LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Music by CIRCLESWITCH “Wings”
This April edition spotlights the North Carolina-based band SOUTHERN EXPERIENCE. Senior Photojournalist for ION,
GARY CAROTA, presents this hard-working multi-talented group to the readers of ION, with both feature article and
enthralling photography. Learn all about Southern Experience in these pages!
ION has gone COUNTRY with this April edition…and in a BIG way! Senior Photojournalist MARK MYERS provides
some exceptional concert photography of JASON ALDEAN, THOMAS RHETT and an up-and-coming group making a
thunderous sound in Country music…A THOUSAND HORSES. Also in this issue, Senior Photojournalist DANIEL “THE
DAGDA” JOHNSON had an “up close and personal” chit chat with a few simple Country folks by the name of GARTH
BROOKS and TRISHA YEARWOOD, when ION was invited to their press conference. You can bet that Daniel “got the
story”—while rubbing elbows with some of Country’s elite! Both Garth and Trisha gave some sound advice for
independent artists…check it all out in this issue.
We also have coverage of WINTER FEST III—courtesy of ION Senior Journalist and Broadcast Media Coordinator, JERE
PERRY. A big “thank you” to JOHN HOVANEC and all the fabulous folks at MAXEDOUT ENTERTAINMENT for giving ION
access to this prestigious event, taking place in Hagerstown, MD. Our readers can feast on Jere’s superb
photography of ANOTHER LOST YEAR, ADELITAS WAY (both are ION alums) and the many other exceptional bands
that participated in this 3 day event.
As always, thank you to our readers--that continue to turn to this publication for all their music news, the artists that
participate in our publication, the dedicated volunteer staff of ION—without whom, this would not be possible…and
to everyone that supports their local music scene…worldwide!
“Music isn’t what I do…it’s who I am. Music is a life force that beats within. It permeates the senses and
encompasses the spirit. Music transcends. It heals the heart, purges the soul and provides refuge from pain. Music
is immortal” ~The Fairy Rock Mother
Kiki Plesha
CEO/Editor-in-Chief
The Fairy Rock Mother
ION Indie Magazine