The Little Big Band is one of the best bands in the Austin area. They perform over 1200 songs, so can please all age groups. They are an ideal band for galas, corporate events or private parties and can perform as a five piece band, or all the way up with a 3 or 6 piece horn section and two lady singers.

America has seen a resurgence of ballroom dancing and "lounge music" over the last few years, yet this music has been around for many years and for almost as long, the Nash Hernandez Orchestra has been playing this music, when it was "cool" and even when it wasn't. The Nash Hernandez Orchestra is the longest-running big band in the Austin area. A twelve-piece band, the group was established in 1949 by trumpeter Nash Hernandez. Initially comprised of all Hispanic musicians that Hernandez himself taught, the group has had many musicians come through the ranks, but the sound has always remained the same. Many musicians who performed in the group went on to lead their own groups and have become prominent musicians in the Austin music scene. Musicians such as Mitch Watkins, Tomas Ramirez, Tim Torres, Dave Gutierrez, John Mills, and Mike Mordecai, to name only a few, all began their career in the Austin area working in the Nash Hernandez Orchestra. Nash Hernandez fell in love with the big band style while a member of the Army Air Corp during World War II. He worked side-by-side with many musicians from the popular big bands of that golden era of music who were also serving their country in the war. After the war, he moved to Austin and worked with Matt Velasquez. In 1949 he decided to start his own band. The band did all the popular big band swing of the era, but in addition, the group also performed the Latin music of Perez Prado, Tito Puente and Xavier Cugat. This made the group popular with a wide variety of people. Over the years, Nash performed for numerous politicians, the Austin Senators baseball team, numerous corporate parties, and generations of weddings. In 1975, Nash was named Ambassador of Goodwill by Governor Dolph Brisco, for whom Nash had performed in 1973 at Governor Brisco's Inaugural Ball. In addition, Nash Hernandez was twice honored by the city of Austin when the city council proclaimed Nash Hernandez Day on October 26, 1975 and again on July 2, 1993. In that same year, he was also honored by the Texas Senate with a proclamation sponsored by the Honorable Senator Gonzalo Barrientos. In 1994, he was recognized by Vice-President Al Gore for his contributions in the state. It was a sad day for the Austin music scene when Nash Hernandez passed away on June 26, 1994. Today, the tradition continues on under the direction of Nash's son, drummer Ruben Hernandez, who began playing with the group at the age of eleven. It was Nash's wish before he died that Ruben continue the band and with the help and support of the family, Ruben has done that. The group continues to play to enthusiastic audiences and in 1999, the band's fiftieth anniversary year, the Austin City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed September 9 as Nash Hernandez Orchestra Day, the third such time the band has been honored in this way. Under his direction, Ruben plans to continue the Nash Hernandez Orchestra well into the 21st century. Be a part of history and come hear the band as they continue to perform in the Austin area and throughout Texas.

JA much sought-after live performer, Jeff has a solid following in his home base of Austin, Texas, and his performances outside of the area attract new fans who have heard his music on the radio. Click here for station list. On stage, his astute commentary and amusing asides make him an audience favorite. Bill James, booker of the Belton Acoustic Concert Series, is taken with Jeff’s "dry wit, compelling stage presence, warped sense of humor and terrific songs." A versatile guitarist who often employs a number of alternate tunings, he leaves the audience spellbound.

Jeff Talmadge was born in Ulvade, Texas, and spent his earliest years under the twin spells of rock ’n roll and folk music. He was deeply influenced by Townes Van Zandt and John Stewart-and intrigued by the growing music scene in Austin. At Duke University, he won the prestigious Academy of American Poets Award, seeing publication of several of his pieces. He went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts from the Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers in North Carolina.

After years away from actively performing, Jeff struck out on his own in 1998. He now headlines at venues throughout the region, donates his time and talents to numerous causes and charities, and continuously works to perfect his performing and songwriting. This high level of professionalism earned Jeff a slot as a showcase artist or finalist at Falcon Ridge, KRCL Founder’s Title Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Tucson Folk Festival, Sierra Songwriter’s Festival, Lake County Folk Festival and the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival. In 2001, Jeff was a finalist in the New Folk Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Jeff is an active member of the Folk Alliance, as well as a founding member of the Austin Conspiracy of Performing Songwriters.

From deep within the heart of the Texas Hill Country comes an entertainer with a stage presence, and a heart, as big as the beautiful state he calls home. Its evident when Les Hartman takes the stage, he will be one of the few that will make their mark in country music. You hear his pure vocal styling and emotional delivery that comes from deep within. You see his "down to earth" approachable personality, his "boyish" good looks and a kind of "hillbilly charm" that complete a package with definite star potential.

His live performance rivals only a select few who have made it a point to assure the fans that the price of their ticket was money well spent. His fans are leaving every venue, after the shows, with something to talk about and something to remember. Its obvious that the fans are the most important thing to Les. Hes not afraid to do whatever it takes to involve them in everything he does on stage. The personal attention he gives them, during every show, welcomes them in to his world, if only for a few hours, to enjoy the music and have the best of times. Les will tell you..."If they leave the show saying that they had a good time, then weve done our job. THAT is what is most important to me"

Those fans are the same down to earth, hard working people who have inspired his shows and the songs on his album...all of which he penned himself. There are songs of love lost, gained, and thrown away...plus the rowdy title cut "Chasin Away The Blues." that was inspired by a former boss back in his "real job" days...hes sure you can relate!

As far as the other tracks go...the first single release "Your Touch" shows the poignant insight into the life of a rodeo cowboy and how the pressures of life on the road create a tender, loving dependence in the most independent of them all. Les also has a knack for writing smooth and tender ballads, such as the everlasting promise of love in the songs "To Have and To Hold" and "A Woman Like You". They are the simple, yet realistic, throwbacks to love that you might expect from a fourth generation rancher in a place where tradition, family, and love run deep through the Texas Hills. Theres also the story of a love gone bad in "The Lonely One". Theres the realization of finding the "right one" in "Where Have You Been" and the story of hindsight truly being 20/20 in "A Perfect Pair".

No matter which song you listen to on the album, you can bet the ranch that it will be one that you can dance to. In Les opinion..."There are a lot of great "listening" songs out there, but the main reason people go to the places that we play is to dance! If Im gonna write a song, Im gonna write one you can dance to." Once again, the fans prevail and they get what they came for.

Theres one more thing that you can bet on. No matter where this little journey may take Les Hartman, you can bet that he will be doing what he loves to do and the fans will be lovin what hes doin...after all, the two DO go hand in hand dont they' Once you see the show, youll understand....its a fan thing! "Theyre helping to pay our bills, so the least we could do is give em what they want...*smiling*....and a little more on top of that just for the hell of it....." With that being a quote from Les himself....shall we say...Nuff Said....

High Island Hepcats play swing and variety for every type of function! Featuring Jim Spector on vocals and bass and Mike Melinger on saxophone, the standard group performs as a trio or quartet, with the option of adding additional players if desired. From background jazz to foot-stomping Motown and soul tunes, the Hepcats do it all! Check out our debut CD, Too Hep to Hop, available now at Tower Records, Waterloo, Cheapo Discs, Antones Records, and other area outlets.