always played a major role in his life. Since he was twelve years old and picked up his first guitar, the feel of music was something that no individual could replace. “The ability to speak directly to someone’s heart and tell a complete story in around three minutes, is priceless.” -Dave Mathias Fans describe Dave’s musical style as being heart-felt country, amazingly similar to the deep emotional lyrics sung by country music legend Keith Whitley. He has also been compared to the musical styles of Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and George Strait, but with a new and unique voice. Dave is an experienced singer and songwriter, who continues to perform songs that touch a broad audience by simply conveying the songs as if they were experienced life stories.
Bartlee Norton	His dream of sharing music began to come alive in 2004 when he recorded his first music demo. This demo is what opened the door to Bartlee’s future. Bartlee persistently pursued his now good friend and producer James Matchack. In the words of James Matchack “Bartlee Norton is the hardest working artist I have ever worked with”. With the Matchack/Norton combination the two began to make things happen when they took their music to the studio. With a solid album and a newly released video, it did not take long for the world to take notice. What started, as a dream in that small town in Tennessee has now become a reality. He not only sings for himself, but now he sings for an ever-growing fan base that seeks every opportunity to hear another lyric from Bartlee Norton. The journey continues for Bartlee with life, love and country.
Remembering January	Remembering January consists of Chris Deal, Cody Bunch, Brandon Singleton, and Tyler Southern. They are a Southern Rock/Country band. They love to entertain with covers, but their passion for music is seen in their originals. The band was formed in January, when Chris' mother and grandfather passed away, therefore, Remembering January came about. Most songs are written by the band and stem from personal experiences. Though the oldest member of the group is only 20, they are young and greatly talented.
Dale Sprayberry	From the rowdy honky tonks to the rockin’ road houses, Dale has entertained crowds from coast to coast. Influenced by the likes of Merle Haggard, Hank Jr. and Elvis, Dale presents an eclectic mix from many artists from traditional country, southern rock and today’s new country genre’s, as well as the many songs he’s written. Dale has won numerous awards with the North American Country Music Association including Entertainer of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Song Writer, Video and CD of the Year. So kick back and enjoy the Smothered in Southern electrifried rocking rhythm’s of a Honky Tonk Hero.
They Came Running	They Came Running hails from the mountainous region of Cleveland, TN. There they were formed originally as a local worship band in the fall of 2007. TCR is best known for their heart, passion and excitement on and off the stage. Their musical attributes blend from a variety of facets including an ambient/indie rock sound with an always steady driving beat. Since their start TCR has taken a new direction deciding to branch out of Southern, TN and into a full time musical ministry, carrying their music to the masses. They have shared the stage with bands such as: G.R.I.T.S, Spoken,Nevertheless,and have played and traveled extensively throughout the Southeast. Early on, the band was blessed with the opportunity to work with producer Vince Emmett (Rebecca St. James, Paul Colman, City on a Hill). In February 2009 TCR began a development deal with Fidelity Entertainment. With the Fidelity group they have recorded their self-titled E.P. and are scheduled to start recording their first full-length album. With a passion to awaken the hearts of their generation They Came Running is ready and equipped to take their message to the nations.
April Wehunt	April Wehunt is 20 years old and a junior at Kennesaw State University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is a member of the Georgia Country and Gospel Music Assn. She is the current Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year for the state of Georgia, in her division. April has recently worked with Linda Davis in Nashville, while performing at CMA Fan Fest in June. This month, she represented Georgia at the Gospel Showcase "National Quartet Convention, in Louisville, KY. April also interns with her youth group, where she runs the girls ministry.