2012 Miami County Fair Premium List — 35
Tent
Entertainment HIGGINS-MADEWELL
THE KATE HASTING BAND
A career in Country Music didn’t even seem like a possibility for aspiring artist, Kate Hasting. Growing up in the small town of New Carlisle, Ohio, Kate had always been active in any type of performing the community had to offer—but the bright lights of Nashville seemed just a little too far out of reach. “Most people around here stay around here. Why wouldn’t they? This area has everything you need. I love the small town feeling of knowing my way around and knowing everyone,” Kate reflects, “I guess the thought of leaving New Carlisle or my family to further my love for writing and singing seemed a little far-fetched”.
The music of HigginsMadewell is a combination of strong vocals, acoustic guitar and heartfelt original lyrics that is difficult to classify as one specific genre. Their original music, for example, ranges from the country sound of their very popular "Like a Stone" and "Little Things" to the bluesy/folky sounds of "Livin Blue" and "Voice For the Children." Their music appeals to a broad range of people and their fan base spans from teens to retirees. Their stage compatibility and humor is often compared to Johnny Cash and June Carter. Both artists have dedicated their careers to music, have a broad background of musical experience, and in previous bands have opened for national acts including The Plain White T's, Rick Derringer, Firehouse, The Tubes, XYZ, Shotgun Messiah, Baton Rouge, Lillian Axe, White Trash, Hurricane, and Metal Church. Their influences include AC/DC, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Beth Hart. This may sound like a strange combination, but once you've seen them perform it makes perfect sense! Their versatility, professionalism, dedication and genuine love for the audience are very apparent. Erin Higgins' incredible vocal range allows her to cover everything from the low register of Billy Joel's "Piano Man" to Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" and Guns N' Roses "Sweet Child o' Mine," then seamlessly flow into a performance of "Me & Bobby McGee" that will leave you stunned. In addition she plays acoustic guitar and harmonica (she is also quite the fiddler/violinist!). She's been performing live for more than 15 years. Jeff Madewell has performed in live bands since the age of 16. After winning a battle with Cancer and the loss of the majority of his vision at 19, he dedicated himself solely to music and the music industry. He managed several of his former bands including "Madewell," who opened for national acts, received radio airplay and traveled and performed at a multi-state level. He recorded and produced the Higgins-Madewell CD "Spider Bite" at his production studio as well as his former band Love Junkie's CD "Is This Us?." Both are solid evidence of his musical skill and understanding, and his commitment to quality sounding music. Their new CD, Sweet Medicine, released May 14, 2011 at Hobart Arena in Troy, OH, is currently seeing a lot of success both at a local and national level.
MIKE HEMMELGARN Mike has been fascinated with the art of ventriloquism since the age of eight and juggling since the age of sixteen. He went door-to-door selling newspaper subscriptions to earn enough money to purchase his first "dummy", a hard wood puppet named "Bob". Bob is now in retirement and Mike uses mostly sculpted foam and latex puppets. He first learned to juggle with tennis balls and has evolved to bowling balls, knives, machetes, torches and other ridiculous things! Finally, magic and balloon sculpting were incorporated to compliment one of the most unique acts in the business. Since graduating from Wright-State University in Dayton, OH. Mike has performed at thousands of Corporate Events, Schools, Libraries, Fairs & Festivals, and Theatres. Mike, his lovely (and very fortunate) wife, and three children happily reside in Springboro, OH.