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!

Preston Tran, a 14 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!

Fresh Picked String Band is Winnsboro’s Mascot Band and plays whatever music happens to strike them from country, bluegrass, gospel, classics, to Americana. These four friends can often be found playing at the local coffee shop, the Fairfield County Farmers Market, or somebody’s church.

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 and has done so at countless local festivals. Heavy-hitting rock favorites laced with powerful guitar riffs is their usual musical sweet spot. Next in line are beloved Pop and R&B classics, with a few country songs and originals added for variety. They are ready and waiting to bring the fire to RF '25.

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!

Chris Reed and the Bad Kids are a suicide prevention band. These rockers put on a great show with their blend of originals, covers and their amazing genre-crossing mashups that bring out the bad kid in all of us!

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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. 

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

Steel Hands Brewery in Cayce hosted us on 7 September 2024. We had a great night despite only making $275 towards our fundraising goal for JFI. 

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.

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 and has done so at countless local festivals. Heavy-hitting rock favorites laced with powerful guitar riffs is their usual musical sweet spot. Next in line are beloved Pop and R&B classics, with a few country songs and originals added for variety. 

Our raffle winners will be announced. 

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 Rusrty Autrey, this 3-piece power trio will be nothing short of a big sound that brings a good time, every time! 

We had fun at the Tipsy Toad in Chapin and raised $718.15 towards our fundraising goal.!

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!

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!

Skits & Giggles This improv troupe is a secret gem of Newberry County! Catch their performances at the Ritz throughout the year.

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 and has done so at countless local festivals. Heavy-hitting rock favorites laced with powerful guitar riffs is their usual musical sweet spot. Next in line are beloved Pop and R&B classics, with a few country songs and originals added for variety. They are ready and waiting to bring the fire to the Toad!