JAM & Tejas
Already a rising Americana artist when he took Charlie Robison’s advice to audition for TV’s “Nashville Star,” john Arthur martinez wound up beating Miranda Lambert for second place. A recording contract and Grand Ole Opry debut followed, along with appearances internationally on stages shared with artists including Elton John, Dwight Yoakam, Jack Ingram and Joel Guzman. But his heart remains in Texas, where he honed his chops at Cheatham Street Warehouse while earning his degree in English and broadcast journalism (his lowercased letters pay homage to poet e.e. cummings; the uppercase “A” acknowledges the middle name he’s used since attending a John-filled kindergarten class). Martinez’s desire to nurture music education in his Marble Falls community led to the creation of FiestaJAM. Alan Jackson recently recorded and released one of john Arthur's cowritten songs, "Seguro Que Hell Yes," as part of his box set, Genuine: The Alan Jackson Story
Rubén Ramos and the Mexican Revolution
Rubén Ramos, also known as "El Gato Negro", is a legendary Tejano and conjunto music artist with a career that spans over five decades. As the frontman of Rubén Ramos and the Mexican Revolution, he has become a cornerstone of Tejano music, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences. Known for his smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence, Rubén has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award and induction into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame. With a deep commitment to preserving and evolving Tejano music, Rubén continues to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. More at: https://www.rubenramos.com/
John Arthur Martinez
John Arthur Martinez is an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt storytelling and rich blend of country, folk, and Tex-Mex influences. With a career highlighted by his runner-up finish on the inaugural season of Nashville Star, John Arthur has built a devoted following through his evocative songwriting and authentic performances. As the frontman of The Outlaw Firm, he delivers a high-energy yet soulful sound that pays homage to traditional country roots while embracing modern influences. Based in the Texas Hill Country, John Arthur Martinez continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his distinctive voice, compelling lyrics, and genuine connection to his craft. More at: https://www.johnarthurmartinez.net/
2025 Contest Judges
Robert Linder
Robert Linder
Robert Linder
Robert Linder was an orchestra “Maestro” for over 60 years. He had a varied career with Symphonies, Operas, Broadway shows , TV shows and a movie. He was fortunate enough to have been the TV conductor for such Country greats as Marty Robbins, Eddie Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sammi Smith, Roy Clark, Lynn Anderson , John Davidson
Robert Linder was an orchestra “Maestro” for over 60 years. He had a varied career with Symphonies, Operas, Broadway shows , TV shows and a movie. He was fortunate enough to have been the TV conductor for such Country greats as Marty Robbins, Eddie Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sammi Smith, Roy Clark, Lynn Anderson , John Davidson and Floyd Cramer. Robert conducted many stage shows in Houston, Seattle,Cleveland and Milwaukee. He has been a FiestaJAM coordinator for 8 years and has previously been a “Singer-Songwriter” adjudicator for the FiestaJAM Festivals.
Bernie Nelson
Robert Linder
Robert Linder
Bernie Nelson has spent many years around Music Row in Nashville. He has sold 30 million copies of his songs. Some of his top work has been performed by Randy Travis, Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins and even "the early great" Conway Twitty. He not only writes songs, but has shared the stage with the likes of Guy Clark, Michael Martin Mu
Bernie Nelson has spent many years around Music Row in Nashville. He has sold 30 million copies of his songs. Some of his top work has been performed by Randy Travis, Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins and even "the early great" Conway Twitty. He not only writes songs, but has shared the stage with the likes of Guy Clark, Michael Martin Murphy, Alabama and Garth Brooks. Bernie is a shining example of the “Singer-Songwriter”.
Bill Rives
Robert Linder
Bill Rives
Bill Rives has lived in the Highland Lakes area for over 40 years. He has also worked for Fall Creek Vineyards since 1990 as part of their marketing team. Bill's interest in music led to his association with the Horseshoe Bay Cultural Enrichment Society, first as an advisor to the Program Committee, and later as a Board member. He
Bill Rives has lived in the Highland Lakes area for over 40 years. He has also worked for Fall Creek Vineyards since 1990 as part of their marketing team. Bill's interest in music led to his association with the Horseshoe Bay Cultural Enrichment Society, first as an advisor to the Program Committee, and later as a Board member. He is currently serving as President. Bill also performs with the music group $2 Bills.
Semi Finals Winner - A. Wright
Congratulations to A. Wright, Winner of the October 2024 Semi-Finals Round
Congratulations to the 2023 KENT FINLAY TEXAS SONG SEARCH Winner, Yuri Luckett
Our 2023 winner got to play their song at the 2023 FiestaJAM opening for Los Lonely Boys, and an opportunity to also play at the Gary P. Nunn Music Festival on Memorial Day Weekend. The 2023 winning singer-songwriter also received a professionally produced recording of the winning song by Mauldin Productions, a radio campaign by Jenni Finlay Promotions & Southern Sky Records, The Tillman, an award in honor of Floyd Tillman, a CMA Hall of Fame Inductee, and a custom handmade guitar by Texas luthier, Bryan Hibler.