Entertainment at the Banana Split Festival

Entertainment Line up

Here's a sampling of the fabulous free concerts at the 2011 festival - the traditional rock 'n roll you've come to love at the festival, as well as other varieties.

Passion

Saturday at 8:00

PASSION is a fun and exciting, high energy group of superbly talented entertainers that perform with musical authenticity a "real variety" of music.

PASSION was originally founded by Ron Rille who was joined soon after by his brother Al Rille. The brothers, long-time residents of Las Vegas, Nevada, are classically trained multi-instrumentalists and are accomplished musician/vocalist/entertainers having done many professional recording sessions and tours throughout the USA and the world. As a teenager Ron began songwriting which led to a major label recording contract. Al continued his formal training in Los Angeles, adding film scoring, orchestral arranging, and jazz improvisation to his repertoire. Joining them is front person extraordinare and one of the nations most outstanding vocalist/entertainers Ms Sarah Linn. Sarah is a native southeast Ohioan born and raised in small town Waterford, at the dairy farm her family owns and operates. An Ohio State University mathematics graduate she now resides in Marquette, which is located in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Creating the thunder in the rhythm section and completing the group is drummer Tim Lloyd. His musical history includes performances and tours with many popular artists throughout Europe, the Caribbean Islands, and the USA.

Together these four entertainers provide one of the most fun and exciting performances you can experience.

Click here to view the PASSION "Music Variety" Video

Formed in 2004, Streetwise has been entertaining audiences throughout the TriState area with a masterful blend of vocal harmonies and powerful, driving melodies. Performing hits from the 60's through the 90's, Streetwise delivers an evening of hand clapping, sing-a-long excitement for all ages, that will have you saying "I love that song!"

Five members strong, Streetwise brings over a century of musical expertise to the stage. The Band members have been lucky enough through the years to perform with both Regional and National Artists.

Dee Mohr (Lead Vocals) West Chester, Ohio A gifted song stylist, Dee transforms any song into her own creation. Dee's versatility is evident whether belting out a new ballad, an older rhythm and blues tune or an up-tempo rock and roll number from today. A natural performer, Dee fronts the Band with true style and generates high-powered entertainment.

Tim Evans (Guitar and Vocals) Jamestown, Ohio - Always a showman, Tim burns up the fretboard with unforgettable, lightning fast, rock solid leads and spot-on fill rhythms. Tim is at home with all genres of music, despite his youth. (He is the baby of the Band!).

Brooke Storer (Drums) Wilmington, Ohio The heart of the Band, Brooke is the driving force behind Streetwise. Although the newest member of the Band, Brooke controls the center of the stage with complete confidence and unsurpassed timing. The varied musical styles that Streetwise covers in its shows allows Brooke to use all his skills.

(J.B.) Jim Brandehoff (Keyboards and Vocals) Wilmington, Ohio A mainstay in the Wilmington, Ohio music scene for decades. Performing with the likes of The Romers, Changes, and The Reynolds Brothers Band, JB has always been a multi-instrument virtuoso. JB is the musical genius behind the Streetwise sound. He infuses Streetwise with incredible bass lines and hauntingly beautiful and complex solos, all at the same time.

Tony Massara (Percussion and Vocals) Wilmington, Ohio A performer since the age of 3, Tony's ability to add extra percussion lines to songs provides a complete sound that other bands are unable to emulate. Also a former member of The Reynolds Brothers Band, Tony has been around the Wilmington music scene since 1975. Besides his percussion and vocals, Tony also designs the lighting show and set list for the Bands' performances.

Some of the monumental songwriters that are represented in their repertoire include Fats Waller, the Gershwin brothers, Kahn/Jones, Young/Lewis and hank Williams. The joy and passion that the Sunrise Stringband exude while making music is contagious and will get inside the listener and provide them with an emotionally moving and memorable experience.