Wales Manor Winery & Vineyard | Upcoming Vineyard & Winery Live Music Events| McKinney, Texas

 

Adam Mitchell (Multi platinum and gold record songwriter)

Adam's passion led him to professionally race cars trough most of his young adult life. He discovered during that time that he had a great talent for playing the guitar as well. Graduating from The University of Toronto in 1966 whith a degree in French, Adam became a member of the legendary Canadian band, "The Paupers". By 1967, they cut a hit record on Verve, opened for Jefferson Airplane and became the new sensation. The band broke up shortly after and he continued racing and playing until he landed in Los Angeles in 1976.

Having such distinct influences as Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Merle Haggard and Joni Mitchell, Adam quickly learned the art of diversity when it came to his writing and producing styles. Adam is well known for his work with the heavy metal supergroup KISS, including cuts like Creatures of the Night and Crazy Nights. He also worked with vocal jazz sensations, Manhattan Transfer, producing their first record, as well as producing Linda Ronstadt.

Adam has had more than 150 cuts in his career as a songwriter. Several of his more notable include Dancin' Round and Round (recorded by Olivia Newton-John, Nicolette Larson, Anne Murray etc.) French Waltz (recorded by Art Garfunkel, Anne Murray, Bette Midler, Nicolette Larson etc.), Out Among the Stars (recorded by Merle Haggard, Wylon Jennings, Hazel Dickens, Teresa etc.) and Tears (recorded by John Waite, Patty Smith, Cheap Trick, Peter Criss, etc.). He has also had cuts on such artists as Chicago (Man to Woman), Cher (When Two Hearts Collide) and Bonnie Tyler (Matter of the Heart) just to name a few.

In 1996, Adam moved to Nashville to continue his career as both as writer and producer. Developing several new acts in the Nashville area, Adam continues to develop his versatile career. He is currently working with Bruce Kulick (of KISS) on developing "The Rockheads" an animation/music series begun by the late Eric Carr. He is also looking ahead to producing Linda Rondstadt's upcoming record.

iMi

iMi, the high-energy, Texas-born-and-bred, alternative rock band, will grab your attention with their all-original mix of hard-driving rock and acoustic melodies. Formed in 2007, its members are Chris Roberts on Lead Vocal and Guitar, Matthew Gene on Bass Guitar, Brady Hamilton on Drums, and Adrian Kindred on Lead Guitar. iMi has been inducted into the Curtain Club's "Hall of Fame" in Dallas, receiving special recognition for their sell-out shows and amazing talent. Presented with a plaque honoring them for being one of the top-drawing bands, their autographed portrait is on display with some of Texas' greatest recording artists such as Pantera, Bowling for Soup, Drowning Pool, Pat Green, and The Toadies. This crowd-pleasing band is no stranger to playing with national acts. Taking first place in a battle of the bands, iMi was granted the opportunity to open for The All-American Rejects. Other national acts iMi has played with are Puddle of Mudd, Eve 6, Candle Box, Saliva, Faktion, Deaf Pedestrians, Edgewater, to name a few. iMi was selected to showcase at the Texas Festivals and Events Association (TFEA). They have also performed at the "Red, White and Boom Festival" in McKinney, Texas; at the American Airlines Center during the Pre-Game show for Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets fans; and, recently played their second appearance at the Texas Rockfest in Austin during the famed South by Southwest Festival in 2010. Appearing on several NBC Morning Shows throughout Texas, iMi continues to gain attention. They have secured sponsorships from national companies such as ESPN, LA Fitness, and many others. The band is passionate about the work they do in their community. They have launched charity concerts and donated a percentage of the proceeds from their downloaded songs to support At Risk Teens for Children's Medical Center. www.imirocksnow.com

 

Maylee

From he early days as gospel singer, to her legendary status as a Texas Diva, Maylee trascends genre. Mixing gospel based blues with a soul driven, Janis Joplin style rock, touches of pop, and -- time to time, the very faintest caresses of country... and audiences respond, often in disblief of the greatness they are hearing.

Maylee is The Soul of Texas! They Maylee Thomas Band´s music will rock you soul! A MUST SEE ACT.

 

Tom Faulkner

When Tom Faulkner released his debut Cd, Lost in the Lans of Texico, an image was born that painted a musical and lyrical picture of a place where listeners longed to go to again and again. It is truly a soulful experience to Get Lost Whit Faulkners second CD, Raise The Roof, the journey evolves, moving the listener to an even deeper and rich place.

Like Texico, Raise The Roof s explosive at times, yet gentle an others. The sound and the stories are vintage Faulkner, taken the listener farther down a wonderfully familiar road, but with powerful new twists and turns that leave you, once again, longing for more. Faulkners musical acumen even caught the attention of New Orleans Legendary Dr. John, who joined Tom to sing on Blues Across America, a rocking tribute to the heritage of American Blues .

Faulkner, a New Orleans-born singer/songwriter/producer knew by age 5 that music would be the fascination of his life when his mother took him to see Lawrence of Arabia and he begged her to buy him the music score. After earning a degree in philosophy from Washington & Lee University, he returned to Dallas and put together a band, The Coconuts, that achieved rapid and prolonged regional success.

Singing with United Artist Publishing and a subsequent move to Los Angeles proved to everyone involved that record company promises can be as ethereal as vapor. After a multitude of unfilfilled promises, Faulkner came home, disillusioned, and the band broke up shortly thereafter. He immediately landed a job in a small recording studio with the intention of producing other bands and artist. While he gained production knowledge working in the studio, Faulkner's raputation an accomplished composer caught the attention of advertising executives. Consequiently, while en route  to a singer/songwriter/producer career, Tom created some of the most memorable commercial music in on American television and radio. Most notably, he composed I Want My Baby Back for Chilis, as well as the theme for Tom Bodett and Motel 6.

Still, Faulkner abandoned his dream of one day owning his own studio and producing his own music, so in 1990 he methodically assembled on of the finest state-of-the-art recording facilities in Texas. It should come as no surprise that in his endeavor to develop his own unique sound, Faulkner relied not on a record company to create his first CD, but in own expertise and vision. Not that he doesn't credit many talented and supportive people who played essential roles, But Lost in The Land of Texico is truly an expression from the hearth.

Lost in The Land of Texico arose, in part, from the memories of his travels over the backroads of the Southwest. His unique blend of Texas Rock, Blues, Cajun and Tejano music is a herthfelt abandonment of musical trends and a passionate embrace of the rich ethnic heritage of "Texico".  

Austin Cunningham

Early on in his career, Garland, Texas native Austin Cunningham carved out a place for himself as a songwriter. He has had song  recorded by artists such  as Hank Williams, Jr. Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, Wynonna, Chris Knight, Del McCoury, and the list goes on. Austin has song on feature film including Ashely Judd`s Where The Hearth Is, and the Richard Gere/Wynona Rider film, Autumn in New York. He and his music are featured in "Hey Dillon", a documentary about one of the "Last Great DJ`S", Bret Dillon de KHYI in Dallas. Austin has performed at the Sundance Film Festival fot the Bluebird Café on the Road series, and a few years back, was awarded the coveted  Johnny Mercer Award  for "Emerging American Songwriters".

Altought writing is Austin's first passion, he is no slouch at performing, blazing a trail with live shows across the U.S. and is a favorite on the Texas Music Scene. With a strong voice and some of the best guitar playing you'll ever hear, he always manages to captative his audience. Whether performing an acoustic solo, or rocking the house with a strat an a full band, it is entertainment at it's best. This is just good, root music mixed with great stories.

 

Gary P.Nunn

In 1972, Michael Martin Murphey, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Willie Nelson moved to Austin and a new Era in music was born. The movevent was dubbed "Texas progressive", "Outlaw music" among other monikers and Gary P. Nunn was right in the middle of it. At one time he was playing bass for Murphey, Walkey and Nelson. For Murphy and Walker, he lead The Lost Gonzo Band who backed them up on stage and in the studio, and helped propel  them to national notoriety. It was during this time that Nunn honed his songwriter skills composing tunes that were recorded by Nelson, Walker and Murphey, as well as Rosanne Cash, David Allen Coe and others, earning him several gold and platinium records for writing, publishing and performing.

He has appeared on countless programs such as Nashville Now, TNN's Texas Connection, music videos and special appearances on TNN, Austin City Limits, Texas Ranger's Baseball games (singing the National Anthem), and other appearances too numerous to mention.

To learn more aboun Gary P. Nunn visit his official websites at www.garypnunn.com or www.myspace.com/garypnunnofficial . You'll find information about how to purchase his music and CD`s as well as find out where he'll be playing again.

Jimmy "Preacher" Ellis

Jimmy Ellis was born in 1935, in the rural farming community fo Foreman, Arkansas. Like most youths, his first singing experience came in church, where he and his brother both sang. Regrettably, Jimmy was to experience the blues first hang at the age of 12 with the break up of his family. The next 2 years were spent on his grandfather's  farm across the Red River in DeKalb, Texas.

By 1950 Jimmy had moved to Seattle, Washington to be reunited with his mother. Under the guidance of his grandmother , he began singing in the choir at the nearby Mount Baker Baptist Church. Eventually his vocal talents came to the attention of the Reverend F.F. Billups who managed two well know gospel  groups, The Kansas Gospel Singers and The Traveling Four. Billups, on his next visit to Seattle, asked Jimmy to join  The Traveling Four, since their baritone singer has just  quitr. Rev. Billups ended up being his guardian.

Gerry Moss

Altough Gerry is primarily a blues artist, he can perform a broad range of material from blues, to show, to pop.  This reflects his experiences from his chilhood to the present encompassing more than four decades as a entertainer.  In addition to guitar, Gerry is accomplished on banjo, manodolin, bass guitar, Dobro guitar, and keyboards.

For a time, Gerry was the bass guitar player with Lloyd Price (Personality, Stagger Lee, Lawdy Miss Claudy). He has also performed in shows with rhythim and blues artist such as Bobby "Blue" Bland, Albert Collins, Rufus Thomas, Lloyd Price, and Buddy Guy.  On the country side he has performed with Merle Haggard, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Hanks Williams, Jr., and Clint Black´s band.  In the pop/rock field, Gerry has performed with Joe Walsh, Stevie Winwood, Johnny Rivers, and with Paul McCartey´s band. 

Emily Riddle

Eighteen year old Emily Riddle is a budding Indie artist that has made quite a splash with her new album "Happy In A Melancholy Way". This folk/rock album features all original songs and artwork. The project title of this young singer/songwriter perfectly sums up her record. Honest lyrics, lilting melodies, and whimsical , smart arrangements complete with a plethora of eclectic instruments make for delightful, mood-altering  goodness.

As soon as she was born, Emily began to sing. Her pen, upon learning to write, could barely keep pace with her creativity. She has grown up singing at church and amongst her peers for the weekly chapels held at her small country school.

Emily's music is captivating. Both young and old find themselves quickly endeared. She has already garnered a very culturally and generationally diverse audience, whose support is making for a strong and dedicated fan base for this young talent.

Zane Williams

"Zane Williams is the real deal. He has the wordsmith chops of a young Guy Clark, and the melodic sense of Rodney Crowell. " Radney Foster "If you're in the mood for true honky-tonk music, you're in the right place..." Country Weekly Magazine "Recalls the best about Jack Ingram and other mainstream-leaning Texas artists" Roughstock.com "Combines the humble and direct style of someone like Bruce Robison with the honky-tonk extroversion of Robison’s brother Charlie...99 Bottles is incredibly clever" No Depression “The first time I heard Zane he blew me away….incredible songs, great storyteller. I’m really excited about Zane’s future and think he’s gonna be around for a long time.” Jim Catino, VP of A&R, Sony/BMG Nashville Sometimes you have to go all the way around the country just to find your way back home again. Just ask Zane Williams. The Texas-born singer/songwriter spent nine years in Nashville and honed his craft by performing at hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide. And though the experience was invaluable and helped mold him into the artist he is today, it wasn’t until he returned to Texas in 2009 that he really hit his musical stride. A perfect mesh of commercial irresistibility and indie honesty and credibility, the new CD is aptly named “The Right Place,” for it truly represents that place in the life of this Texas tunesmith. Accolades: Wrote Arista artist Jason Michael Carroll's top 20 hit single, "Hurry Home" 2009 Poor David's BW Stevenson Song Contest winner 2008 “Lennon Award” winner in John Lennon Song Contest $20,000 “Song of the Year” winner in John Lennon Song Contest Grand Prize winner of CMT/Nashville Songwriter’s Association Song Contest Kerrville New Folk Finalist International Acoustic Music Awards winner, Country/Bluegrass category Runner up for Campus Activities Magazine “Best Small Venue Artist” Merlefest Chris Austin Song Contest winner in both “Country” and “General” categories Telluride Troubador Runner-Up Nashville Grammy Showcase Finalist Has opened for George Jones, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Radney Foster, Max Stalling, 1100 Springs, Aaron Watson, John Michael Montgomery, Josh Gracin, and Chris Cagle

 

CHARLIE FAYE AND BAND
"Defining Americana Music"
Having recently toured Ireland, Charlie is currently in the middle of her U.S tour (from West to East Coast). Dallas/Ft. Worth is in the middle of the tour and near her hometown of Austin, TX. Now--on to the music: An Americana/Folk with a Texas mix. I urge you.... Go to her website and listen! www.charliefaye.com  

  
ISTHUMUS DAILY--"If Lucinda Williams and Melissa Etheridge were roommates in one of those cottages, they'd be making Charlie Faye music.Wilson Street is a ten-song helping of music that swings from polished folk-pop, to the countrypolitan sounds of Nashville in 1977."
AMERICAN ROOTS--"When I hear a song just a few times and wake up with it in my head, I know I really like it.  Such is the case with the opening cut Bottletops on the debut cd by Charlie Faye.  Her musical career began in her hometown of New York where she fronted a band called The Jerks, and toured entertainin g children in Dan Zanes band. Charlie moved to Austin a few years ago seeking inspiration and a sense of community, which is exactly what she found and threw herself into. She ended up on Wilson Street, an area long called home by Austin musicians.  Most of the tunes are upbeat catchy americana tunes. Charlie is one of those singers who has that unidentifiable something extra in their voice; some kind of “secret ingredient” that certain singers, such as Natalie Merchant have that others don’t.  Charlie wrote many of the tunes on the disc at her Wilson Street cottage on an old Gibson guitar.  While certainly a tough cookie, some of the tunes show a softer, more vulnerable side, as on the beautiful soft acoustic closer Ready To Fall"--