Queens of Country: Ramona Martinez, Mackenzie Roark & Rebecca Porter

Ramona and the Holy Smokes is a Honky Tonk band from Charlottesville Virginia, whose original country music recalls classic country from the 1950s and 60s. The Holy Smokes are fronted by Ramona Martinez, a prolific singer-songwriter who pulls inspiration from her heartbreaks and hangovers. They are currently recording their first single.

Mackenzie Roark and the Hotpants is a magnetic fusion of classic country, 70’s folk, and raw rock and roll, hailing from Richmond, Virginia. Led by singer-songwriter Mackenzie Roark, this ensemble brings her poignantly introspective, yet vibrant songs to life. Mackenzie's songwriting prowess draws from a well of influences, including classic country icons like Townes Van Zandt and Loretta Lynn, fused with the bold, punchy energy reminiscent of Shania Twain and Sheryl Crow. Mackenzie Roark and the Hotpants deliver a performance that's both emotionally evocative and sonically compelling, inviting audiences to sway to the songs, reflect on the stories, and ultimately feel the pulse of genuine, heartfelt music.

Rebecca Porter balances her distinctive storytelling with the dynamics of her commanding voice in a unique display of soulful classic country.

​A singer-songwriter born in Guam and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Rebecca Porter embodies the soulful, lonesome sound of the Shenandoah Valley with songs that are heartfelt and honest.

After a decade of honing her craft as the frontwoman of local cover bands, she transformed pandemic loneliness into two EPs - “Prime Rainbow Conditions” and “Queen of the Local”, the latter of which was successfully crowdfunded in March 2023. With completely independent legwork, Porter's music is making rounds nationally and internationally. Most recently, Porter was inducted into Rissi Palmer's Color Me Country Class of 2024 and featured on Good Country's editor's playlist "Ed's Pick".

​Audiences react wonderfully to the fusion of Porter's honky tonk infused singer-songwriter sounds. She tours with a tight, professional band, The Rhinestone Roses, but can hold her own in a room solo if necessary.