7th Annual Rhythms on the Rio Benefit Announced

Article Contributed by Groove On Music | Published on Tuesday, July 10, 2012

For the 7th year we are celebrating summer on the banks of the mighty Rio Grande with music of all genres. From Songwriters to Soul, Bluegrass to Jazz, Music, Arts, Vendors and throw in some square dancing to keep your feet stompin’ all weekend long. Freelance artists will be on the festival grounds painting what is inspiring them at the moment. There will be a $10.00 parking charge (pack the car full, the more the merrier ) and you will have access to the festival. You won’t want to miss these two days of fun in South Fork, Colorado. Camping on site for $20.00 per person all weekend long. Come on out and enjoy the artists below. Camping, hiking/biking/fishing from site, dancing, horseshoe contest, inner tube race, wagon rides, kids activities, art contest, golf chipping contest, campfire jam & tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides on the festival grounds. 

  • The Derailers- You can currently listen to the Derailers on the OUTLAW COUNTRY CHANNEL or catch them on both days of our festival. They are coming off a successful performance at the Grand Ole Opry and are ready to tear up South Fork.  They are not to be missed.
  • New Orleans Suspects – A SUPERGROUP of the originators of the New Orleans Sound. They have played with the who’s who of New Orleans and have been original members of the Neville Bros., the Radiators, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and many more.  They will be closing out the festival on Sunday night.
  • Whitewater Ramble – a Colorado homegrown Bluegrass crossover that is making the rounds to all the large festivals in the country. Self described as “High-Octane Rocky Mountain DanceGrass".  WWR will perform on Sunday.
  • Chuck Pyle – We are proud to be hosting the “Zen Cowboy”. Most will know him as the songwriter for various artists such as John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Suzy Bogguss as well as penning “Cadillac Cowboy” for Chris LeDoux. Mr. Pyle will perform Saturday.
  • Susan Gibson – The CMA award-winning songwriter (the Dixie Chicks took the Gibson-penned “Wide Open Spaces” to the top for four weeks) has been hitting the road consistently over the past 14 years, touring nationally in support of her own brand of Texas-Americana-folk music. Ms. Gibson will be performing on Saturday.
  • Tony Vines Musical Ministry – Tony recently was awarded Song and Instrumental of the year by the Country Gospel Music Association.  The SFMA is proud to have Tony grace our stage on Sunday morning as he will be performing originals and traditional hymns. Tony will kick off the festival Sunday morning.
  • Waiting on Trial – Never having any interest in doing things the standard way, the band plays almost entirely original material, occasionally throwing in the unexpected cover song.  You might hear a song from Social Distortion or an obscure cover stolen from some random 80's movie soundtrack thrown into the mix at a WOT show. WOT will play Saturday.
  • MoJones – A local favorite from Creede that is sure to have you dancing in your seat as they perform blues, funk and soul. MoJones will perform Saturday.
  • The Scrugglers - Goodtiming rowdy mountain tubgrass from Durango, Colorado. Slaves to the bluegrass beat, bring your dancing boots, this power-trio is known to throw down for the faithful. Formed from a weekly local jam these guys have been taking their high energy acoustic based music around the four-corners area.
  • High Valley Swingers – Monte Vista square dancing group that will have a caller and perform on stage.  Who knows who will be pulled on stage to participate? Performance will be Sunday.
  • Kirk James Band - Kirk James is solidly grounded in the Texas Blues tradition, playing Ragtime, Texas Shuffles and funky grooves. His unmistakable phrasing mixed with bottleneck slide conjures images of T-Bone Walker, Elmore James and Lightning Hopkins. A blues performer of 20 years, Kirk is known for his strong blues guitar style and distinctive vocals. James plays both original material and also classics from the Blues Masters.
  • The Conchords - Up and coming band from the San Luis Valley.

Please remember the festival has always been a Benefit event with the SFMA working with different organizations from the San Luis Valley. This year we will sponsor a food drive with the San Luis Valley Food Bank. Canned food goods or monetary donations will be asked for at the gate to help the less fortunate in our surrounding area.