Cedar Creek, a blend of new and modern country music, offers original music performed by a group of very professional and talented musicians. Here is a different look at country music with a personal style. The band has a fresh appeal to their audiences, a twist to their songs and an excellent method of performance.
The members of the group have written their own songs that will be showcased in an upcoming CD. Chris Salamone, engineer, record producer, and sound technician for Lee Roy Parnell says, " Cedar Creek is a very promising young band, a joy to work with." Dick Clark writes, "Cedar Creek comes through as a wonderful proponent of the classic country sound."
The group has performed with popular artists such as Randy Travis, Rascal Flatts, Buddy Jewell, Gary Allan, Terri Clark, Tracy Byrd, Brad Paisley, Shenandoah, Hank Williams III, Blue County, Patty Loveless, Gretchen Wilson, Pinmonkey, Rachel Proctor, Kevin Sharp, The Warren Brothers, .38 Special, Trick Pony and has had requests to perform with Doug Stone, Joe Diffie, Lee Roy Parnell, Mark Wills, Wynona, Randy Travis, Joe Nichols and many more. They have performed in the many venues around Virginia and the surrounding states and have developed a loyal fan following. Their major venues have been The Wildhorse Saloon (Nashville, TN.) The Richmond Coliseum (Richmond, VA.), Cattle Annie's (Lynchburg, VA.), Cancun Cantina (Baltimore, MD.), The Landmark Theater (Richmond, VA.), Innsbrook (Glen Allen, VA.), The Longbranch Saloon (Raleigh, NC.), Summer Fest 2004 (Norfolk, VA.) and Country Fest 2004 in front of 45,0000 people (Richmond, VA.). Cedar Creek's performances have a personal style that can take you anywhere with a warm and comfortable feel of country.
The band was selected as one of the five finalists in the 1999 Jim Beam's Back Room Country Band Search, a nationwide talent search. This was an opportunity to perform their original music in front of country music executives and open for The Warren Brothers, at The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. "Cedar Creek put on a great show," said Alan Cohen, vice president of brand management at Jim Beam Brands Co. "We are excited to have the opportunity to help these emerging musicians on the path to success in country music."
Cedar Creek takes pride in what they do. They feel that every show has its own unique performance of personality and presentation. This is always proven time after time with the return of the fans and the appearance of new faces. The road to success may take a lot of hard work and perseverance but Cedar Creek has the dedication and talent to make it a great trip.
Meet Cedar Creek
Danny Kensy - Vocals & Keyboards
Danny has been performing on stage ever since elementary school. He has been a constant in vocal groups throughout elementary school, middle school, high school and college. Danny has written many original country selections that have been noticed by national contests, national radio and national television.
Personal Quote: "Pave your own road to success. Never give up!"
Throughout his career in music and musical business, Danny has met many amazing people. He continues to show his love and support of country music through his writing and work ethics.
Mark Imes - Drums & Vocals
Mark Imes is married and has three children. He and his wife Angie have made their home in his home town of Richmond, Virginia . He enjoys all sports, especially football, baseball, and NASCAR racing. Mark’s favorite thing to do off of the stage is to spend time with his family doing the simpler things like going to the park or having family game night at home.
Mark started playing music at an early age when his brother talked his parents into letting him play the drums in elementary school. He continued his education through middle school and throughout high school. Mark has been with several very successful bands as well as working as a studio drummer in Richmond .
Mark is the only remaining member of the original Cedar Creek line up. He has seen many Cedar Creek family members move on to other agendas. “Every single Cedar Creek member, past and present, is responsible for the success that Cedar Creek has achieved thus far”. Mark is very excited about the current Cedar Creek lineup. He is convinced that their musicianship and vocal harmonies are going to knock your socks off.
Mark has many musical influences from rock to jazz. His greatest musical influence is this brother Chris. Chris was an average guitar player with an average voice but the confidence Chris had in him put himself in a class above everything else. Although Chris is not here in body, his self-confidence and passion for music lives on in every one of Mark’s performances. Mark’s motto is to work hard, have confidence in yourself, and never forget your dreams. Dreams do come true.
Mark’s favorite saying: “we all get paid to set up and tear down the equipment, but we play for free”.
Scott Gibbs - Vocals, Bass Guitar & Acoustic Guitar
Scott Gibbs is a Nashville recording artist having recorded an album in 2002 with producer Jeff Moore (nephew of George Jones). He has traveled all over the U.S. touring with many bands such as Pamala Sue Wright from Nashville and the Virginia based band, Storm Rider. Coming back to Virginia after traveling the southeast and living in Florida for six years is a welcome change. He brings with him back home his talent of singing and songwriting and joins new friends in the best country band in Virginia , Cedar Creek.
Sam Keene - Guitar, Vocals
Sam was born in Southwest Virginia and grew up in Tennessee. His first musical instrument was a bugle he purchased in a Nashville pawnshop when he was 9 years old. His early influence was The Beatles, and he soon found himself listening to artists from a variety of genres such as Led Zeppelin, Chicago, Wilson Pickett, Merle Haggard, and a host of others. His professional career, which encompasses over 35 years, began as a percussionist and woodwinds player and he began playing guitar in college. Sam received scholarships to East Tennessee State University and David Lipscomb University where he received degrees in Music Performance.
As a studio musician in Nashville, Sam worked at Music City Studio, Woodlawn Studio, and RCA Studios. His first recording was with a group called The Concepts who later, with a new name, Corduroy Frog, were signed to RCA. Throughout his early career, he played in several regional bands, Milk and Honey, Isaiah, Falling Rock, Piedmont Market, Pyramid, Avatar and Ron Moody and the Centaurs. Sam has also opened for such well-known acts as Steppenwolf, Foghat, Blackfoot, The Jordanaires, Rascal Flatts and many more.
Says Sam, "My greatest reward is playing for people who enjoy and appreciate the music I play".