Three years after becoming the only artist to win American Idol singing his own songs, 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG country artist Chayce Beckham is living proof of his belief that “You can’t tell someone how to write a song.” Currently nominated at this year’s CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year for his PLATINUM hit single “23” surging toward #1 on country radio, the fiery singer-songwriter laid out a course only he could follow, and today remains even more dedicated to his unique creative compass. A California native schooled on tough times and a mix of country, rock, hip hop and beyond, Beckham started a habit of heart-on-his-sleeve songwriting after some hard times when he felt he had nothing left – and when combined with his warm vocal rasp on “23,” that drive helped him charm the nation on Idol’s 19th season in 2021. With more than 358 million streams and counting, the bluesy and brutally honest anthem debuted at #1 on both iTunes’ Country and All Genre singles charts, and now leads Beckham’s first album, Bad for Me, as the emerging star finds his stride. Co-writing nine of 13 songs (three solo), the project shows Beckham opening his soul like most would never dare and embracing a timeless country-rock sound defined by fiddles, steel guitar, and plenty of against-the-grain attitude. With dusky shades of heroes like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, the set aims to reinforce next-big-thing predictions from CMT, Amazon Music, MusicRow and more, while Beckham hits the road this summer on Luke Bryan’s “Mind Of A Country Boy” Tour and his own headlining 2024 “Bad for Me” Tour.
In 2024, The Van-Dells will celebrate 50 years of entertaining audiences of all ages with their unique blend of comedy, choreography and tight harmonies. The Van-Dells have been called “The 3 Stooges set to music.” This will be their last year of touring.
The three main characters in the show are Duke, Mark and Moose. Each one is a lead singer and each brings a different dimension to the show. The Van-Dells begin their show representing the last graduating class of Van-Dell High School that closed down in 1958.
Stacy P. Todd, better known as Duke, is the no-nonsense tough guy. Duke never smiles and is the brunt of most of the jokes. He keeps the band in line so things don’t get out of hand and the show can continue. He is happy as long as the show runs smoothly. Duke got his name from doing The Duke Of Earl. Duke is an original member that began in 1974. He has been with The Van-Dells for 50 years.
Mark Barnett is the comedian and the nerd of the group. He gives Duke a hard time throughout the comedy portion of the show. His goal is to make Duke smile. He ad-libs every night to accomplish his goal. Mark’s specialty segment is a Roy Orbison Tribute. Mark joined in 1980. He traveled with “The Vogues” for several years before joining The Van-Dells. This year Mark celebrates his 44th year.
We were pleased to welcome back Steve “Moose” Ricks to the group 8 years ago. Steve is an original member of The Van-Dells. He has returned to reprise his role as the loveable, educationally-challenged jock. He and Mark gang up on Duke with their antics and special brand of comedy. Their goal is to make Duke laugh. In the second half of the show, “Moose” transforms into Steve and delivers a must see Elvis impersonation.
The Van-Dells are a tribute to the 50’s and 60’s. The show begins in the 50’s. Dressed in letter sweaters, The Van-Dells hit the stage running with songs like At The Hop and Morse Code of Love, along with Doo Wop favorites and never slow down. The non-stop show continues with “Glitter and Gold” which made the 1960s famous. The audience will be taken on a nostalgic trip through time reliving the magical era.
Depending on the show, one or more “special guest stars,” Duke Of Earl, Roy Orbison, Elvis, Ray Charles, and others, will appear.
The Van-Dells appeal to audiences of all ages with a family show containing music that appeals to everyone. They are comedy, choreography and good harmony. The Van-Dells are “The Nation’s #1 Rock N’ Roll Review.”
The Van-Dells consist of eleven people, three vocalists who front the show, and a five-piece band (Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums & Saxophone). Three of the crew operate the sound and lighting and handle merchandising.
Each year, the Ohio River Sternwheel festival draws crowds of up to 100,000 people to Ohio’s oldest city for a party in the streets. At the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, festival-goers enjoy paddle-wheelers, events, and the famous fireworks display. Our sponsors and volunteers are essential for the continuation of this beloved festival tradition in our riverboat town.
Help new generations fall in love with historic Marietta by supporting the area’s biggest annual celebration.
The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Ohio takes place the weekend after labor day. Enjoy a weekend of family fun, fireworks and more. Admission is free.