Weyanoke Stage

Gina Dalmas

&

The Cow Tippin’

Playboys

Gina's country heritage comes straight out of the North Carolina foothills, where she grew up

on a full plate of Honky Tonk, Opryland classics, and biscuits. Behind her stand some of the

finest musicians this side of the Appalachians.

Steeped in roots music, drummer Gabe Baesen knows a thing or two about setting the pace

of the honky tonk beat. When not traveling the country with national touring artists like Deke

Dickerson and Seth Walker, he places his vintage Gretsch kit behind Ms. Dalmas and sets

the skins on fire.

Guitarist Greg Wikle may have played in more bands than there are honky tonks in

Mississippi, but he found his home in the twanging sounds of old school country. Bassist

Christopher May keeps the classic sound steady on his vintage hollow-body Gretsch

occasional switching to the sweet sound of his hard driving upright bass.

Winners of the 2013 Veer Magazine Award for Best Country Band, Gina Dalmas and her

Cow Tippin' Playboys reach deep into the roots of country music, but always end up making

magic of their own. In a world of knock-off country bands aiming for that new radio sound,

Gina Dalmas manages to keep country music like it should be, honest, straight forward, and

from the heart.

"Backed by her excellent band, The Cow Tipping Playboys (currently bassist Chris May,

drummer Gabe Baesen and guitarist Greg Wikle), the country singer-guitarist never fails to

bring audiences to their feet and put smiles on their faces. The band is unfailingly tight and

polished, but not to a fault. Throughout, you get the sense that they're having a blast.

If you're not a country music fan, don't let that scare you away. If anyone can make you a

convert, Dalmas can."

- Veer Magazine, December 2010

www.ginadalmas.com

Colonnade Stage

Formerly

Tin Cup Gypsy

When brothers Jordan and Jonathan, raised in rural Missouri, met lively Arizona native

Cassandra in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona, the foundation was laid for the adventure

of a lifetime. All three classically trained students had plans of making the 2,600 mile journey

to Music City to follow their dreams. But it wasn't until an impromptu concert in Phoenix that

the trio realized there was an undeniable blend between their musical styles.

!

! "The show was just supposed to be a farewell for our family and friends who had

encouraged us individually to take a chance and move to Nashville to pursue country music.

We had no idea that night would plant the seed of becoming a band. Everyone kept asking

what our group's name was, and it became obvious that we had something really special

together," says concertina player and vocalist Cassandra.

! So in January of 2002, the eldest brother Jonathan was the first to pack up his little

truck and make the 28-hour drive. Cassandra followed suit 6 months later, with Jordan not

far behind. For the next several years, they each paid bills by working various industry jobs,

playing for several country artists including Sara Evans, Josh Turner and Lorrie Morgan.

! But it wasn't until May of 2008 when they met the easy going Indiana drummer, Tyler

Oban, that the story was set in motion. After a couple years of fitting shows in between

rigorous touring schedules and school, they reached a crucial fork in the road. On April 11,

2010 they all took a deep breath and a leap of faith, signing their names on a crumpled cafe

napkin that said "September 1, 2010 or Bust." Vowing to quit their jobs, and start their quest

to becoming full time artists. "It was probably the scariest time in our lives, walking away

from a steady paycheck and into the great unknown," vocalist, mandolin and fiddle player

Jordan Lawson said.

therailers.com

Colonnade Picnic Area

Teddy Spaghetti the Clown

Teddy’s Technicolor personality, balloon tricks and juggling have made him a Heart of Virginia Festival favorite with young and old alike. Just as engaging and enthralling for grandparents and parents as for the little ones, Teddy will be found in the center of a crowd wherever he is at the Heart of Virginia Festival 2012 (in the morning at the Colonnade).  He WILL bring a smile to your face, and a spring to your step (and you may even leave with a balloon hat!).

 Ashley Russell

Once upon a time, in a small town, there was a girl who dreamt of something big. Ashley Russell fell in love with the circus and the idea that it represented—the idea that a human being could create so much magic. The biology major then decided that not only was science of the body important, but also the science of art.

To this end she has devoted herself to the mastery of hula hoop art. One December day, she purchased her first hula-hoop and began to try out some tricks. After finding much success with one hoop, she began to add more and more hoops to the routine and even fire! Now she is a professional performer traveling on the east coast.

With a cheerful attitude and a willingness to cater to your needs, Ashley can create a fun routine for any occasion!  With programs anywhere from the importance of being healthy to boosting self-esteem, Ashley has you covered!

Ashley has traveled to Raleigh, Richmond, Va Beach and more! She has performed at festivals like Heart of Virginia and Amelia Day. She has performed at several charitable events including Relay for Life, March of Dimes, Hope Rally, and Red Flag Event. Ashley knows how to bring entertainment to any occasion and nothing can keep her down—after all, gravity is just a law made to be broken.