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.