Below
are some bios and information about entertainers and activities
at the 2008 festival. Watch for more information about the 2009
festival as it develops!
TAKE A WILD RIDE WITH THE BRASS TAXI SHOW!
That's right, Brass Taxi will shuttle you from Rock to Funk to Jazz, Big Band to Broadway to Bluegrass, Chicago Blues to Miami Horns.
Members of Brass Taxi hail mostly from Pennsylvania and northern Ohio. Each member of this powerful seven-piece unit is an outstanding and versatile solo performer, and most are accomplished on several instruments. In other words, this year's Wheels of Progress Festival headliners promise something for everyone!
The Brass Taxi Show features seven decades of music with unique arrangements that showcase the Taxi's style, versatility and raw power. Brass Taxi delivers a fast-paced show that consistently leaves enthusiastic audiences wanting more.
The brand new Brass Taxi Tribute to the Great Pop/Rock Horn Bands Show is an absolute must-see. Featuring songs from Chicago; Blood, Sweat and Tears; Earth, Wind and Fire and many more, this show highlights the music of these great horn bands with energy, edge and impeccable musicianship. This is definitely not your father's horn band show.
The Brass Taxi Show is truly one wild ride. Don't miss it!
As Brass Taxi's lead vocalist, Savannah Edwards has performed extensively throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. A resident of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Savannah has opened for Darryl Worley and Brian McComas. She has performed in a wide variety of venues, including a performance for President George W. Bush.
Savannah brings a personality and charisma to the stage that is truly unique. With formidable power and range, she brings passion and authenticity to a wide variety of musical styles. Savannah attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, and also performs with ShhhBang, a gospel and country vocal group known for their solid a cappella harmony.
Featured on trumpet, flugelhorn, bass and vocals, Tom Hunt is a great veteran trumpeter who's worked with Bob Newhart, The Four Lads, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Drifters, The Dells, Maynard Ferguson and many others. As the founding member of Brass Taxi, he is the group's principal brass arranger and band leader.
Tom is a power player with an impressive trumpet range and aggressive style, yet he is comfortable presenting eloquently phrased romantic melodies. An alumnus of Youngstown State University and its nationally known jazz ensemble, Tom currently resides in the Youngstown, Ohio area.
Featured on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo and vocals, Jonathan Giblin is at the center of Brass Taxi's powerful rhythm section. He has worked with Wayne Newton, Kenny Rogers, Mel Torme, Rich Little, and many others. As a studio musician, he has performed on numerous radio and TV commercials, demos, and commercial recordings.
Jonathan is adept at many styles of music on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, nylon-string classical guitar and banjo. Being equally at home with jazz standards, screaming rock-and-roll lead guitar, chicken-pickin' country guitar and Dixieland banjo, he displays a chameleon-like quality few musicians possess. Jon holds a master's degree from Cleveland State University and currently resides in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
As a rock-solid drummer who recently completed his master's degree in percussion at the University of Akron, Jason Little can definitely do it all. Jason has performed with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Valley Lyric Opera, and the Wooster Symphony. He has also performed with the University of Akron steel-drum band and is the accompanist for the Verlezza Dance Company.
Jason is well-versed in many styles of drumming, from jazz to Latin, classical to rock. This Akron, Ohio drummer's versatility and solid musicianship perfectly complements Brass Taxi's diverse repertoire.
As one of Cleveland, Ohio's top bassists, Derek Poindexter has performed with numerous shows traveling through Cleveland, including Tony and Tina's Wedding, among others. A music instructor at Cuyahoga Community College, Derek has worked with an amazing variety of performers, including James Taylor, Hootie and the Blowfish, K.D. Lang, Melissa Ethridge and many others.
As one of Cleveland's most in-demand bassists, Derek was voted runner-up best bassist in Cleveland in a Cleveland Free Times poll. Derek holds a master's degree from the University of Akron.
As Brass Taxi's reed man, Tim Clark is featured on alto and tenor saxophone and flute. A recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Tim served as president of the Jazz Ensemble and received the Alfred D'Auberg scholarship for “musical and academic excellence.”
A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, Tim studied privately under world famous saxophonist Dr. Nathan Davis, who enabled him to grow enormously as a musician. His influences include Charlie Parker, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, and his grandfather, “Texas Tenor” Ed Wiley, Jr., whose influence and encouragement continues to shape Tim's outstanding musicianship.
Featured on trombone, piano and vocals, Tim Shade is the youngest member of the Brass Taxi and is one of the group's emcees. He has played with Vaughn Weister's Famous Jazz Orchestra, the Rick Brunetto Big Band, the Dwight Lenox Avenue Express, the Youngstown State University Jazz Ensemble, and Carnival Cruise Lines. Having competed successfully in New York against America's top young musicians, Tim is the recipient of the Wynton Marsalis Award for Jazz Improvisation.
With creativity and musicianship beyond his years, Tim's bold and energetic style lights up the stage. He is currently in his fourth year of study in the renowned Youngstown State University Jazz Program.
For more information about Brass Taxi, including some sample performances, visit the band's website:
http://www.brasstaxi.biz/index.htm
INSIDE STRAIGHT
ROCKS THE HOUSE
One of the most versatile and busiest bands in southern Ohio will take the stage on Saturday evening. INSIDE STRAIGHT is no stranger to the Wheels of Progress Festival, having performed at several past festivals to excellent reviews.
Originally formed in 1992, Inside Straight has become a mainstay of the area music scene. This highly versatile act has achieved much success by playing extensively in many clubs, festivals and events. Labeled as the act that “plays everything,” their style includes rock, modern country, dance, and funk.
Over the years, Inside Straight has won many contests and honors. The band has opened up for many national acts such as Faith Hill, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr., Clay Davidson and Mark Chesnutt.
Members of Inside Straight include Tony Colwell, lead vocals; Shawn Young, guitar and vocals; Jeff Miller, keyboards, guitar and vocals; Donnie Rhoads, bass and vocals; Kevin Palmer, drums and vocals.
To learn more, and hear some samples, visit the band's website:
http://www.insidestraightband.net/
CRABB REVIVAL FEATURED SUNDAY AFTERNOON
A little more than 10 years ago, a group of siblings from rural Kentucky burst upon the scene of the Christian music and found enormous success with numerous chart-topping songs, many awards, and literally thousands of souls won into the kingdom of God.
Their combination of innocence, sincerity, talent, and anointing became an avenue in which the Spirit of God could flow through them and right to the needs of audiences everywhere. The mark they made on the music industry, but more importantly on the family of God, will never be forgotten.
In the center of the heart of the Crabb Family were siblings Adam Crabb and Terah Penhollow. Both uniquely gifted with gifts and abilities beyond even their comprehension, this pair bring together the necessary components to continue carrying the torch. While their siblings are answering the call in various avenues of ministry, both Adam and Terah still feel very strong
callings on their lives to sing, and have formed a new musical ministry called Crabb Revival.
Adam Crabb was noted during his time with the Crabb Family for his heartfelt lead vocals and amazing harmonies, but even more for his musicianship. Adam is one of the finest musicians to ever stand on a musical stage, playing harmonica as well as various other instruments. His moving harmonica rendition of the old classic “Amazing Grace” never fails to bring audiences to their feet and move them to tears. Vocally, Adam was a big part of the tight blend that could be heard on many Crabb Family tunes. In addition, Adam was featured on several Crabb Family hits, such as the number one, “The Walk.”
Terah is the youngest Crabb sibling and is most noted for her sweet spirit both on and off stage. Although she may be meek and sweet in spirit, vocally she is a powerhouse. When Terah opens her mouth audiences are astonished at the sound that comes out. With songs like “He'll Make A Way,” and “I've Come to Take You Home,” Terah sings with an anointing that ushers in the presence of God! Terah can also sing audiences “happy” on fun tunes like “Traveling On” and “Jesus In A Song.”
Lead guitarist Zack Smith served as driving force behind the Crabb Family's excitement on stage. Zack is also lending his vocal talents to complete the third harmony component of Crabb Revival. Zack, who came to the Crabb Family from Tyler, Texas, continues to play guitar and sing most of the third part vocals and completes the “country sound” of Crabb Revival.
Like brand new clay on the Potter's Wheel, Crabb Revival is anxiously seeking God for direction in exactly what he will shape and mold out of their lives. Don't miss your chance to experience Crabb Revival at the Wheels of Progress Festival!
More info:
http://www.crabbrevival.net/
http://www.bsaworld.com/crabbrevival.php
NATHAN HEDGES
Nathan Hedges was lead singer in the popular band Hudson Chase that performed in Greenfield a few years ago. He has moved on to a solo career that might be described as “old rock and roll meets a new style of indie pop.”
Hedges has perfected his craft playing an average of 150 shows a year in more than 20 states during the past five years, and recently released his first major solo release, “Nathan Hedges.” Nathan worked with Chris Keup and Stewart Meyers (Jason Mraz, Johnathan Rice, Liz Phair, Lifehouse). This CD was mastered in NYC by Fred Kevorkian, whose album credits include Ryan Adams, The White Stripes, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Iggy Pop, The Walkmen, Cassandra Wilson and many others.
"I am still getting used to being a solo musician without a permanent band but, I guess this is the way its gonna be. Stay tuned," Hedges posted on his website.
Critics are smitten with Hedges’ music. Here are a few comments:
"You should hear this." - John Benson, Cleveland Plain Dealer; "Hedges is an amazing songwriter" - John Ross, Columbus Alive; "Nathan Hedges' vocals also draw the comparison to (John) Mayer, but Hedges' voice is somewhat deeper and richer." - Eric Atienza, The Latern; "Hedges is bound to big one of the biggest rising talents in the industry." - Brad Frey, Cleveland Bar Tab Magazine.
Check out Nathan Hedges at the 2008 Wheels of Progress Festival.
Links:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/nathanhedges
http://www.myspace.com/nathanhedges
DUMBFOUNDED:
CLASSIC ROCK, GARAGE STYLE
The glory days of rock & roll are celebrated whenever the band Dumbfounded sets up its equipment. The guys are thankful they grew up in a time when all sorts of music came over the airwaves via the AM stations that provided entertainment in their youth. The members of Dumbfounded like all types of music, and their eclecticism is reflected in their set list. Some have a passion for great guitar solos, while others are more inclined towards country-rock or soul music. The band members just call it “Classic Rock, Garage Style,” and they play whatever they enjoy, which amounts to a nice variety of their generation's music.
The members of Dumbfounded include Lanny Bryant and Mark Fisher on vocals, Ron Coffey on lead guitar, George Smith on keyboards, harmonica and sometimes drums, Ron Sexton on bass guitar, Randy Adams on drums and vocals, and Kellis Smith on guitar, banjo and percussion.
Over the years, Dumbfounded has become Greenfield's favorite fair-weather classic rock band. Come to the Wheels of Progress Festival and see what it's all about!
More info:
http://www.coffeyweb.com/dumbfounded.html
ROCKIN' RON A POPULAR FESTIVAL ENTERTAINER
Local DJ Rockin' Ron has been a mainstay of the Wheels of Progress Festival for years. His collection of recordings has grown to almost Smithsonian proportions, and the odds are excellent that he can play even the most unusual requests.
In addition to his extensive musicial collection, Rockin' Ron has lots of other bells and whistles, such as machines that spew forth smoke, fog and bubbles -- and enough hula hoops to keep a team of chiropractors busy for a long time.
For some years now, Friday at the festival means a Rockin' Ron dance, and this year the DJ returns thanks to the sponsorship of the Home Building and Loan Co. Join Ronald Smith and his crew for a fun-filled evening under the stars at the Wheels of Progress Festival.
MAGICAL
MOMENTS WITH BOONIE
Folks attending the Wheels of Progress Festival on Saturday will also have a chance to catch some of Boonie the Magician's wizardry. Boonie will be doing “Street-Strolling Magic” from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. It is really hard to tell who is enjoying it more, the kids or Boonie. Well, it's been said he really is just a really OLD KID!
Everyone who's young at heart will enjoy Boonie's contribution to the festival.
AMUSEMENT
RIDES
Amusement rides for 2008 will be provided by Bair
Bros. Shows.
AMUSEMENT
GAMES
Stevens
Concessions is providing the games for this year's Wheels of
Progress Festival.
COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICE
Several Greenfield area churches are planning a community service for Sunday of the festival. The service is scheduled to take place on the Fourth Street
stage at 9 a.m.
GAMES, RACES AND MORE
As is usually the case, the Wheels of Progress Festival will feature some fun contests, games and events. One of the long-running highlights is the Outhouse Races. While no one will confuse these racers with Ben Hur's famous chariot race, there is still an undeniable fascination with the uniquely crafted outhouses pushed by teams from area businesses and organizations. At certain points in the race, the rider must hop out of the outhouse, perform
a task and change places with one of the outhouse pushers. Greenfield Area Medical Center has won a series of championships with its NASCAR-like teamwork and pit-stops, not to mention its stylish wheelchair-based outhouse. Can a challenger unseat GAMC this year? Can you pardon the pun?
Find out at the Wheels of Progress Festival!
There will be other events too - check at the Rotary Information Booth to learn more.
FAT BOY CONTEST
Patrons of the Quik Stoppe restaurant in Greenfield are no doubt familiar with the Fat Boy, a huge hamburger conjured up by Donnie Beekman for “real men” and anyone else who enjoys a huge hunk of red meat on a big bun. Donnie has decided to make up some special Fat Boys, weighing in at approximately 1.5 pounds each, to see just how many can be consumed in a given time. It's a contest designed to test the mettle - and stretch the stomachs - of all the participants.
Check at the Quik Stoppe or the Rotary Information Booth for more details on this tasty and fun contest.
MORE FUN CONTESTS!
The creative wit of Eric Borsini will again be showcased at the Wheels of Progress Festival. Versions of “The Newlywed Game,” “Battle of the Sexes” and “Deal or No Deal” are on tap and should be a lot of fun.
DEAL
OR NO DEAL
BATTLE
OF THE SEXES
THE
NEWLYWED GAME
BABY CONTEST
It's believed that the prettiest babies in Ohio make their way to Greenfield each July for the annual Baby Contest sponsored by Edgewood Manor. The contest takes place in the morning hours on Saturday of the festival so the little ones don't get sunburned or out of sorts. While the judges struggle mightily to determine the winners, there can be little doubt that all the contestants are above average!
LIP SYNC CONTEST
If you've ever been to the Wheels of Progress Festival, chances are you have seen the popular Lip Sync Contest. Each year, participants of various age groups showcase their lip-synching skills and their general creativity. It's not just a bunch of Milli Vanilli wannabes either; the winning performers usually are packaged in creative costumes deep-fried in humor. The resulting event is low in carbs but high in laughter. Check it out on Sunday afternoon.
ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW
Antique farm equipment holds a very dear place in the hearts of farming families who once toiled in the fields behind oxen, horses or mules. Those old John Deeres and Massey Fergusons certainly improved the quality of life for both man and beast! Today, vintage farm equipment also harkens back to a simpler time that many people dearly miss. The old tractors were like family members and had many unique characteristics. Even today they stir a lot of
memories and spark interesting conversations. Be sure to check out the Farmalls, Olivers, Fords and other stately machines at this year's Wheels of Progress Festival. This show is brought to you by the Greenfield Antique Tractor & Machinery Club.
KIDDIE
TRACTOR PULL
In the
midst of the antique tractors and machinery is something that's
sure to be a hit with the younger set: a Kiddie Tractor Pull!
Watch for the crowd of excited children at 11 a.m. Saturday.
PAGEANTS!
The Miss Greenfield Wheels of Progress Pageant is scheduled at 6 p.m. Thursday
at the First Baptist Church. The pageant is open to girls ages 14-19 who attend any of the following school districts: Greenfield McClain, Hillsboro, Leesburg-Fairfield, and Paint Valley. There will also be a Prince, Princess, Little Miss and Junior Miss
contest on Friday, July 18 at 6 p.m., also at the First Baptist
Church. All pageants are sponsored by the
G.W.Q.A., P.O. Box 291, Greenfield, OH 45123; 981-4218.
Click below for information on the various pageants:
QUEEN
PAGEANT APPLICATION
JUNIOR
PAGEANT APPLICATION FORM
ROTARY AUCTION
Wow! Where else can you get some great bargains and also help your community
by building up the Rotary bank account? Thanks to generous area businesses,
organizations and individuals, many interesting items will be on sale at the auction, with all proceeds going into the Greenfield Rotary Club's coffers to help maintain the Ralph W. Phillips Recreation and Civic Center and finance other worthwhile projects in the community.
Many items will be offered for sale this year, including 10 limited-edition prints by artist Tammy Wells featuring
Edward Lee and Lulu McClain, the philanthropists who donated
McClain High School to the community.
Edward Lee and Lulu McClain
OVER THE HILL GANG
Don't let their name fool you - they are anything but over the hill! Bill Bowman, Donnie Pierson, Howard Kelley and the other members of the Over the Hill Gang have been playing music for years, and their love of the music and experience come through with each performance.
Country, rock, bluegrass and other genres are likely to be heard when the band performs. So pull up a chair and enjoy some musical classics as performed by the Over the Hill Gang.
BOB HOWLAND
Bob Howland has been singing southern gospel music for almost four decades. After having logged many performances with gospel groups, Bob is now doing a solo show that features his love of ministry through gospel music. The singer, songwriter and minister has releaswed eight solo albums including his latest, “It's True,” along with six albums of his preaching.
He has penned the hits “Don't Let Me Fail,” “Angels Step Aside” and “Echoes from Mount Calvary.”
Come and listen to this man sing his heart out as he has done so many times before.
5K
RUN A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY!
Joggers, power walkers and "morning people" of
all sorts should make note that a 5K Run is scheduled at this
year's Wheels of Progress Festival. Pre-registration commences
at 7:30 a.m. behind the historic Travellers Rest, and the race
is slated to begin at 8 a.m.
*FORMS
AND INFORMATION!
2008
WHEELS OF PROGRESS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
BOOTH RESERVATION FORM
PARADE
INFORMATION
CAR SHOW INFORMATION
QUEEN
PAGEANT APPLICATION
JUNIOR
PAGEANT APPLICATION FORM
