LINDA HARGROVE:

Florida native Linda Hargrove is a pioneer of womens role in country music as well as a significant contemporary force. Moving to Nashville in 1970, she established herself as a talent to be reckoned with. Linda was one of the first female session guitarists, and her songwriting skills garnered her many hits including "Tennessee Whiskey", #1 for George Jones and later covered by David Allen Coe, and the worldwide Olivia Newton-John smash, "Let It Shine".

She was a vocalist on many recording sessions including those of Leon Russell and Vern Gosdin, and wrote and recorded numerous national ad campaigns.

As a recording artist, Linda cut six albums from 1973-81 and appeared on TV and concert stages throughout the world.

In the late 80's she was diagnosed with terminal Leukemia. Returning to Southwest Florida to be with family, she underwent an experimental bone marrow transplant in 1990 in Tampa, and was the only one of 30 patients to survive the procedure.

She now divides her time between production duties at her studio in North Florida, and Nashville. Her newest album is "One Woman's Life". For more information on Linda, you can check out her website.

www.lindahargrove.com

JOHN MOONEY:

Bluesman John Mooney has been described by Keith Richard of the Rolling Stones as "My favorite American musician" and no wonder. Raised in Upstate New York, John got his tutelage from the legendary Son House the bluesman who inspired Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and all who followed.

John sings and plays authentic Delta blues like they sounded before the advent of recorded music. His many albums sell all over the world and his has huge followings in Europe and Australia as well as North America.

Simply stated, John Mooney is one of the leading blues practitioners in the world today, and his unbelievable live show is not to be missed.

BOB BOWMAN:

Bob Bowman is a singer/songwriter from Cape Coral, Fl who left a medical career to pursue his musical dreams. His first album, "Living In The Wind" has gotten critical acclaim and steady sales throughout SW Florida. Bob performs regularly in Ft, Myers, Captiva and Pine Island.

He has also worked extensively in radio and in concert production. This is Bob's initial SW Florida Songwriters Fest appearance.

WILDFIRE:

Wildfire is a high energy six-piece band from Ft. Myers that rules the Country scene in Southwest Florida. Fronted by dynamic singer Melinda Holloway and powered by the expert musicianship and stage presence of her veteran crew, Wildfire is an unforgettable entertainment experience.

In part what makes Wildfire stand out from the pack is the percussion of Julius Szalay, who doubles on guitar and harmonica. This Havana, Cuba native brings a unique perspective to Wildfire's New Country mix.

Wildfire has opened recently for Toby Keith, Tracy Lawrence, Rascal Flatts, and any other major country acts that comes to Southwest Florida.

DREW REID:

Drew Reid's bio is found elsewhere on this website. He is the producer and promoter of the SW Florida Songwriters Fest.