Meet The Entertainers
Tim Spears
Background:
Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are a lot of country music lovers, but none that love it more than Tim Spears. Spears has been singing, writing and performing since the age of 11. While other children were out playing at all the family gatherings, he was inside listening to his dad and uncle sing all those old country songs - and between each song they would play, he would try to get a free guitar lesson from anyone who would show him anything. At the age of 17, Spears went to a high-school talent show, in the heart of the rock 'n roll era, and performed his rendition of "Easy Lovin'," and in the process received his first standing ovation. At this point, he knew country music would be his life's ambition. Spears, born on Christmas Day, still lives in his hometown of Waynesboro, Va., and has gained the respect and admiration of a town he really loves. The owner of Tim Spears Music City, a thriving Downtown Waynesboro music store, Spears is also the co-host of "Virginia Dreams Center Stage," a television show in its fourth season on WHSV-TV3 in nearby Harrisonburg, Va., which will make its national-television debut on RFD-TV in January.
"Just a few short years ago, I would have never dreamed of being on national television doing what I love to do," said Spears, who in addition to "Virginia Dreams Center Stage" is scheduled to do the "Shotgun Red Variety Show" in January 2012, an appearance on "Larry's Country Diner" in Feb. 2012, and also has appeared on The Nashville Network (TNN), The "Governor's Palace" in Pigeon Forge, performed on the "Ernest Tubb Record Shop Midnite Jamboree," "Gibson Showcase", "Country Today," as well as the "Nashville Cowboy Church" and the "Pigeon Forge Cowboy Church" . "Virginia Dreams Center Stage" hitting the big time is a dream come true, and it's important to Spears that he does things the right way. Spears calls his music "Positive Country and Gospel Music," and he has had the pleasure of performing his music live with the likes of Sissy Spacek, Christopher Reeve, The Statler Brothers, George Jones, Conway Twitty, John Anderson, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Sylvia, John Conlee, T. Graham Brown, Helen Cornelius, Jimmy Fortune, Linda Davis, Janie Fricke, David Ball, Ricochet, Michael Twitty, Lil' Roy Lewis, Rhonda Vincent, Ronnie Reno, Buddy Jewell, Ben "Cooter" Jones, Larry Stephenson, Exile and numerous others.
Spears also wrote and produced a hit song on NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., "Goodbye Dale," that sold by the thousands Stateside and internationally without backing or promotion from a major label. His newest CD release, "Satisfaction," on the Virginia Dreams Records label, is a collection of songs that track his evolution as a singer/songwriter, delving into topics including the parallel careers of himself and country superstar Alan Jackson and the ongoing debate over abortion.
Spears, also has two other released CD's recorded in Nashville entitled "Goodbye Dale" and "All In The Song". Spears, is now working in the Virginia Dreams Studio on his new release to be out in the summer of 2012.
Children and their well-being are very important to Spears. Each year for the last 30 years, with the last 4 of the 30 years VDCS has joined in ~ he has promoted a benefit concert for children from which 100 percent of the profits go to the needy children of the Waynesboro and Augusta County area. As of 2011, the Tim Spears' Christmas Fund has donated more than $300,000 to help make the Christmas dreams of local needy children come true.
Now one of Spears' dreams is coming true. With the help of Nelson and Rose Swartz, the owners of the Harrisonburg Auto Mall and the driving forces behind "Virginia Dreams Center Stage," the TV show is ready to hit the big time on RFD-TV and its 42 million subscribers. Spears is quoted saying " I am very honored to be a part of the RFD TV family, they have been a jewel to work with!" "I can never thank Nelson and Rose enough for the enormous opportunity they have giving my career, not only for myself but for all the artists they are generously sharing the television show with in the Valley along with the Nashville talent. I can never thank them enough, not only the opportunity to sing and share my writing ability with the world but to travel with Nelson and Miss Rose along with Tammy making precious memories that will last a lifetime. Again, I can not express the gratitude to Nelson and Rose Swartz along with the sponsor HarrisonburgAutoMall.com enough for this amazing dream come true," Spears said.
Spears has a very unique style all his own, that has won the praises of many of country's stars today. If you enjoy country music, you will enjoy Spears ! Spears, along with the other Virginia Stars can be seen on RFD TV Sunday nights @ 7:30 PM & again on Thursday nights @ 6:30 PM starting January 1, 2012. Enjoy their Dreams as they come true and watch for more magic to happen on the stage.
"Virginia Dreams Center Stage" CHANNEL: RFD-TV
WHEN: Sundays at 7:30 p.m., Repeat on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
MORE DETAILS: www.TimSpears.com
Dear Virginia Dreams Fans,
If you could see inside my heart right now, you would see excitement that is overflowing with blessings from God that is topped with my love for music. Never in a million years did I dream of being in your homes each week right before "Hee Haw".
As a child I would watch "Hee Haw" with my Granddaddy and dream of being on the show. Now I am on a show leading into the most famous country music show in history. My Granddaddy would be proud!
Well, I have to say I am proud of Tammy for standing behind me and helping me acquire my dream. Nelson and Rose for breathing new life into my music career ! Thanks to everyone who has devoted time to my music, and one day I hope to meet each and every one of you to personally thank you for your support ! Until then it means a lot to me that you are taking the time to read about me and my friends on VDCS.
I value my fans and your support for my music, our show along with our sponsor HarrisonburgAutoMall.com. We look forward to bringing you outstanding talent from our local area and Nashville stars.
My dream is that you, our fans, enjoy our show that Nelson and Rose along with Harrisonburg Auto Mall have delivered to your home. For that half-hour in your life, I hope we fill your heart with joy, you have a toe-tapping good time, and you can not wait to tune in next week.
Again, Thanks for watching our show and for being a fan.
Remember, A Dream Can Come True!
God Bless... Tim Spears
www.timspears.com
Awards:
Representing the Children and the Christmas Fund, Spears has received countless acknowledgements from Senators, City officials for his outstanding contributions as a volunteer. The most touching to his heart was receiving a Letter from the then Governor George Allen from the State of Virginia commending him for his outstanding citizenship and volunteering for the State.
It is An Honor to be on VDCS that is the most rewarding of all Awards!
- Chrysler Motors Country Music Invitational
- Wrangler Country Show Down
- Lowes Country Show Down
- South Boston Speedway Male Vocalist
- Male Vocalist Virginia Folk Music Association
- WKDW Battle Of The Bands Award
- 1990 Big Brother Big Sisters Music Opry Award
- 1991 Big Brother Big Sisters Music Opry Award
- 1992 Big Brother Big Sisters Music Opry Award
- 1992 Jaycees Outstanding Young Citizen Award
- 1993 Big Brother Big Sisters Music Opry Award
- 1994 Big Brother Big Sisters Music Opry Award
- 1997 Humanity Award
- 1998 Outstanding Citizen Award
- 2001 Rotary Club Service Award
- 2007 Humanitarian Award
Lisa Meadows
Lisa has accomplished quite a bit in her 22-year professional career. She recorded her first project in Nashville in 1989 for Jaron Records and has since recorded six more projects, including her new Virginia Dreams Records' cds entitled, "Lisa Meadows and the Virginia Dreams Band" and "This Is My Story", a collection of her favorite hymns.
She loves singing gospel music and can entertain you with a variety of country cover tunes from her singing heroes, Loretta Lynn, Connie Smith, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Reba and many more!
Lisa has been blessed to sing and share the stage with some of country music's finest singers such as, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis, Helen Cornelius, David Frizzell, Jimmy Fortune, Buddy Jewell, Janie Fricke, and many others. She was honored to perform with Ben "Cooter" Jones and the cast of the "Dukes of Hazard" at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. And has appeared on the Midnight Jamboree and Nashville's Cowboy Church. Lisa sang for a record crowd of 100,000 plus at Duke's Fest '06 in Nashville and she says all of this has been a dream come true!
Another dream was made a reality a few Christmases ago, when Lisa had a chart-topping song entitled, "His Promise To Me", written by Lynn Beckman. It peaked at #6 on the NCM charts and was played by DJs all over the world.
In 2008, Lisa was in Hollywood, CA representing the United States in The World Championships of the Performing Arts, a very prestigious international competition. Lisa wowed the judges and took the competition by storm. Her awards are as follows:
- Gold Medal - Female Gospel Vocalist - I Am Not Ashamed
- Gold Medal - Female Country Vocalist - Stand By Your Man
- Gold Medal - R&B Vocalist - Baby, I Love You
- Silver Medal - Open Category Vocalist - Sky Full of Angels
- Silver Medal – Variety Category Vocalist – Bridge Over Troubled Water
- Gold Medal – Photo Model
- Gold Medal – Industry Award Winner
- WCOPA Championship 2008 Overall Country Vocalist and R&B Vocalist
Virginia Dreams Center Stage has definitely been a great adventure for Lisa. She says, "Television is a wonderful tool for artists to share their talent, and I am so blessed to be a part of Virginia Dreams Center Stage. God is so good to me and I just want to entertain and touch people, make them smile and let them know that God loves them so much! I am so grateful for this opportunity. It's such a blessing having my husband, Robby and daughters Nikki and JoJo on the show with me. My daughters grew up in this industry and I'm so glad they share their beautiful voices with us. Virginia Dreams is exactly that! It's making dreams come true for many artists and musicians here in Virginia. Thank you Nelson and Rose Swartz, for your vision and including me and my family in it!" Lisa and the cast will be seen nationally on RFD-TV starting January1, 2012! And the dreams continue!
Emma Leigh
Emma Leigh is a 14-year old, up-and-coming singer from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Former Statler Brother and Hall of Fame member, Jimmy Fortune has said of her, “Emma has pipes! If she wants it, this girl will be a star. Her song, “Daddy's Little Girl” is one of the best I have heard in a long time. It made me cry!” Country star and Grammy winner, Linda Davis, recently said this of Emma, “Emma Leigh has a SUPER voice! If she wants, she can go far in country music!”
A charismatic performer and powerful vocalist, Emma has had a “dream come true” journey since being discovered at the age of 11, singing in a musical revue at a local youth theatre. Since then, she has become the youngest cast member of the “Virginia Dreams Center Stage” TV Show, currently airing on the RFD-TV cable network. She is also the youngest artist on the Virginia Dreams Record label and has completed her debut CD entitled, “I Wanna Be Rich”.
In the summer of 2011, Emma had the honor of opening for Chris Young at the Rockingham County Fair in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Emma has also appeared with famed artists such as Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers, Ricochet, Janie Fricke, Buddy Jewell, David Ball, Ronnie McDowell, T. Graham Brown, Helen Cornelius, David Frizzell, Micheal Twitty, Nothin' Fancy, Lil' Roy Lewis, Ronnie Reno, and Rhonda Vincent. She has also opened shows for Randy Travis, Wilson-Fairchild, and Country super-group, Exile, along with the other cast members of Virginia Dreams Center Stage.
Emma regularly appears at the Virginia Junior Opry, the River City Radio Hour, and other events/venues in the US from Tennessee to Maryland. Internationally, Emma has performed in Europe, appearing as a featured solo artist in Switzerland and France with the French-American Gospel Music Workshop Exchange, including a concert in Paris. Emma has also had the thrill of performing in major Nashville venues such as “The Nashville Palace”, “Tootsies World Famous Orchid Lounge”, “The Commodore”, “Cadillac Ranch”, “Rippy's”, and “Belcourt Taps and Tapas”.
With her continuing growth as a musician, Emma has begun to play guitar in her live performances, as well as wowing crowds with her ever-expanding saxophone talents. Her development as a guitarist has led to Emma signing her first major endorsement deal, as she has become a member of Daisy Rock Guitar's community of artists.
Emma enjoys performing for her fans and thanks you all for your support!Nothin Fancy
From the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia comes one of the most entertaining bands in bluegrass genre, "Nothin Fancy". As a matter of fact, they won the SPBGMA's award for Entertaining Group of the Year 3 times in a row!
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The Virginia Dreams Band
The Virginia Dreams Band has been together for over 10 years now. They have backed many artists including, T. Graham Brown, Buddy Jewell, Jimmy Fortune, Ben "Cooter" Jones and many others. In 2006 they played on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
The Virginia Dreams Band consists of band-leader and bass player, Robby Meadows. Robby has played on over 1,000 recordings and is highly respected by his piers.
He has been called "one of the most solid bass players" by many musicians.
Robby also serves as the engineer at Virginia Dreams Recording Studio.
He is the audio engineer for VDCS. He is married to Lisa and they have three daughters, Shannon, Nikki and JoJo.
Pat Burr is the lead guitar player. Pat has a style of his own but has been greatly influenced by Brent Mason, Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins, which are a few of his heroes.
Pat learned to play guitar from his father and credits him for his talent. Pat is originally from Texas and enjoys western swing music, which was introduced to him at an early age. His Mom and Dad had a band when he was a little boy and he would go with them and learned his craft very well. Pat resides in Waynesboro, VA with his wife, Star and son Patrick.
William Hayes is one the finest honky-tonk, blues and country piano players you will ever hear. He can entertain you with some "Jerry Lee" or move you with his rendition of "Last Date". He has such heart when he plays and you will definitely see and hear that. William is originally from Ringgold, VA and comes from a musical family. William now resides in Staunton, VA with his wife, Leslie and son, Willie.
The drummer, Kevin Hinkle brings delight to everyone! He is fondly known as "the Bear" and has backed many artists in his career as a drummer. Kevin resides in Timberville, VA with his wife, Beverley. They have two grown children, Veronica and Ian.
Back-up Singers
Nikki Stroupe and JoJo Meadows have grown up in this industry. Being the daughters of Robby and Lisa Meadows, they have been singing together as long as they can remember. Their beautiful voices, whether singing with their Mom, together, individually or backing a national artist, will touch your heart. The family harmony is definitely a plus and they add so much to the show.
Nikki is a 2011 JMU graduate with a major in Psychology and a minor in Music Industry. She is currently attending graduate school at Eastern Mennonite University, where she is receiving her masters in counseling.
JoJo is attending LFCC for her degree in Education. JoJo loves children and believes in investing in children's lives to encourage and nurture them to be all they can be. She will be receiving an Assoc. Degree in Education in the spring of 2012 and will continue her education to major in Early Childhood Education.
Becca
Rebecca "Becca" Gogue, has established herself as a vocal songbird that can belt out a song with a voice that is as powerful as it is recognizable. She has the power behind the vocals to deliver a song that will send cold chills down your spine. Becca has based her career on dedication, passion and commitment to her music. Combined with her unparalleled vocal talents and style in with her pageantry talent, you have a powerhouse of talent waiting to explode on Virginia Dreams Stage.
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T. Graham Brown
There is only one T. Graham Brown, and his uniqueness has made him one of the most enduringly popular singers performing today. He is a journeyman and a songwriter whose blue-eyed soul sound defies musical boundaries. He has penned several hit country songs and has garnered twelve top ten hits, a CMA award and a long list of national radio and television jingles including; Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Budweiser, Ford Trucks, Harrah's Casino's, and 7-Up. He has earned recognition in the Commercial Hall of Fame in Chicago as the face and voice of Taco Bell's "Run For the Border" campaign for 4 continuous years.
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