Music lovers can rock with the oldies, scoot their boots to country, and enjoy mellow instrumentals. Listeners will want come early and stay late so they won't miss a single note.
Performances start with a high energy Jazzercise demonstration sure to get everyone “jazzed up” for the day’s events. Their energetic fitness dancing will be followed by a great lineup of musicians that will keep toes tapping all day long.
Featured artists include Duane Stailey, Brittnee Lee, Renee Cooper Francey with David Sumrall, Gary Little Larry Schneider, and Nathan Kimler, Britnie Wilkerson, James Narramore, the Colton O’Neill Band, Blast from the Past, Hunt 4 Rain, Suzanne Watson, and Dawn Cummons. The Phoenix School Performers will also entertain.
Singer-songwriter Duane Stailey has appeared at Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree and the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. He entertained audiences with his Texas style music on a five state tour with the Hastings store chain.
Brittnee Lee is back at the Rally with her country music.
The young (she’s 16) singer/songwriter is a Rural American Idol and Garland Talent Search winner, as well as an American Idol Jr. semi-finalist. Her song “Where There’s Love” was chosen in several cities as the Amercan Cancer Society’s Relay for Life theme song.
Renee Cooper Francey is familiar to local audiences for her unforgettable performance of the National Anthem at Audie Murphy Days, Relay for Life, and DrugFree Greenville Walkathon. She is always a crowd-pleaser at the Greenville Follies. Appearing with Renee will be David Sumrall, Gary Little, Larry Schneider, and Nathan Kimler.
Britnie Wilkerson, Renee Francey’s daughter, made her stage debut at age 5, when she sang with her mother’s band, Branded. She has appeared at the Garland Opry, Lone Oak Opry, Relay for Life, Old Settler’s Reunion in Quitman, and the local Follies. Like her mom, Britnie delivers a “wow” rendition of the National Anthem, which she performed at the 2006 Rally ’Round Greenville.
Blast from the Past has been entertaining local audiences with classic rock for more than 20 years. This group of local professionals unwinds from their day jobs with the tunes of the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Creedance Clearwater, Jimmy Buffet, and more. They have played for numerous fundraisers including the DrugFree Walk and Relay for Life, and have been regulars at the Greenville Follies cast and crew parties.
James Narramore, the Texas Whistler, boasts that he can always perform because his instrument is always handy! His performances include easy listening, country, Big Band, gospel, and patriotic selections. His “Yankee Doodle” at the July 4 celebration at Kavanaugh UMC always brings listeners to their feet. He has presented his one-man shows at more than 40 parks across the U.S. and Canada while traveling with his wife in their RV and has been a regular on the Real Country Opry Show.
Blues lovers will enjoy the Colton O’Neill Band. Another young performer (Colton is 15), Colton and his band members use their considerable musical talents to entertain with blues, funk, and rock selections.
Hunt 4 Rain is a new local band with originals hitting the Nashville and local radio stations. Singers Tammy and Justin Marler combine the Nashville sound with classic rock and Texas country for a style that is uniquely their own.
Country singer/songwriter Suzanne Watson moonlights from her day job as a 5th grade teacher by performing on the Texas Opry circuit. She is a regular on Klassic Kountry Saturday Nights at Rodeo City Music Hall in Mesquite and has performed at the Mesquite Rodeo Parade, The Real.Texas.Festival in Mesquite, the Gene Autry Festival in Oklahoma, and for several area fundraisers.
Dawn Cummons is another Rodeo City Music Hall performer. She has entertained in a number of community events including the Mesquite Rodeo Parade and fundraisers for the American Cancer Society and battered women’s shelters.
The Phoenix School Performers will take to the stage with song and dance. Performers include a singing group, an instrumental group, and the school’s Dream Team Dancers.
Performers will entertain on the Rally’s main stage, at the corner of Washington and Johnson Streets, and on the courthouse stage on the north steps of the courthouse (Lee Street side).
Rally 'Round Greenville is a festival for the whole family. While parents are watching the races (both bicycle and mini car) listening to the music, watching Habitat for Humanity build a shed, and visiting the displays, there will be plenty of activities to keep the youngsters occupied in Kids’ Alley. Pony rides, a barrel train, and a petting zoo will entertain the little ones. Kids will also have a chance to play on some fun inflatables, including a bounce house.
Join us for craft booths, live music, festival food and, of course, the "wheel events" - The OmniSYS Cotton Patch Classic Bicycle Event and the Mini Grand Prix.
For more information about the festival, including more information about the entertainers, visit the Rally 'Round Greenville website at www.greenvillechamber.com/rally.