Guyer, Herrera Duo Join Music Fest Lineup
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Gail and Jackson Herrera will perform together during the Watermelon Music Fest on Thursday, July 30, at The Civic. The Water Valley mother and son combine their musical talents to perform classic rock, folk, Christian music and other audience favorites.
WATER VALLEY – When Kevin Guyer takes the stage, there is no telling exactly where the music may lead. It might be blues, country, swing or an old rock and roll song that has not lost a bit of its shine. That willingness to follow the music wherever it goes has made Guyer a familiar performer across North Mississippi.
Guyer will be among the six acts performing at the Watermelon Music Fest on Thursday, July 30, at The Civic. Also appearing will be Gail and Jackson Herrera, a Water Valley mother and son who have each found their own way into the local music community and now enjoy making music together.
Guyer moved to Water Valley from southern Maine more than 20 years ago with his wife, Kerry O’Donoghue. In the years since, he has become a familiar presence wherever good live music is being played around North Mississippi.
He sings, plays guitar and bass, and occasionally writes a song. His musical interests stretch across R&B, blues, swing, rockabilly, country and vintage rock and roll.
That versatility has served him well through years of performing with a variety of North Mississippi musicians and bands. Many will remember him as a member of The Okratones, the trio known for its lively blend of swingabilly and folkgrass.
These days, Guyer performs regularly with singer and guitarist Alanna Mosley. He is also a member of The Wilburs, a country and rock and roll trio whose music is well suited to tailgates, outdoor gatherings and any place where people have come ready to have a good time.
Gail and Jackson Herrera will bring a different musical story to the Music Fest stage.
Gail has played music for most of her life and has performed throughout the region as a solo artist. She is also a member of The Valley Vagabonds, a local cover band formed after the pandemic that has entertained audiences across North Mississippi.
Jackson, a lifelong Water Valley resident, began performing with his church’s praise band. As his experience and confidence have grown, he has started playing with other local musicians and developing a musical style of his own.
Both mother and son play several instruments. Together, they perform a varied collection of classic rock, folk, Christian music and familiar audience favorites. Their performances leave room for spontaneity, and the two bring different influences and generations of music to the stage.
For audiences, the appeal goes beyond the music. Watching a parent and child perform together adds a personal touch. Gail brings years of musical experience, while Jackson represents a younger generation of musicians continuing to develop his own style. Together, they simply enjoy playing music, and that enjoyment reaches the audience.
The Watermelon Music Fest begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at The Civic. Tickets are $10 and are available from Garden Club members, at the North Mississippi Herald office or at the door.
