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Award winning artist Tricia Ann was born and raised in Maggie Valley, NC, and started her musical journey singing in church, karaoke, and participating in open mic nights since age 6. She started singing professionally and participating in music competitions such as NACMAI at age 16. Tricia has had a passion for music from a very young age and today has the drive to share that passion with others. In recent years, she began to write and record her own music, becoming a Nashville recording artist, and picked up the ukulele. Tricia's musical inspirations range from Pam Tillis to Janis Joplin. In 2021, after working with other bands in the area, she founded the Tricia Ann Band.
David Hekking began his musical career as a teenager in Memphis TN. He started performing in Rock venues, Blues clubs on Beale St. and later Classical Guitar for weddings and solo performances. David has played a wide variety of music over the years with many groups including original bands, cover bands and church groups in hundreds of clubs and churches. He has also played many concerts like opening up for groups like The Kentucky Headhunters, John Anderson, Bellamy Brothers, and Afro Man in recent years. A seasoned musical veteran of many styles David is no stranger to musical academia having studied with esteemed Classical teachers like John Stover at Memphis State in the late 80’s. Then with Cuban Mario April in Chattanooga at UTC in the early 90’s. David taught lessons at the respected Howard Vance Guitar Acadamy in Memphis for over 15 years peaking at 70 students per week. In 2011 David moved his family to the beautiful town of Black Mountain,NC and began performing regionally. He was the musical director in the production of Hee Haw in Burnsville NC and others and also plays most Sundays at a local church.
Meet Russ, a recent transplant from the enigmatic swamps of Florida, who embarked on a distinguished musical journey at an exceptionally young age, with his first public performances commencing at the age of 9. As he matured, he found himself entwined with several notable bands in the vibrant musical landscape of Southwest FL, where his innate talents garnered significant recognition. Notably, he assumed pivotal roles in original bands such as Shades of Gray and Before the Fire and many of the areas top cover bands.
The achievements of Before the Fire were nothing short of remarkable, as their polyrhythmic melodies found regular airplay on esteemed radio stations, and their reputation led to invitations to perform at numerous events such as the Ink Life Tour, Fort Rock Festival, and other distinguished festivals. In such coveted settings, they shared stages with celebrated acts like Chevelle, Jane's Addiction, Bobaflex, and STP, solidifying their place within the pantheon of revered performers.
Russ's instrumental prowess extended beyond his role as a passionate and energetic performer; he demonstrated exceptional skill as a live session bassist, sharing the stage alongside esteemed artists such as Robin Zander of Cheap Trick and Bobby Kimball of Toto during their performances in Fort Myers, Florida. Such collaborations added further luster to his already luminous musical career.
In addition to his artistic contributions, Russ assumed the role of a proficient tour manager for several esteemed bands, orchestrating successful ventures with iconic southern rock legends like Blackfoot, delving into the realm of blues with Blue Cross (Apocalypse Blues Revival), featuring luminaries like Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin of Godsmack, and as the adept tour manager for Floyd Nation, Americas Pink Floyd Tribute. His adept organizational skills and astute management acumen have earned him a reputation as a tour-de-force within the industry.
Amidst his whirlwind of musical engagements, Russ finds solace with his wife of many years, unwinding in the tranquility of their mountainside home in Hendersonville, and indulging in his other passions, which encompass immersive scuba diving experiences and honing his acumen in the intricate design of electrical circuits. An enigmatic personality with a keen appreciation for both creativity and precision, Russ also indulges in occasional moments of leisure at KFC, where he seeks inspiration and relaxation, affectionately earning him the endearing title of "Colonel" among his ardent admirers.
Jackie Blackburn embarked on his rhythmic journey at the age of 8, initially honing his craft in the ambiance of churches and intimate gatherings. By the time he reached 14, he dove into the vibrant world of live performances with multiple bands.
The inaugural chapter of his musical odyssey unfolded with "Saturday in the Park," where he mastered Motown, Chicago, and other eclectic sounds. At 16, Jackie transitioned into the realm of professionalism with "The Folsom Prison Gang," paying homage to Johnny Cash, and immersed himself in the psychedelic realm with "Sigmund Floyd," a Pink Floyd tribute act.
A pivotal juncture arrived when he joined forces with "Road Tripp," where serendipity led to an enduring musical partnership with David. This collaboration spanned several years, punctuated by remarkable milestones such as opening for esteemed acts like Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad, and The Bellamy Brothers.
Jackie's journey continued with noteworthy stints, including Zuzu Welsh Band (60's, 70's Blue / Rock), and a brief yet impactful stint with "The Mile High Band" before assuming the mantle of full-time drummer for "GenePool." Within this dynamic ensemble, he graced after parties for emerging talents like Kameron Marlowe and Cooper Alan.
Reflecting on his influences, Jackie acknowledges a diverse tapestry of inspirations, citing luminaries such as John Bonham, Chad Smith, Dave Grohl, Stewart Copeland, and the legendary Neil Peart, whose mastery continues to inspire despite the daunting challenge of replicating his repertoire.