Pictured Front Row (Left to Right)

Pictured Front Row (Left to Right) Other Crew Members (not pictured)
Kirk Gibbs Keys & Vocals
Russ Birtola Lead Vocals
Mark Jones Guitar & Vocals
Pictured Back Row (Left to Right)
Michael Ray
Ben Street
Sal Birtola
Mike Rose
Kevin Sowdon
Rich Wise
Noah Ploch-Jones
Fiddle & Vocals
Drums & Vocals
Bass & Vocals
Guitar & Vocals
For Information & Availability
Harmony West Entertainment, Inc. Phone: (408) 592-8553 | Contact: Mike Rose
Email: [email protected]
Sound Engineer
Stage Manager
A/V and Assistant
Stage Manager
ennessee River was formed in January of 2002 with the idea of bringing back and paying tribute to
one of the most influential and vocally dynamic country bands of our time – Alabama. Receiving over
150 industry awards including 8 country music “Entertainer of the Year” honors, 2 Grammy’s, 2 People’s
Choice Awards, “Artist of the Decade” recognition by the Academy of Country Music, “Country Group
of the Century” honors from the RIAA, induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (one of only two
bands ever to get that honor) and their very own star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” there is no
doubt that Alabama has become an icon in music history. Given that kind of illustrious track record, this
is why Tennessee River was born — to spotlight an incredible band that really to this day has never
been recognized by any tribute project to the degree they should be...until now.
Already established as a strong cross-over seven-part harmony project, the members of Tennessee
River wanted to showcase their vocals by tapping into a band they felt changed the industry and sparked
a whole new era of mainstream country music that appealed to all ages and all walks of life — from
traditional country diehards to hard-core pop and rock fanatics alike. What better choice than Alabama
— a band whose wholesome songs offer non-offensive lyrics and awe-inspiring harmonies that touch
the heart and bring forth strong family values and patriotism.
Prior to forming Tennessee River, the guys had performed in various country and rock projects, and
have been frequently compared to such legendary bands as the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Diamond Rio,
and of course Alabama. What better way to pay homage to a mega group like Alabama then to truly
represent them the way they should be — “raw” and original just like they were during their unstoppable
rein from 1980 till today. Tennessee River combines the essence of Alabama with their own unique
sound and live show to produce both a visual and audible feast that is sure to please audiences of all
ages. Tennessee River’s tribute to Alabama offers a walk down memory lane with more than a decade
of 41 #1 hits that span the career of Alabama and is sure to give your audience a reason to sing along
and dance...again.
The band is comprised of lead singer Russ Birtola, bassist Sal Birtola, guitarist Mark Jones, guitarist Mike Rose, keyboardist Kirk Gibbs, fiddle player Michael Ray, and drummer Ben Street. The band
continually wows every crowd they perform for, and now gaining much acclaim as Tennessee River,
the guys can now offer a new generation of listeners the opportunity to enjoy the influential sounds of
Alabama in a way they feel gives Randy, Teddy, Jeff and Mark the recognition they truly deserve.
95.3 KRTY Radio, San Jose CA
95.7 The Wolf, San Francisco CA
Tapestry Festival, San Jose CA
Red Cross, Alexandria VA
Ballard’s Firehouse, Seattle WA
Beverly Hilton, Hollywood CA
Boulder Creek Fire Dept
City of Lakewood
Viper Room, Los Angeles CA
Rockin’ Rodeo, Sacramento CA
The Saddlerack, Fremont CA
Palidino’s, Los Angeles CA
Livermore Winery
Hard Rock Casino, Las Vegas NV
Eagle Mtn. Casino, Porterville CA
Alamo Dome River City Bikefest
Hard Rock Cafe, SF CA
Konocti Harbor & Resort, CA
Morgan Hill Mardi Gras, CA
San Jose Music in the Park, CA
Anaheim NAMM Show, CA
Tucson Sportspark, AZ
San Jose SOFA Festival, CA
Gilroy Garlic Festival, CA
Harley Davidson Cycles
The Rodeo Club, San Jose CA
HP Pavilion Sabercats Football
Fox Theater, Los Angeles CA
Fremont Art & Wine, CA
Fiddle & Steel, Nashville TN
Coach House, SJ Capistrano
City of San Martin
Whether they’re playing as a headliner or supporting some of the greatest Rock/Pop/Latin/Country
acts from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, Tennessee River commands their audiences with their powerful 7-part harmonies and stage presence. Playing to both large and small audiences and venues alike,
even prior to their incarnation as Tennessee River, the band has consistently proven their talent and
professionalism over a very broad and eclectic range of musical styles. Alex Ligertwood, front man of
the 70’s super group Santana, has stated:
Though the band plays primarily as either a headliner or an opener to some of the most well-known
country acts in the world, Tennessee River has also followed other creative paths to expand their
musical palettes. Much in the same way the Eagles sung back-up harmonies and played for Linda
Ronstadt before they hit it big, the band has both musically and vocally supported some of the most
influential front men and players in rock and roll today. Below is a partial list of artists that the members
of Tennessee River have both opened for and supported over the past few years:
lonestar rascalflatts blackhawk taylorswift ericchurch
martinamcbride chriscagle joshgracin theoutlaws restless
heart oneflewsouth saraevans jasonmichaelcarrol santana
lukebryan bellamybrothers rareearth chrisladoux survivor