Place Description: Helen Russell & Company are from Missouri and have recently returned from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where they were awarded “Best Small Band Variety Show” by the Valley Star Awards for the second year in a row! Their 2020 show “Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock & Roll” will entertain you with great vocals, scalding piano, hot licks on the banjo and jumpin’ bass guitar with a variety of Country, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Gospel and Classic Rock music of the 50’s to the 70’s, plus a tribute to our Veterans! Comedy that will tickle your funny bone and impersonations of all your favorites such as Cher, Dolly, Little Richard, June Carter Cash, Waylon, Willie and many more!  Please visit their website: helenrussell.net to see video of their recent tour of Branson, MO.  This high energy show will leave you 100% entertained!

Place Description: John McClellan and Kirk Hanser began performing together in 1996 while working to produce an international conference and competition in St. Louis, MO. Very quickly, Hanser and McClellan became known for their choice of entertaining musical programs, their technical prowess, and their ability to connect with audiences. Over the years, they have become recognized by critics and audiences alike as one of the most enjoyable and highly respected American chamber music groups.   The Hanser-McClellan Duo have been heard on several CDs, with their most recent feature recording, La Vida Breve, receiving much critical and audience acclaim. Classical Guitar Magazine (U.K.) declared their performance on this recording as exhibiting “…sheer swagger and verve.”  Most recently, John and Kirk recorded and produced tracks with Vince Gill, Tommy Emmanuel, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and many, many others to create a CD celebrating the musical life of their dear friend, Chet Atkins, on the CD release Slightly Above Below Average.  In 2015, Hanser and McClellan were offered a residency as guest professors for the guitar department at the prestigious Paris Conservatory, becoming the first duo from outside of the conservatory’s own walls to be given such an honor. Their educational work in America includes numerous camps, workshops, and master classes, as well as working with kids at the K-12 levels in the U.S. sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.  Over the years, the Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo has performed for such musically diverse events as the Sheldon Classics Series in St. Louis, MO, the Crypte Ararat (Paris, FR), the Wilhelmkirche (Bad Nauheim, Germany), the Kansas City Guitar Society, the South Bay Guitar Society (San Francisco), the Great Artist Series in Austin, TX, the International Guitar Foundation of America Conference (1999 & again in 2005) and are standing, annual “special guests” at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Festival. Endorsements: The HMGD performs and records using D’Addario Pro Arte strings, Hand-made classic guitars by luthier Keith Adams (Bonnie, IL), and Steel-string acoustic guitars courtesy of Gibson Guitars

Place Description: Gloria Attoun (Ah-TUNE) comes from the river town of Augusta, Missouri.  Gloria writes and sings songs that pay homage to the rich sounds of roots music, while staying true to her own vision, sharing the connectedness of our common experiences in her songs.    Gloria has recorded two solo CDs and three albums in other musical partnerships.  Her songs are included in the compilation albums:  “Magnificent Missouri Music” and “River Voices and Songs.” Her song, “Wrong Side of the Road” was featured on National Public Radio’s “Car Talk.” She has shared the stage with folk-greats, such as, Claire Lynch and Bryan Bowers and has performed in a variety of festivals and music venues.   Gloria brings along guitars, mandolin, banjo, octave mandolin, harmonica, and other gadgets and shares insights on the process of songwriting, creativity and inspiration with humor and warmth.

Place Description: Dr. Gladys Coggswell brings to the stage African American experiences in Missouri, plus traditional folk tales, one woman dramas, vocal music history, interactive storytelling and workshops. She is the recipient of numerous awards. This author of “Stories from the Heart-Missouri’s African American Heritage,” published by the University of Missouri Press is also available for writing workshops. Gladys received an Honorary Doctorate’s Degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis. She also does motivational speaking for all ages.