For over two decades Mr. Ralph Mason has been motivating young audiences through music. THE POSITIVE ZONE Assembly energizes and motivates students to learn through music while also having fun. TPZ features Ralph Mason and the musical talents of the incredible three-piece band (two keyboards with auxiliaries, full set of drums, and acoustic guitar). This 39-minute, high-energy, fun-filled “edutainment” experience—a mixture of music, education, and entertainment—inspires youth to stay in school and develop a lifetime enthusiasm for learning. Our mission is to use music as a tool of engaging students to reap the benefits of the educational institution. We ensure this by connecting the students and the teachers to overcome pitfalls we experience in our environments. We focus on values, making positive life choices, being responsible and respectful, and building self-discipline.
We will provide our own PA system and all technical requirements for the performance.
Glen “Papa” Wright’s “Children’s Percussion Workshop” is a hands-on musical program that introduces young students (Pre-K–2) to the percussion family of instruments. Jackie Wright, professional storyteller and retired educator, tells a story as “Papa” demonstrates how to use percussion to add color and texture to the story. Students learn to identify various professional instruments used for rhythm, sound effects, and melody. They are also allowed to play each instrument, experimenting with simple rhythms and melodies. An award-winning arts educator, “Papa” taught percussion at the St. Louis Conservatory and Schools for the Arts (CASA) for 23 years. He taught for two years at St. Louis Community College. He has been a teaching partner with Springboard to Learning for over 30 years. In 2006 he received the Progressive Youth Connection’s World of Children Award for his work with children through Young Audiences of St. Louis.
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Molly is a nationally touring looping musician and incorporates violin, cello, guitar, and her vocals into a genre-defying sound that is completely unique and her own. Dubbed “folk-inspired orchestral looping” when she is solo and “orchestral rock” when she plays with the String Project (her full band), it can be said that she brings an orchestra to every stage she commands. A mixture of mostly original compositions with some choice covers peppered in, her sound is best described as experimental folk/rock.
For solo: PA with at least one sub requested but not required. Power and shade are required. For full band: PA, power, and shade are necessary with at least 24 channels and subs.
JAZZIZ has called Ralph Hepola “a musician who plays the language of contemporary jazz on the tuba.”
Ralph Hepola’s HepTones consists of tuba, keyboard or guitar, bass and drums performing jazz, blues, ballads and Latin.
Just announced in June 2024, Ralph is a finalist in The Made in New York Jazz Competition – the first-ever online jazz contest, now the world’s most-popular jazz competition.
John Stites Jazz Awards awarded Ralph a major grant to tour Illinois and Michigan with his quartet in May 2024.
Ralph Hepola was a Missouri Arts Council April 2021 Featured Artist. He is heard on 51 recordings and 49 videos. As a freelancer in New York City and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Ralph performed on recordings and productions that have been Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, and Tony Award winners and nominees. Ralph was a member of Switzerland’s Basel Symphony Orchestra and The United States Army Band of Washington, D.C.
We can use the backline at a venue or provide our own amplification including mixing board and microphones. Four musicians: tuba, keyboard or guitar, bass, drums.
After four years as a trio, One More Dollar has honed its craft and reputation as a rockin’ roots-based folk music group traveling all over the Midwest. Coming from their home base of Springfield, Missouri, near the heart of the Ozarks region, this unique musical blend of old and new comes together in what can only be described as Americana of the Ozarks, or as they call it, Ozarkana.
Multi-instrumentalists Alisha Thomas, Robert Adkison, and Jeremy Myers have an instrumentation that is “something different” yet brings the culture of the Ozarks one foot stomp at a time with fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and cello having innovating arrangements of original music and new takes on traditional favorites.
We have our own sound system but if we play a venue that will have sound, we will need a vocal mic and ¼” DI inputs for Alisha, A vocal mic, an instrument mic, and two ¼” DI inputs tor Jeremy, and an instrument mic for Rob.
Squeeze Play—Dan and Kim Christian—are among the premier Accordionists in the World! Their ability to play together with exact precision is unparalleled anywhere on the planet. They are U.S. National and World Bronze Medal Champions. Their performances are charged with a vibrant energy and passion that creates a unique experience that is cherished by people of all ages. A concert by Squeeze Play is a musical whirlwind experience that takes the audience on a musical trip around the World. Styles include French, Italian, German, Irish, Swing, Jazz, Rock, Gospel, Patriotic, and light Classical pieces such as Sabre Dance and Malaguena. People are amazed that just two accordions can produce so much music! Video backgrounds can be provided for venues with big screens. The Christians share their passion and joy for music with each and every audience member. They have performed all over the world including in Beijing, China, and Branson, Missouri!
Depends on the venue
Praised for his stunning musicianship and dazzling stage presence, Brian Woods is an exciting young concert pianist who “represents the new generation of professional touring artists” (Robert Hart Baker). Combining formidable technique and unique artistry with a charismatic presentational style, he continues to delight and inspire audiences across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Guided by a firm belief in music’s power to improve the lives of all regardless of background, Woods continues to receive high acclaim for his performances, with audiences and critics alike praising his playing as “astonishing” (KDHX St. Louis), “inspiring” (Encinitas, CA), and “taking the audience on a journey” (Watertown, NY). His debut album WANDERINGS was released in 2024 by Navona Records and is now available on all major streaming platforms. Learn more by visiting Brian’s website or following him on Instagram @brianwoodspianist.
Tuned concert grand piano with artist bench, microphone for larger venues
Kenny Ray Horton, a Joplin area native, is the former lead singer for the U.S. Navy Band Country Current (recently retired).
He grew up in the vicinity of Missouri’s own Albert E Brumley, raised on gospel, country, and bluegrass. He ventured to Nashville as a songwriter, writing A Soldier’s King, which was picked up by Kenny Rogers for his Christmas album. The Gift garnered Kenny Ray an RIAA Award. His publisher was John Prine’s Oh Boy Records. He continued writing and composing, including the song Missouri, performing it in the Navy and with Missouri’s own Opry Member Rhonda Vincent (she also sang with him on his current album).
Kenny Ray is a gifted vocalist, guitar player, and storyteller. Whether he sings one of his own songs or a song that inspires him, he delivers enjoyable entertainment to audiences. They are especially taken with his eclectic song choices and the stories behind the songs.
NOTES: We provide promotional poster files and set up listings on VisitMO and area event listings as well as arrange for radio, TV, and print interviews. We post on Facebook, Instagram, and BandsinTown. Contracts should be mailed to Valerie Clark, 24525 Ridge Road, Elkmont, AL 35620.
Provides own sound if needed (BOSE system). Requires clean power for sound and standard spot.
International award-winning ukulele duo Uke 66 delivers ukulele music with skill and depth, playing songs in an unexpectedly diverse repertoire that demonstrates the small instrument’s ability to handle anything from jazz and swing to originals and covers, along with vintage and contemporary Hawaiian songs. Performances can be tailored for children, seniors, and everyone in between.
Created in 2014 by husband-and-wife duo Rick and Karen Maxson, Uke 66 has performed throughout the Midwest and in Hawaii, Mexico, and Japan, providing an intimate, evocative soundtrack for a variety of celebrations and community events.
Uke 66 also offers “Introduction to Ukulele” workshops for up to 20 participants ages 12 and up. Student ukuleles and instructional handouts are provided. The class learns easy chords and a simple strum, playing its first song within 10 minutes and four or five songs by the end of the workshop.
8 x 12’ space, protection from rain or sun (if outdoors), electrical outlet. We provide our sound equipment. Set-up time ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. Sound check requires 15 minutes. For ukulele workshops, tables and chairs for up to 20 students.
Ryan Marquez, a dynamic artist from Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, masterfully blends pop, hip-hop, and jazz to create music that captivates and inspires. As a keyboardist, producer, songwriter, arranger, and vocalist, Ryan draws from Missouri’s rich jazz and blues heritage, infusing it with contemporary elements from progressive R&B, house, and hip-hop. Influenced by literary and spiritual giants like Joseph Campbell and Maya Angelou, his compositions offer profound social commentary and celebrate the power of the written word.
Ryan’s music, characterized by its “feel-good vibes” and infectious energy, has garnered acclaim on major platforms like MTV and BET. His 2023 Blues Music Award-winning keyboard work on Dylan Triplett’s Who Is He? and collaborations with artists like Kingfish, Terence Blanchard, Randy Brecker, Wiz Khalifa, and Chance the Rapper highlights his versatility and talent. His collaborative album Saint Unity embodies the spirit of “The Confluence of Cool” in Missouri.
Ryan has an adaptable setup and can accommodate just about any type of performance space, environment, or theme. Please inquire for specifics about your space/idea.