Donkey Derby Days 2026 Entertainers
Wild Blue Country
Wild Blue is the United States Air Force Academy's commercial band of active-duty musicians whose mission is to support the Air Force, and its Academy, both stateside and abroad. Wild Blue has been featured on ABC's "Good Morning America," Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends," the Grand Ole Opry and many other national television and radio broadcasts. Using the power of music, these full-time active-duty airmen are committed to serving the cadets at the Air Force Academy, deploying overseas to support the welfare of our troops, and innovatively telling the Air Force story in communities throughout the world.
The Martini Shot
The Martini Shot is a six-piece, high-energy party band based in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, known for packed dance floors, dynamic live shows, and a signature horns-up-front sound. Blending rock, pop, party favorites, and original music, the band brings a lively, polished performance to festivals, concert series, and special events throughout Southern Colorado and beyond. Established in 2000, The Martini Shot is made up of seasoned professionals, many of whom are current or former local music educators. Their original music can be found on four studio albums, available on all major streaming platforms. A longtime regional favorite, the band recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a proud milestone in its musical journey. The name “Martini Shot” comes from the Hollywood term for the final scene of the day, perfectly capturing the band’s spirit of celebration, fun, and bringing people together through live music.
Carmen & Lewis
UKU:STIK VIBES
Carmen & Lewis are a father-daughter duo known for heartfelt songs, rich harmonies, and genuine family charm. Carmen Mock trained in musical theatre and commercial voice at AMDA, Belmont University, and the Colorado Springs Conservatory. Lewis Mock has performed with Suzy Bogguss, Melissa Manchester, Debby Boone, and the John Denver Band, and spent nearly 30 years as house guitarist at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Together, they create warm, memorable performances rooted in family and a shared love of music.
Joe Uveges
UKU:STIK VIBES is a dynamic musical duo featuring Audrey Eldridge on ukulele and vocals and David Tipton on the Chapman Stick, a unique 12 string instrument capable of playing bass, chords, and melody all at once. Together, they bring a fresh and captivating sound to well-known pop-rock and folk inspired songs, blending the bright, rhythmic charm of the ukulele with the rich, layered textures of the Chapman Stick. Their performances offer a unique and memorable live music experience.
Ralph Williams
Joe Uveges has been performing Colorado's Front Range (and nationally) for more than 37 years in every venue imaginable including solo, duo and band incarnations. He has 9 albums out and has been awarded five "Best Of" awards by the CS Gazette over the years. A consummate performer, proficient in guitar, piano (and even a little banjo) Joe has the perfect song for every occasion and the wit to make one up on the spot if necessary. Based in CS where he lives with his wife of 35 years, Kristen.
Ralph Williams has been playing guitar and performing for over 40 years. Born in Colorado, he lived in the Houston area for 25 years before moving back to Colorado Springs. His influences include B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Doc Watson, Duane Allman, John Hyatt, and Robert Johnson. His musical years were spent in Texas, where he studied music at UNT. His fingerstyle guitar work offers a wide variety of music, including classic rock, country, blues, and original songs. He also plays slide, resonator, and five-string banjo.
Dakota Blonde
A beloved acoustic trio featuring Mary Huckins, Don Pinnella, and Tony Raddell. Known for soulful harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and warm stage presence, the group blends originals and favorite covers with humor, authenticity, and spirit. The members met through music therapy careers, a background reflected in their connection with audiences. Their music has earned honors nationally and internationally, with loyal fans known as “Blonde-Heads.”
Annette & Doug Conlon Duo
Annette and Doug Conlon are a standout Americana/folk-rock duo known for warm harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and melodies blending 1970s influences with modern themes. Their family-friendly sets feature original songs and classic covers suited for coffeehouses, festivals, and private parties. In their previous band, Eden Automatic, they opened for The Pretenders, The B-52s, Missing Persons, and Duran Duran. Annette leads the Black Rose Songwriting Circle, while Doug manages its
Open Mic.
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Honey & Ruin
Jaime Brown has been a Teller County resident since 1983 and has been working at Johnny Nolon’s Casino since 1998. She has been performing shows at the Butte Theater since 2007. She is a donkey and a Cripple Creek lover and is excited to share her new original project with everyone. Emily Heida is a proud Colorado Native. She found her love for theatre at a young age and found that she also adores working behind the curtain in all facets. She is the technical director at the Butte, and is an exceptional actor and singer. Madelyn Sneckner grew up in Woodland Park and now lives in Castle Rock. She's been performing most of her life, from acting on the stage in plays and musicals, to singing as a solo artist under the pseudonym MISS.
Justus
Mimic
Maddox Ross
JUSTUS is a dynamic rockin country band that has been together over 20 years playing some of the favorite venues in all of Colorado. The cover of songs includes the greatest country dance songs and a mix of your favorite classic rock. This four piece band has played for thousands of people yet also some small venues to accommodate shows from weddings to large community events. With Steve on vocals and guitar, Mark on drums, Tim on Bass and John on keyboard, this group is sure to keep you dancing and singing to the best bar and wedding songs of all time.
Mimic are a classic rock cover band based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The band performs at local music venues, festivals, and private events. Playing the best classic rock hits from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s that keep the crowd dancing and singing along, the band formed in April of 2022 and is comprised of seasoned musicians each with decades of experience in numerous bands. So, we’re “classics playing classics,” really.
Hailing from central Oklahoma, 21-year-old Maddox Ross is a singer-songwriter and musician with a traditional country sound influenced by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Strait, and grunge music. Performing since age 5, he has shared stages with Toby Keith, The Great Divide, Wanda Jackson, and more. With original songs, major performances, philanthropic work, and a growing following, Maddox dreams of stepping into the Grand Ole Opry circle.
Christian Jaquez
Christian hails from Pueblo, Colorado. He's a Christian artist and his motto is "God. Music. Fitness. Student of Life. A little bit of Shenanigans too."
Boomtown String Band
Boomtown Stringband brings high‑octane Bluegrass and Americana to every stage they step on. Powered by guitar, bass, fiddle, mandolin, and banjo, the band delivers fast picking, tight harmonies, and a contagious energy that gets crowds on their feet. They play with heart, grit, and a genuine love for the music—inviting every audience to celebrate right alongside them. Whether it’s a barn dance, festival, or late‑night jam, Boomtown Stringband turns every show into a foot‑stomping good time.