Mary McCaslin, Singer / Songwriter

Mary McCaslin represents an unbroken link between traditional American folksingers and today's "new folk" singer-songwriters. Known for her songs about the West, its landscape, and its outlaws as well as her insightful songs about relationships, Mary has influenced countless other performers. For many years before her current solo career, Mary toured with legendary singer Jim Ringer. Together they helped keep folk music on the map through some very lean years.

Mary was a pioneer of open tunings, using them long before they gained their current popularity. In addition to her flawless fingerpicking style on the guitar, Mary also plays "clawhammer" (style) banjo using it to great (and unique) effect on such unlikely songs as "Blackbird" and "Pinball Wizard." These and other personalized arrangements of popular songs have consistently added to her appeal.

In April of 1994 Philo / Rounder released BROKEN PROMISES (sound), Mary's first recording of new material since 1980. On this album Mary takes a striking turn inward and tells her own story. With the release of "Broken Promises", Mary McCaslin reclaims her place among the most original and talented singer-songwriters of the folk and acoustic genre.

Ginny Mitchell, Artist / Producer

"Ginny has a style all her own as light as a feather or as charged as dynamite."
   - Larry Delaney [Editor of Country Music News]

Larry was one of the first to recognize Ginny's talent when she started her country music career in Canada. Her style, nurtured and groomed by her years in the wilds of Western Canada, delivers a charisma emanating straight from the heart. Embraced by her fellow Canadians, the *CCMA dubbed her Best New Artist. "Ginny Mitchell is creating fireworks across the country with her powerful vocal talent." - Larry Delaney

Ginny took Canada by storm, placing five hits into Canada's top 40 shortly after starting her recording career, which brought her talent to the attention of an entire nation. She's gone on to perform with country stars from Tammy Wynette to Ricky Scaggs, and k.d. lang to Alison Krauss.

Ginny is working on the soundtrack for "Sanctuary" a PBS high definition documentary about the Comstock wild horses. A fourth generation Santa Cruz native and Santa Cruz High graduate, she welcomes her friends to join her for this community event.

*Canadian Country Music Association.

Marty Collins, Executive Producer / Director

Marty Collins, brings over 31 years of experience in management, creative development, and production in television and motion pictures. Former Vice President of Broadcast Operations at Silicon Valley’s KTEH Ch54 public television.

Mr. Collins was President/CEO/General Manager of Starlite Studios, Inc., President/CEO of Darnell/Collins Productions, Inc., and Television Broadcast Operations Manager for Hewlett Packard Television Network.

At his current position with EBC, Mr. Collins oversees all aspects of the technology roll-out of EBC’s High Definition Network Event Centers, including the design, build-up, and rollout of the Physical complexes and their network infrastructure.

Paul Stapleton-Smith, Writer / Producer

Paul Stapleton-Smith has written, produced and directed video, film, and presentations for television and industry across the U.S., Europe, and South America, with a special emphasis on equine photography. Studying business administration and marketing at the University of Arizona, he has also prepared and acted as press spokesman and producer of live events for a variety of marketing, advertising, and public relations accounts, spanning 20 years. He is an avid horseman and conservationist.

Shari Ballenger, Associate Producer

Shari Ballenger has worked in the production of special events since 1978; she has produced and coordinated production in the television industry since 1999. Involved with horses for 11 years, she is a veteran Board Member of the American Vaulting Association. Her work includes 7 years in the veterinary management field, deepening her love and understanding for all two and four-legged creatures.

Andy Olson, Lighting Director

Andy Olson continues to teach television production at San Jose State University – providing a connection between the professional community and the ambitious students in the local university. Professional Strategy and Goal – As Andy teaches his students and as he conducts himself professionally, our responsibility to creating great television is to turn a 2 dimensional medium into 3 dimensions, to make those on camera look great and sound great, and to know the tools of production so well you can forget about them and make great art !! Strategic Alliances:Andy Olson has partnered with Sharecropper Films to create a digital domain for actor’s agencies to professionally prepare acting talent for the web through streaming auditions and alternative media presence.