With the release of Jason Aldean’s hit “1994” earlier this year that name-checked many of Joe Diffie’s twelve Number One hits, the legendary singer found himself squarely back in the hearts and minds of country fans. The multi-platinum-selling artist who dominated the charts during a hot streak in the ‘90’s may have been absent from the radio charts for the past few years, but Joe-Joe-Joe Diffie has never slowed down – writing, touring and recording a myriad of projects including his critically acclaimed 2010 bluegrass album “Homecoming,” and his recent “Roots And Boots” acoustic tour and collaborative CD “All In The Same Boat,” with fellow hitmakers Sammy Kershaw and Aaron Tippin. And now he’s back at it again, riding shotgun with hick-hop sensations the Jawga Boyz on a brand new single, “Girl Ridin’ Shotgun,” which was recently released to country radio.

The single, co-written by Diffie, Phil O’Donnell and Derek Thrasher of The Jawga Boyz is a fun, up- tempo romp perfect for summertime cruising and returns Joe to the country charts where he undoubtedly belongs. The performance features D. Thrash (Derek Thrasher) on the verses as Diffie’s signature vocals soar on the choruses and verses. The tune was written in part as an answer to Jason Aldean’s tribute to Joe, (penned by Thomas Rhett, Luke Laird and Barry Dean) and name- checks Aldean in a nod to the monster hit that helped introduce Joe to a whole new generation of fans two decades later.

With chart-toppers like “Pickup Man,” “Third Rock From the Sun,” and “John Deere Green,” and 13 albums and over 20 Top 10 singles to his credit, Joe has little to prove at this point in his career, yet he still has a fire in his belly to make good country music. A renowned songwriter in his own right who recently turned his focus back to writing after years on the road, Joe has hits for artists like Tim McGraw, Conway Twitty, and Jo Dee Messina to his credit, and has cuts on upcoming projects for “X Factor” winner Tate Stevens, Dylan Scott, and Tyler Farr among others. He is also hard at work on an album of brand new material, due out later this year on Bigger Picture Records. The collaboration with the Jawga Boyz and the attention from the Aldean hit is opening all sorts of new doors for Joe at this point in his career, and he’s excited at the prospect of working with some of music’s hot new hitmakers.

“We had a good time writing and recording my new song “Girl Ridin’ Shotgun,’ and making a video for it,” says Joe. “ I’ve been writing with a lot of new artists and I never thought that collaboration with one of them would lead to this, but I’m really glad that it has. It’s a different sound for me and I’m having so much fun with it all. I can’t wait to see what the future brings!”

The Voice 2018 contestant Mikele Buck was born in the Hills of West Virginia, where his family was steeped in the traditional music of the Appalachians. Playing drums in rock bands for most of his high school days, after graduation Mikele bought his first guitar. He started writing songs and playing local taverns, bars, and bonfire parties, testing his own songs out on friends and family. His original songs are a blend of all his musical influences, including Steve Earle, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt and Red-Dirt artists like Randy Rodgers Band and Reckless Kelly. After returning from the Iraq war in 2005, Mikele went to Nashville to record his first CD and established his first band near Greenville NC. This band’s popularity grew and soon they were opening up for major acts such as Jason Aldean and Joe Nichols. From NC night clubs and fairs, the Mikele Buck Band began drawing record crowds of their own. His latest iTunes release has been pouring through car speakers all over the east coast, with the crowd favorite ‘Sweet Carolina’ at the helm.

In addition to Mikele, the MBB is comprised of Brandon Ross (lead guitar, vocals), Caleb Keen (bass, vocals), Olsen Bunn (drums), and Sarah Anderson (fiddle, keyboard, vocals). Over the past 2 years, they have opened up for numerous national country acts including Jon Pardi, Brett Eldredge, Jason Micheal Carol, David Nail, The Cadillac Three, and Jerrod Niemann. They also opened up the Carolina Country Music Festival in Myrtle Beach in front of Hunter Hayes and Lady Antebellum.

The Rhinestone Roper Show is a death-defying interactive Wild West traveling show, entertaining and thrilling audiences coast-to-coast, border-to-border for over 18 years. The show has it all – intricate trick roping, precision knife throwing and bullwhip cracking, fancy gun spinning and fast-draw shooting. Featured in the show are stunts by amazing trick horses Gypsy Rio and Jesse James. You may have seen them make the Quarter Finals on America’s Got Talent.

Champion showman Dan Mink, The Rhinestone Roper – a true master in “the tools of the cowboy” – has revised the old-fashioned Wild West show, delighting and educating family audiences about a bygone era. His world-class skills, signature cowboy humor, and knowledge of old west lore are woven into a 45-minute show full of music, laughs, and audience participation. Dan, a former chief deputy prosecutor, hails from Jerome, Idaho.

Dan is pleased to introduce his wife Yvonne and daughter Emilee. Yvonne descends from the Mescaloro Apache Nation of New Mexico. She not only performs with ropes, whips, and knives but also shoots aerial targets with a pistol while spinning on the “Wheel of Death.” 14-year-old Emilee surprises audiences as well, with her trick roping and knife throwing.

I am proud to be a West Virginia country girl who loves God and family. I have loved to perform for as long as I can remember and started singing publicly at the age of 7. I am happiest when I am singing. I have been inspired by many amazing singers including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Reba McIntyre.

 I currently sing across West Virginia at various talent shows, fairs, festivals and restaurants. I am taking vocal lessons from Janine LeClair of Music Row Voice in Nashville, TN and guitar lessons from Ron Sowell in Charleston, WV.

I have recently started writing my own songs and expressing my feelings through music. In my musical journey I have been blessed with many wonderful opportunities and made great friends. I was honored to able to sing on the TV show Nashville Spotlight and meet Mike Jennings and many young singers. I was able to sing during CMA MusicFest with the Nashville Spotlight family in the summer of 2016.

I just released my first EP titled, "Playin with the big girls" with the help of producer Jack Mollette in Pigeon Forge. I am planning on releasing a full length CD, of all original music, in the summer of 2017. I have been blessed by having the love and support from many friends and family who have encouraged me on my musical journey.

I love you all and appreciate all that you continue to do for me. God bless you all.
Makenna Hope

Dale Harper & The HIGHLANDERS

Dale Harper & The HIGHLANDERS have been bringing their traditional good-time country music to audiences in West Virginia since 1987. Although the name has changed numerous times over the years, Dale’s music has had its roots in the old OUTLAW country and Southern Rock genre from the start. The band’s captivating, high-energy performances transport audiences back in time as The HIGHLANDERS blend musicianship, creativity and tradition. It’s a bottomless barrel of musical ear candy. Folks love dancing, stomping, and singing along! This is a band that offers something for practically everyone. Upbeat music with clean family- friendly lyrics that make people of all ages want to sing along,” “high energy with a feel-good vibe,” and “lots of good-natured fun.” The HIGHLANDERS are led by Dale Harper, 2nd place overall winner of the TalentWV competition, Dale’s son, Jacob Harper on bass, and Steve Simmons on drums and percussion. Each performer in the band exhibits a true love of music. The HIGHLANDERS formed when three like-minded musicians continued performing together at Winfield Baptist Church and decided to form a little country band.

The name HIGHLANDER refers to the HARPER’S ancestral roots. Dale and Jacob Harper are proud to display their Scottish heritage (although kilts will not be worn thanks to Mrs. Harper saying NO!).

The band draws its repertoire from nearly a half century of musical history, true to the traditional Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash music from the 1960s and on, as well as influenced by the more contemporary music of Chris Stapleton, Jamey Johnson, Blake Shelton and many more. Ever-evolving, the band also peppers in several original compositions that feel like they could have been written long ago. Fans appreciate a great laundry list of standards that patrons of all ages can enjoy!

Dale Harper & The HIGHLANDERS From Haggard to Nirvana, we’ve got you covered!

a Nashville singer/songwriter/artist/musician who grew up in St. Albans, WV. 

Scott moved in 2004 to Nashville, and has been singing, writing, and has performed in the Nashville area at world famous establishments such as The Bluebird Cafe, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Opryland Hotel, Opry Backstage Grill, and The George Jones Museum.

Through the last 15 years, Scott has performed as a solo artist, has been a singer/frontman for various bands, and has also performed with various artists by playing guitar, and singing background vocals, as well as vocal studio singing. Scott has also shared the same stage with Lorrie Morgan, Chris Young, and Shane Owens.

Scott and his family have recently moved back to West Virginia, to be closer to family. Scott is continuing to perform in Nashville, as well as bringing his years of hard work, and performing experience to his home state of West Virginia.

Scott has written and recorded two CD’s. 

The 2009 debut called, “Who Made The Road”, and the 2015 release, “Four On The Floor”. 

Both CD’s are available on iTunes for download.

You can find out more information on Scott Honaker, and keep track of upcoming shows at Scott Honaker Music on Facebook, and find links to music and videos at www.scotthonaker.wix.com/music.

Nae Paugh is a singer songwriter hailing from Romney, West Virginia. The country/folk artist has spent years busking around Morgantown until 2017 when he was honored as a finalist in the Mountaineer Idol. Since then Nae has been playing in the Morgantown area as he continues to explore the world of music and all it has to offer.

Sponsored By: Putnam County 4-H Leaders Association.