Del Suggs and Band

Del Suggs is in the midst of a remarkable career.

With his flowing hair and walrus mustache, Del Suggs is easily recognizable on stages all over the country. His voice and his music are equally unique, and his songs are heard around the world. But it's his live performance that really shines. Suggs is the epitome of a performer; his show is exciting, warm, funny, and meaningful without getting too deep.

The ASCAP award-winning songwriter, singer, and guitarist has cut a remarkable career path. During his thirty-plus year career, Suggs has produced and released five albums of his own songs. He’s also produced over a dozen releases for the independent label The Cascades Recording Company. He’s been named “The Very Best of The Best” in music by Campus Activities magazine. He has been inducted into the National Campus Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Del is recognized as one of the pioneers of a musical genre known as “Trop Rock” (tropical rock)-- popularized by such artists as Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney. Early in his career, Del coined the term "saltwater music" to describe his style. The recent book “Trop Rock Songs: Stories and Tales” by Andy Forsyth devotes a full chapter to Del and his music. He songs are frequently covered by other Trop Rock artists-- in fact his song “Magic Chair” was the title track John Reno's third album.

And just what is saltwater music? "That's the most popular question I'm asked before I perform," he said. "I say it's a combination of acoustic rock, pop, blues, and folk music... with a sunburn! After people hear me play they understand what I mean. And although some of my music is about the coast, it's really more of a feeling than a 'subject'."

A veteran of the “College Circuit,“ Del built his career playing at colleges and universities across the USA. In fact, if you went to college in the last thirty years, there is a good chance that you heard him play on your campus. Del is a perpetual finalist for national awards from the campus entertainment field, and has been voted “Best Solo Artist” by the school membership of Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities.

Suggs was the third inductee into the National Campus Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2001, and was actually the first performer inducted. He was a Finalist for "Best Music Act" in the Campus Activities magazine Readers' Poll, and he was also a Finalist for "Coffeehouse Artist of the Year" from the National Association for Campus Activities.

Suggs' performance at the "World Music Fest" in Shirahama, Japan sold out in just three hours. He has also done seven Caribbean tours, primarily benefit concerts for the "Kids And The Sea" (KATS) program which teaches swimming and maritime skills to island children.

It's no wonder he's been featured on Public Television concert specials, Public radio, cable TV, and live concerts across the United States and the Caribbean. He was even featured in the Banana Republic catalogue, which published his review of their travel bags. Suggs is also a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy Awards people).

To top it off, he’s a finalist for “Campus Speaker of the Year” as voted by the school membership of Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. In addition to his musical career, Suggs has taken a lifetime of volunteering experience and created a number of leadership development programs which have become a hot ticket at colleges across the country.

By the way, his latest musical release is a new Christmas CD called “Almost Christmas.” His latest book, Truly Leading: Lessons in Leadership just had it's fourth printing. And he shares the cover of the book Roadmap to Success with none other than Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Ken Blanchard (The One-Minute Manager). In his spare time, he's currently restoring a 1974 Chrysler Mutineer sailboat.

“I guess I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up,” he said in an recent interview. “The problem is, I want to do everything.”

Performing Songwriter magazine describes Suggs as "Jimmy Buffett jamming with the Indigo Girls and James Taylor." Dirty Linen, the acoustic/folk music magazine, said "his songwriting adeptness is a marvelous blend of depth and perception that never fails to inject serious subject matter with consistently entertaining music."

Suggs is a contributing author to the 2008 book “Tour:Smart” by Martin Atkins (Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, et al). Other authors include Henry Rollins, Zim Zum (from Marilyn Manson), and more rock royalty.

But Suggs' appeal goes far beyond the college age group. "My show is really geared towards adults of any age. I think acoustic music requires some mental effort to be truly appreciated. The songs and the stories actually have some content, some meaning. People whose musical tastes stretch from Jack Johnson to James Taylor to John Mayer all like my music. It's not heavy or depressing. It doesn't beat you over the head with some moral. I just have a point of view that people enjoy."

Although he tours primarily as the headliner of small shows, Suggs has shared the stage with such notables as Jonathan Edwards, Guy Clark, John Hammond, Townes Van Zandt, Pierce Pettis, John McEuen, Peter Rowan, Velma Frye, Mac McAnnally, Roy Bookbinder, Larry Groce, Gamble Rogers, Garrison Keillor, Steve Key, Tim Weisburg, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and many others.

Del Suggs is an original. His continued success performing and recording is a reflection of the timelessness of his music. He is one of those individuals who comes on stage as a stranger, and leaves it as a friend. That is a rare gift.

Bridgette Tatum Band

It’s hard to deny the pure talent and passion for her craft that is clearly the driving force behind many of singer and songwriter Bridgette Tatum’s high profile career milestones.

In 2009, this native of Florence, South Carolina, co-wrote the most played song on Country radio stations across the United States. “She’s Country,” recorded and released by Platinum-selling country superstar Jason Aldean, held the No. 1 position on the chart for two consecutive weeks.

In 2010, Bridgette’s song, “Loud” was selected as the Official Theme Song for the ACC Football Conference’s 2010 Season. This fast-paced anthem, captured in a raucous music video, resulted in exposure for Bridgette in over 27 million households.

In 2011, she toured with Heidi Newfield as part of the nationwide She's Country Tour presented by Pendleton Whisky. In partnership with the Lano Company, Bridgette released a unique light-up lip gloss, helping to develop her signature color, “Hillbilly Rockstar.”

Add to these accomplishments Bridgette’s own album, Sex, Church, and Chicken released on Root 49 Records, and you have all of the elements needed to build a superstar career. 2012 continues Bridgette’s rise with producer credits for new sister-duo Jenny & Ashley, songwriting credits on albums by The Farm and Kristy Lee Cook, as well as endorsements by Wrangler clothing and Two Old Hippies’ Bedell Guitars.

“Music is what I was put on this earth to do,” she confidently declares. “I learned to feel music before I could hear it.” Rooted in her earliest memories growing up in Florence, South Carolina, this firecracker brunette was raised on soul-shaking gospel music, swirling with the Holy Spirit and saturated with raw passion. Music coursed through her veins, seeping deep into her bones and manifesting itself into a soulful and powerful sound uniquely her own.

This clarity of purpose was born, amazingly, during two separate but equally life changing moments. The first came when she was a teenager. Her mom introduced her to a friend who, unbeknownst to him, would influence Bridgette more than any single encounter in her young life. This man was a cowboy—a true cowboy with boots and all. It was the first time that Bridgette ever rode a horse. And that same day she heard two pieces of music that would have a lasting effect on her and her relationship to music: Garth Brooks “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time.” It made such an impression that she became obsessed with both the sound of those records and the cowboy life.

The second life-defining event was brought about by a violent and senseless attack. During Bridgette’s shift at a local South Carolina motel, a disgruntled customer took a razorblade to her face, forcing her into six months of recuperation and some serious soul searching. It was during this period that she recognized her true calling in music and knew that life was too short not to pursue her dream of being a professional singer and songwriter. Soon after, Bridgette moved to Nashville and enrolled in the music program at Nashville State Community College. She studied music as dutifully as she studied the business of music, quietly observing the riggings and trappings of Music City. Following her first outing at a Hall of Fame Lounge writer’s night, Bridgette continued to take in the lay of the land, working her way up to the honky-tonks on Broadway and a regular Friday night gig at the Star Café in White’s Creek.

It wasn’t until she found a kindred spirit in manager Carolyn Miller, however, that her career started to take shape. It was through the encouragement of Carolyn that Bridgette collaborated musically with her future producer, Danny Myrick. Danny’s schooling in gospel made him a perfect match for Bridgette’s soulful sound. Their partnership proved as successful in songwriting, as well. They co-wrote “She’s Country,” the No. 1 smash for Jason Aldean, as well as many of the songs on her self-titled release, including the single, “Hillbilly Rockstar.” “It’s an anthem for all the country people who like to get dressed up, go out to the clubs and have a big time,” Bridgette says. “I like to say it’s country with some couth.”

“If it's real and you are making it honest, that's what people want to hear.” With unfailing honesty and a penchant for risk-taking, Bridgette Tatum is storming the scene on her own terms and winning fans at every turn. www.bridgettetatum.com.

Tyler Reeve Band

Don’t judge a book by its cover. Nashville’s hottest new songwriter, Tyler Reeve, may look like everybody’s All-American with his flipped ball cap and quarterback shoulders, but his lyrics are light on tailgates and dirt roads, and heavy on memory-evoking imagery.

Tyler came to Nashville by way of Mobile, Alabama, detouring through Florida for college, then Georgia to launch his performing career. With the encouragement of business associates and the respectable fan base he had built, Reeve began visiting Nashville to explore the music business. A pocketful of well-crafted tunes opened the door to co-writers like Jonathan Singleton and James Otto who helped him further refine his already innate talent.

Everyday life – the struggles, the victories, heartbreak and love – are not wasted on this observant songwriter whose lyrics and melodies are as warm and relatable as his boy-next-door personality. It’s not difficult to understand why he’s rapidly becoming one of Nashville’s most sought after co-writers.

Danny Myrick Band

A little bit country, a little bit Mississippi preacher’s kid, Danny recorded his first album at the age of 7 with his family band in Pascagoula, MS. After spending a few years in the 90’s as lead singer for country band Western Flyer, Danny began lending background vocals to artists such as Montgomery Gentry, Keith Anderson, Blake Shelton and others, Danny then turned his focus to songwriting and eventually signed with Jeffrey Steele’s 3 Ring Circus Music.

He now writes and produces for Root 49 Music and Zone 7 Productions and works as a writer and/or producer with numerous talented artists including Bridgette Tatum, Jesse Lee, Ann Marie and The Farm. Danny has had numerous cuts on such diverse artists as Gloriana, Big and Rich, Montgomery Gentry and Joe Cocker and has had a number of hits including Craig Morgan’s “International Harvester”, and 2009’s most played country song, “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean. In 2010 and 2011 Danny has enjoyed radio success with Chris Cagle’s “I Got My Country On”, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” and he wrote and produced the Farm’s debut cd including first single “Home Sweet Home”.

The Flip Flop Boys

The Flip Flop Boys release their debut album on Feb 23, 2013!. The debut self-titled album features a sound that reflects the spirit of the gulf coast. After touring heavily last year along the beaches of the southeast filling up venues with fun cover shows, the flip flop boys time on the road led to plenty of down time during the day lazing on the beach to create the backbone to these songs, plus many more not featured.

The Flip Flop Boys blend a heavy dose of reggae rhythm courtesy of drummer Miki Victor, who hails from the island of St. Maarten, with the rock and twang influences brought in by lead vocalists Joe Lowder from Tupelo, Mississippi and Doug Dolan from Miami, Florida. The two singers split time in front of the mic, but rather than be singled out, the vocalists prefer to find harmony wherever possible! Lastly, keyboardist Elijah Gee’s jazzy and R&B flavor layers on top of the sprinkles of rock, reggae and twang provided by the rest of the band’s influences to provide the mix to create that gulf coast rockin reggae sound.

Check out www.theflipflopboys.com for more info!

ACME Rhythm & Blues

Andy Velo Band

His road to a rising Country Music sensation has been paved by singing as if his life depended on it, for Georgia red clay raised Andy Velo, it does. Recognizing his artist?s soul at an early age led Andy down the path of writing and performing songs that both energized and fueled him. Now, his love of music and his dreams of performing have intersected, moving him rapidly along a road of success traveled by many country stars before him. His exciting fusion of a classic country and newer country rock creates a sound all his own, a sound that is steam-rolling into the consciousness of a wide range of country music lovers.

Through close observation of those he admired, Andy learned about energy, expression, evaluation of abilities, and the excitement of creating your own path. Coming of age enabled him to begin the journey in earnest. Headlining at local fairs and festivals; working the road on college town tours with rising stars like Corey Smith and Brantley Gilbert; and starting out playing world renown venues such as the Blue Bird Café in Nashville, Andy?s electrifying performances created a loyal and discerning fan base, which has grown to encompass all ages. His reputation as a “high energy, in-your-face, take-you-away showman” has continued to draw large, interactive crowds of country music lovers who relate to his songs.

After branching out throughout the south in 2009, Andy has had the opportunity to open and share stages with several nationally known acts such as Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Jerrod Neimann, Sammy Kershaw, Chris Young, and several others. In addition, Velo recently completed his second Southeast headlining tour covering over 40 venues and several festivals. In June 2010, Andy's first radio single "Hank It Up" was released to national radio, reaching the Top 60 on the Music Row chart.

Another huge development for Andy was the cultivation of an incredible partnership with, now regional sponsor, Jim Beam. Through this relationship, it has taken him to a whole new level, giving the fans more ways to connect and express themselves from everything to the dual branded Andy Velo/Jim Beam tour bus, free music downloads, and Jim Beam tailgates and other various promotions.

Recently, his self titled EP hit iTunes along with the current radio single "Southern Thing," that has resonated loud and clear with his fans not just in the south but all across the country.

Nashville Songwriters: Bridgette Tatum, Tyler Reeve & Danny Myrick (bios above)

Bridgette Tatum

Tyler Reeve

Danny Myrick

Sarah Mac Band

The Sarah Mac Band is made up of Sarah Mac, lead vocals, guitar, keyboard and any other needed, Claire Swindell, bass and vocals, and Charlie Vanture, guitar and vocals. Claire, Charlie and Sarah Mac joined together in early 2005 aspiring to create original music that blended their unique styles that each brought to the group. What emerged was the Sarah Mac Band; an engaging combination of blues, jazz, and acoustic rock that has been classified as both Americana and Alternative.

Sarah Mac's voice at times has the full power and grit of Janis Joplin, the sweet, soothing breathy tone of Feist or Edie Brickell, and the gut-wrenching raw tones of an old soul or gospel singer. Paired with Charlie's intricate, sultry guitar work and Claire's solid, intriguing bass lines, this trio will leave you wanting more.

The band has created a growing fan base along with a broad repertoire of original music that has been compared to the styles of Sheryl Crow, Adele, Ingrid Michaelson and Joan Osborne.

Sarah Mac was named #14 in The Alternate Root Magazine's 'Top 30 Female Voices Right Now' in March of 2013.

"Eclectic and ultra-catchy" - Paste Magazine

"A true Florida treasure.." - Tampa News Weekly

‘They're a welcome sight, as their laid-back, feel-good jam-pop -- think Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, or Melissa Ethridge on vacation -- has earned them spots opening for the likes of Shawn Colvin, Robert Randolph and the Lee Boys, among others.” - Tampa Bay Times Soundcheck

Nashville Songwriters: Bridgette Tatum, Tyler Reeve & Danny Myrick (bios below)

Donovan Chapman

Donovan Chapman (born in Farmerville, Louisiana) is an American country music artist. He was previously signed to Curb and Category 5 Records as a professional singer/songwriter. In addition, he has charted four singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, with his highest being the No. 42-peaking "House Like That" in late 2006-early 2007. Chapman has performed shows on tour dates with Brad Paisley, Neal McCoy, Taylor Swift, Billy Dean, Billy Currington, and many other mainstream country music artists.

Chapman was raised in Farmerville, Louisiana. His mother, a native of Hawaii, exposed him to Hawaiian music at an early age, and he soon learned to play the ukulele. He grew as a musician throughout his teenage years and taught himself to play the six-string acoustic guitar. At age seventeen, Chapman enlisted in the United States Air Force. He spent over ten years in the Air Force, including five years as an Air Force Pararescueman. Pararescuemen, also known as PJs (Pararescue Jumpers), are the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) operatives tasked with recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments.

Chapman recorded two albums for Curb Records and two hit singles for Category 5 Records before returning to Tallahassee to attend college at Tallahassee Community College (TCC) in 2011. His desire to utilize his G.I. Bill and fulfill his dream in education was a crucial task to be completed in association with his military service. His belief is that education is the most important gift a person can obtain from life. He is recording a new album in the summer of 2013 for a spring release in 2014.

Song Writers Acoustic Set by Kendell Marvel

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Kendell started playing the guitar at the age of five. He spent the rest of his childhood playing and singing in the local bars. Kendell moved his family to Nashville in the summer of 1998 to pursue his musical dreams. He has been cranking out country music hits ever since.

His first cut by Gary Allen “Right Where I Need to Be” landed in the top 5. Since then, Kendell has had numerous songs cut by Jake Owen including the hits “Yee Haw” ,“Startin With Me” and “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You”. Kendell also co-wrote “That Lonesome Song” the title cut on Jamey Johnson’s Grammy nominated album and the George Strait hit “Twang”. Lee Ann Womack, Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, Joe Diffie, Josh Turner, Randy Houser, Martina McBride, Josh Thompson, and many others have recorded his songs.

Thompson Square

• Thompson Square is the reigning ACM and CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year.”
• Thompson Square recently defended it’s ACM title, winning the Academy’s coveted “Vocal Duo of the Year” Award for the second time on April 7th of this year.
• Thompson Square made music history upon winning both the above awards.
• In March 2012, T2 became the first new duo in 20 years to win the ACM “Top Vocal Duo,” winning the award over superstars Sugarland.
• T2 followed the ACM win in November 2012 to make history as the only established married duo act to win the CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year” Award, since the creation of the award.
• Thompson Square’s new album, Just Feels Good, was released on March 26 and immediately shot to #2 on iTunes Country (behind superstar Blake Shelton who also released on the same date) and in the Top 10 All Genres.
• The lead single from the album, “If I Didn’t Have You,” is a #1 hit. The single has sold over half a MILLION downloads to-date. It marks Thompson Square’s second #1 single and their first #1 as songwriters.
• Thompson Square is also the winner of the 2012 CMT Music Award for “Duo Group Video of the Year” (“I Got You”) and the winner of three fan-voted American Country Awards (ACAs).
• The lead single from Thompson Square’s new album, “If I Didn’t Have You,” earned T2 its highest first-week digital sales debut AND is the duo’s fastest-rising radio single of its career.
• Thompson Square is on the road supporting Luke Bryan on his first-ever headlining tour. The sold-out Dirt Road Diaries Tour wraps October 26 in West Palm Beach, FL. For full tour dates visit: http://www.thompsonsquare.com/tour
• Keifer & Shawna Thompson are no strangers to the arena tour. Thompson Square played to over 1 million fans in 2011 and 2012 respectively as part of the Jason Aldean “My Kinda Party” Tour and Lady Antebellum’s “Own the Night” World Tour.
• Thompson Square’s first novel (Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not) – a fictionalized account based on the husband/ wife duo’s #1, GRAMMY-nominated song, will be in stores June 2013.
• Keifer & Shawna Thompson serve as celebrity ambassadors of ChildFund International, a global child development and protection agency that has served more than 17.8 million children and family members in 31 countries in the last 75 years. In January 2013, Thompson Square traveled to Honduras to visit ChildFund health and education programs that are improving the lives of more than 8,700 vulnerable infants, children and youth in the most impoverished areas of the department of Francisco Morazán, Honduras. Thompson Square personally sponsor a 4 year-old boy named Emerson, from the village of Lepaterique, Honduras and spent time with him and his family on the trip.
• Thompson Square has earned over 25 major award show nominations in the last 2 years including being recognized by the GRAMMYs, American Music Awards, CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, Teen Choice Awards and American Country Awards.
• Thompson Square has graced the stages of The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Conan, Fox & Friends, FOX’s All American Concert Series, the 45th Annual CMA Awards and CMT’s Artists of the Year special. T2 has appeared in the pages of USA Weekend, Entertainment Weekly, People Country, the Associated Press, MSN Wonderwall, Country Weekly, Southwest Spirit Magazine, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, Glamour, Ladies Home Journal, Pollstar, and Billboard.
• Thompson Square was lauded as Billboard’s #1 “New Country Artist of 2011” (Single/ Album Sales). The duo was also Billboard’s #6 ALL GENRE “New Artist of 2011.” T2 was proclaimed Music Row Magazine’s “Breakthrough Act of 2011.”
• Thompson Square was also named Mediabase’s #1 New Country Artist of 2011.
• T2 was also the ONLY Country Duo to reach #1 on CMT’s Top 50 Artist Chart in 2011.
• Thompson Square’s follow-up hits from their self-titled, debut album include the award-winning Top 10 hit “I Got You” and the critically-lauded power ballad “Glass” (Top 15).
• For all things Thompson Square, visit: http://www.thompsonsquare.com