Meet our Performers

Ron Counts spent over 30 years in the music industry before returning home to Newberry where he was born and raised.  RC Entertainment has pleased crowds from Greenwood to Myrtle Beach and gained followers from all over the U.S. today. He will gain more when doors open and between acts during BOTH days of our event!

John M. Starino is a 41 year resident of South Carolina. Last year he remembered his parents John and Alice’s 20 year anniversary of “crossing the veil” for he was their caregiver. 2025 looks to be a year of adventure for John! Having roots in the Poetry Slam community and four books of poetry under his belt, he has projects which will be completed during this year. John is returning to open Ritz Fest for the second year in a row. Join with our Mission to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention!

Mark Wirly aka “Minnesota Mark”, originally from Minnesota has been playing music since he was seven years old. Taught by his father to play the accordion, he grew up with a deep love for music. Now a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, his songs focus on uplifting, raw, and introspective themes. Inspired by guitar legends like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Warren Haynes, Minnesota Mark brings heartfelt storytelling and skilled guitar work to the stage. 

Preston Tran, a 15 year old singer-songwriter is a hit at open mic nights at the Aristocrat and at other venues around Columbia. His musical influences include artists from the 80's and 90's along with current artists like Ed Sherran, Shawn Mends, One Direction, Justin Beiber and Lewis Capaldi. Come enjoy this young man!

Wombat Junction is a band rooted in rock but not bound to its limitations. Each member brings a unique vision when combined becomes a musical Voltron of sorts that results in a sound both comfortably familiar and thought-provoking unique.

Bringing the energy of BIG VARIETY, No Holds Barred Band is a premier entertainment band. This versatile group of talented musicians  - Mike Lockaby, Andy Shull,  Amy Lockaby, Alan Walker, and Bart Cotchcroft - will provide a perfect musical touch. to Ritz Fest Eve.

Ron Counts spent over 30 years in the music industry before returning home to Newberry where he was born and raised.  RC Entertainment has pleased crowds from Greenwood to Myrtle Beach and gained followers from all over the U.S. today. He will gain more when doors open and between acts during BOTH days of our event!

The Newberry High School Chorus is under the direction of Ms. Hannah Collins.

bliss was formed out of the tragedy of guitar player Aizik's twin brother's suicide. They decided to rock on even through their own personal struggles. They realized music heals and can bring so many together. Playing predominantly 90s grudge and alternative, they bring the nostalgia and happiness the world wants and needs right Now.

Jessi (J. Rae) Wood, a Louisiana native who lives in Edgefield, SC, plays a mix of Cajun, Bluegrass, and Country originals and covers. Jessi can often be seen picking away at Bill's Pickin' Parlor in Columbia and runs Edgefield County Society for Acoustic Preservation, a group aimed at promoting acoustic music in Southern Central South Carolina.

Kristin Caughman, a native of Newberry, has been passionate about music since childhood. A full-time music educator and singer/songwriter, she blends her love for music with a commitment to raising awareness for mental and emotional health wellness. Having faced her own struggles with mental and emotional wellness, she understands the profound importance of being heard and the transformative power of music in healing and connection.

Public Mind is a high energy alternative rock trio that knows no bounds when it comes to their music. Punk roots, and a wide range of other influences results in a sound that is unique and distinct.

The Bucket Brigade is a Newberry born community percussion ensemble based out of Munson Music. It was created by Vidal Tapia who collected and customized the equipment. The Bucket Brigade has marched in parades in the Upstate, Party and the Pines, Irish Fling and Oktoberfest and is excited to once again open up RitzFest with a short set.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Gabriel Flores (30) found a home in the city of soul Augusta, GA.  Gabriel is a multi-instrumentalist and a singer songwriter, but one that doesn’t wish to be defined by genres. He empathizes finding inspiration from real life when it comes to making his music and was personally effected by suicide last year when the women he was with took her own life in their apartment in Augusta.  Gabriel plans to share some of the songs he wrote about her with the crowd  at Rit

Watson Village is an indie roots alternative band with blues guitar and country songwriting influence. Started in 2014, this quartet recorded their first EP, Watson Village was recorded with Alex McCollum of Stagbriar. Watson Village features Ben Alvarado on drums, Pierce Koichi on bass, Lalon Swaney on guitar, and Tyler Watson on guitar and vocals. They strongly support our cause!

Formed in 2023 when guitarist/singer Aaron Allsbrook met JP Hazel (drums) and Michael Bailey (bass) in a dive bar in Columbia, SC, executive dysfunction plays original music with a blues-y punk sound interlaced with themes of mental health and social topics. 

Blackwater HWY is an acoustic duo out of Columbia, SC. Tom Reke and John Benton met in early 2023 and hit it off immediately and continue to laugh as they play everything from outlaw country to alternative. You'll enjoy their acoustic twists to well known popular songs.

Get ready to be rocked by Newberry's own family band! Born inside Munson Music in 2019, Five on Fire is driven by an intense desire to share their musical passion with the Newberry community. They are ready and waiting to bring the FIRE to Ritz Fest '25!

Chris Ash is a local singer songwriter from Columbia, SC. After starting to play guitar in middle school, he put it down for years until he rediscovered his passion in the 90s. His live performances are known for extended sets in which he weaves in and out of several songs at once. Blessed with a bluesy, growling vocal tone, Chris is able to meld to many genres and leans towards classic rock, blues, and country. He currently performs locally and continues to write and record original music.

Specializing in a mix of 80s and 90s country with southern rock and delta blues, The Dirt Road Disciples bring an energetic show to the stage! Made up of Thom Edmunds, Dave Watson, and SC Hall of Fame member Rusty Autrey, this 3-piece power trio will be nothing short of a big sound that brings a good time, every time! 

The Killer Beez is South Carolina's rocking variety band that brings a high energy performance of your favorite hits to the stage.