The Spring Thing: Featured Artists
Bret Dale
This dude’s passion for music started at an early age, teaching himself guitar when he connected with the emotional expression that his influences had to offer. Bret moved to Chicago at the age of 18 in pursuit of the Blues, joining The Lonnie Brooks Blues Band, traveling the world, and playing the music of his heroes, before returning to the QC. He then began playing with The Candymakers, Iowa Blues Hall of Famers Ellis Kell and Hal Reed, and currently plays with Funktastic 5. Bret remembers running RME’s Kidstock and Blues Camp with Kelsey when she was a teen, and he is thrilled and honored to play with The Textures for this THING in the SPRING! Let’s Rock and Roll!!
Cameron Hodgson
Cameron Hodgson is a QC based blues musician and long time friend of The Textures. Cameron plays guitar and sings in a rocking new band by the name of Jerm Theory! Also in this band is familiar Texture & friend, Frog, on the keys! Kelsey, Kyle and Cameron go way back to Geneseo High school, who all probably performed for people for the very first time at the same Geneseo, IL open mic. The Textures’ drummer Kyle Goldsmith wrote an article about this open mic in the Geneseo Republic Newspaper, which Cameron’s entire family & grandparents actually read. In this article he referred to Cameron as a “Real Blues Musician” which he has been desperately trying to prove & maintain to this very day…
CJ Parker
CJ Parker is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, and music educator based in the Quad Cities. Known for his electrifying performances and versatility, he is a key member of ensembles like 10 of Soul, The Crew, and Fair Warning. His artistry has been featured on MTV News, showcasing his impact beyond the local scene.
With a deep passion for mentorship, CJ leads Common Chord’s InTune Music Mentorship Program, inspiring young musicians. He also plays a vital role in the Davenport Central High School Marching Band, shaping the next generation of artists.
Blending influences from soul, rock, and jazz, CJ delivers high-energy performances that connect with diverse audiences. Whether on stage or in the classroom, his dedication to music and community shines, making him a standout figure in the Midwest music scene.
Erin Moore
You may know Erin from original bands like the Busted Chandeliers, BEEs, and The Candymakers, but she has also performed on a myriad of stages as a solo artist, collaborator, and beyond. Some of her favorite musical memories include sharing a stage with the late Bernie Worrell, and also a sweaty late-night barn set at Camp Euforia when Jennifer Hartswick graced the stage with her trumpet (STAR. STRUCK).
By day, Erin transforms into a librarian–who doesn’t shush people–allowing her to survive and have a family in this insane economy.
Jacob Palmer
Jacob Palmer is a Quad Cities area musician who plays with several local bands. He has studied piano for over 30 years, and began playing in the church as a child. In school, Jacob spent most of his time practicing arrangements of Billy Joel and Elton John tunes, while also studying woodwinds and voice. He studied jazz in college and developed a love for great jazz pianists such as Chick Corea and Bill Evans, later drawing inspiration from jazz-influenced popular recording artists Michael McDonald, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Hornsby. Jacob has been a fan of The Textures for several years, and is absolutely chuffed to be a guest on their stage at the 2025 Spring Thing!
Eva Kendall
Music has played a significant role in the life of a 13-year-old, Eva Kendall, from the Quad City area of Iowa/Illinois.
As she begins to navigate her way in the music community, she finds solace, joy, and personal growth in creating her own music and performing covers from diverse decades.
She’s currently recording her first album & continues to play all around Midwest loving each experience doing what she loves!