The Dunebillies play eclectic rock from the 60s to the 90s. They were established in early 2020, right at the outbreak of Covid-19! While none of them have made music their careers, they are living their dreams now and absolutely love playing in and around Port A. They are all LOCAL and are just happy to sing, play, and have fun!

Charlie Stovall (vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, harmonica) is a retired CPA with a background in singing in a number of churches. He and his wife, Liz, moved here in 2013 and are active in the Garden Club and other local organizations.

Sean Jackson (vocals, lead guitar) is a local construction contractor who has played with various bands in Oklahoma and Texas. He and his wife, Paula, are very involved in local charitable causes.

Tim McIntosh (Bass, vocals) is a lifelong paramedic recently retired due to COVID. Tim hails from Ohio and has been playing and traveling since age 17. He has appeared on three LP/CDs over the years. His influences include classic rock, country, funk and blues.  He and his wife, Margaret, are long-time Port Aransas residents.

Randall Higgins (drums) played in a rock and roll band in high school and college and later toured with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. Ok, ok, ok! He didn’t actually tour with either band, but he did go to one of their concerts. Randall (Roll Tide) and his wife, Kathy, are active in the Art Center and many other organizations.

The Dunebillies don’t see themselves as hillbillies that moved to the coast. Rather, they just love the lifestyle here and all of its characters—the surfers, musicians, artists, fishermen, hippies, beatniks, beach bums, and pirates! They love the Port A vibe and the locals are so appreciative of their music! As one person who recently saw them said, “Going to see the Dunebillies is like going to a great block party where the whole city is invited!”  

They play everything from Jimmy Buffet to Prince and from Tom Petty to Jerry Jeff Walker. They like to think they offer a little something for everyone! The Dunebillies are beginning to write some of their own music, so stay tuned!

Be sure and follow them on Facebook, where they'll be posting upcoming shows, fundraisers, and other events. 

What is your band's name?

"Cruise Control Band."

What genre of music do you play?

"Rock, jazz, country, ska, soul, pop...pretty much everything."

Where are you from?

"Corpus Christi."

How did you get started in music?

"Ron McElroy, (the) band director at Cunningham Jr. High."

How did you get to Port Aransas? What made you stay?

"We were invited to play at Back Porch."

How does Port Aransas inspire you?

"As soon as you get here you feel more relaxed. Island time is the right time!"

What makes the Port A music scene different?

"The audiences here are so appreciative! So gracious and friendly, not at all stand-offish."

Do you write your own music?

"We do have some original material." 

What is your favorite Port A venue to play? Why?

"Back Porch and Treasure Island are the best!"

What makes a great audience?

"When you feel their energy and excitement. It fires you up!"

What is your preferred during/after set beverage?

"Margarita on the rocks, salt please."

What if your favorite song by an artist other than yourself?

"Soul Experience by Iron Butterfly."

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

"Why, Neapolitan of course. Its all flavors in one. Sort of like a 10-piece band."

Where can we find your work?

"Our Facebook page has videos of live performances (and) Reverbnation.com has a Cruise Control original available titled 'Take Me Back.'"

What else should music fans know?

"Cruise Control is in its 15th year of existence. There have been literally hundreds of local musicians who have helped the band along the way, whether filling in or as full-time members. Of the four original founders (Randy Solis, John Mondragon, Rick Sosa, and Ernest Mondragon) only I, Randy Solis, remain a full-time member and manager. Our current lineup features some of the most talented and interesting people you could ever meet. We are the odd-shaped pieces that just happen to fit together just right!"

Fun Fact:

"The original idea of Cruise Control was to reassemble the 1975 Moody High School Jazz Ensemble to play once at the South Texas Jazz Festival. We finally did."

What genre of music do you play?

"Country, Red Dirt, Outlaw, Americana, and then we will sprinkle in a twist."

Where are you from?

"Born and raised in Austin, Texas and now live in the hill country right out of the city."

How did you get started in music?

"I started at a young age in school choir, Mariachi, Jazz, symphony, (and) blues and sang on the worship team at church in my later years."

How did you get to Port Aransas? What made you stay?

"Every year, our family would caravan and camp at Mustang Island. After visiting the venues and beach, Port A soon became our second home."

How does Port Aransas inspire you?

"The vibe, restaurants, live music, the ocean breeze, and meeting a diversity of people visiting from all over. The locals are so friendly and hospitable."

What makes the Port A music scene different?

"There is a different vibe and a sense of serenity. Everyone just seems so much happier and relaxed and the diversity of music is amazing!"

Do you write your own music?

"Yes. I actually released my single 'Busted' earlier this year to radio, which is an upbeat song that people have really enjoyed. Check it out on Spotify. I will also be releasing another single early next year so look out for that one!" 

What is your favorite Port A venue to play? Why?

"The Back Porch Bar! Every time we visited Port A we would charter a fishing boat at Woody's, then come back and listen to live music. This would go on for years and I told my husband that one day I would play this venue. I absolutely fell in love with it. When I recently read it was closing my heart literally sank. I have so many great memories there and it was a stepping stone in my music career, but I’m so thankful for the opportunity that I was given to play there during the Port A Live Music Festival. The hospitality from the staff was incredible."

What makes a great audience?

"When the crowd is tuned in to the music, dancing and singing along with you at the top of their lungs! I also love when they interact on and off the stage."

What is your preferred during/after set beverage?

"I usually drink water to stay hydrated because we offer an entertaining show that keeps me active on stage. But after the show, well that’s a different story! I’ll usually order a piña colada because to me that’s a refreshing drink, plus that is one of my favorite coastal drinks!"

What if your favorite song by an artist other than yourself?

"So many to choose from but I would say Jolene by Dolly Parton. The song itself tells the story."

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

"Neapolitan. I love a variety of music genres."

Where can we find your work?

"Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon and all media platforms. I also have a Facebook music page and a website that you can follow for the latest."

What else should music fans know?

"We play the Texas music scene and you can find our tour schedule on my website. We hope to play more venues in Port A, so make sure you follow my Facebook music page. I’ll also be releasing my next single to radio early next year and can’t wait for y’all to hear!"

Fun Fact:

"(We were nominated for) 2021 Best Local Band of North Hays County Nominee, 2017-2021 Josie Music Awards Nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year and Country Rising Star, and Texas Music Pickers Songwriter Semi- Finalist."

What is your band name?

"OTB Band."

What genre of music do you play?

"Rock/Pop/Country."

Where are you from?

"We are from all over the Corpus Christi/Padre Island Metropolitan area."

How did you get started in music?

"Each member has a different start date but half the band members started in the 1970s while the other half started in the 1990–2000s"

How did you get to Port Aransas? What made you stay?

"The founders of the band live on North Padre, also referred to as 'The Island.' Growing up in the area, Port Aransas was a work and play destination. The easy, laidback lifestyle with accepting, eclectic citizens makes Port Aransas an excellent destination for music and art."

How does Port Aransas inspire you?

"Watching the city recover from the hurricane shows what resolve, determination, and compassion can accomplish."

What makes the Port A music scene different?

"There is an eclectic vibe bringing together several genres of music to include pop, country, and rock from several decades."

Do you write your own music?

"Currently we are focusing on the entertainment portion of our program. Our show is an experience with crowd participation, dancing, and fun!" 

What is your favorite Port A venue to play? Why?

"Shorty's. They were our first Port A venue."

What makes a great audience?

"Participation makes a great audience. We prefer to involve the audience in our show for a more memorable experience."

What is your preferred during/after set beverage?

"The entire band (no matter what they say) loves Jack and Coke before, during, and after!"

What if your favorite song by an artist other than yourself?

"Anything by the Eagles."

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

"Rocky Road because you get something in every bite."

Where can we find your work?

"You can find us on Facebook @OTB2017."

What else should music fans know?

"As a band our goal is to entertain. We never want to be the band who plays for themselves. We play for the audience."

Fun Fact:

"Three members of the band are United States Air Force Veterans. Two of those members are retired with 24 years of service."

What is your band name?

"The PA Rockers."

What genre of music do you play?

"Oldies but Goodies."

Where are you from?

"We started out as a band of Winter Texans from various parts of the country. Today some of us still wear the Winter Texan moniker, but some of our members are local to the area."

How did you get started in music?

"The PA Rockers started out because of an article in the South Jetty newspaper back in 2009 by our band's founder Mark Munson, requesting that he was looking for "old guys" to start a band. Several of us answered the call and over ten years later we are still going strong, though some members have come and gone over the years."

How did you get to Port Aransas? What made you stay?

"As Winter Texans, we all fell in love with Port Aransas—its charm, its beaches, and its uniqueness. It's also a great music town!"

How does Port Aransas inspire you?

"The local music scene is loaded with talented musicians, and our fans remain our biggest inspiration with their love of the music many of us grew up listening to."

What makes the Port A music scene different?

"Great musicians, venues, and event planners who offer musicians the opportunity to perform makes Port A a great music town. We are grateful we are asked to repeatedly perform at various fundraisers supporting organizations in Port Aransas."

Do you write your own music?

"Many individual members of our band play in other groups or do solo work and have their own compositions. However, the band focuses on the great songwriters of the 50s, 60s, and 70s from the Beatles, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry among many others." 

What is your favorite Port A venue to play? Why?

"The PA Rockers can always be found at Bernie's Beach House on Wednesday nights from January through March. After our initial debut was mentioned in the South Jetty newspaper and a great appreciative crowd showed up, Bernie's has been the place to be. "

What makes a great audience?

"Our fans know all the words to the songs we play and collaborate with us in performing them! Come and see the dance floor shake when we all sing Shout!"

What is your preferred during/after set beverage?

"Whatever they are pouring!"

What if your favorite song by an artist other than yourself?

"We play the greatest hits of 50s, 60s, and 70s Rock 'n Roll. It's hard to pick a favorite. Those decades saw some of the greatest songwriters of the century from Neil Diamond, to Van Morrison, to Lennon and McCartney."

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

"It would have to be a Beatle Bar. They were chocolate crunch ice cream bars sold in the 1960s!"

Where can we find your work?

"We have a PA Rocker page on Reverbnation where we share music from our live performances, and a Facebook page to keep our fans informed of when we are playing."

What else should music fans know?

"We can always be found at Bernie's Beach House from January through March. Come on out and sing along to some good old Rock 'n Roll!"

Fun Fact:

"Though our founder Mark Munson named the band the PA Rockers, most of the locals call us The Port A Rockers. OK by us, we like to think we are a hometown Rock band."

What are your names?

"Rich Edwards and Maranda Mae."

What genre of music do you play?

"Roots Americana. We call it blue folk country grass."

Where are you from?

"Born and raised in the Catskill Mountains in Western New York State. We've been floating around Texas since 2005. Currently staying out in the Hill Country, that can change any day."

How did you get started in music?

"I (Rich) grew up listening to country radio. Waylon and Hank Jr. were my inspirations. I wanted to do it like they did. She (Maranda) grew up singing gospel music in her grandpa's church."

How did you get to Port Aransas? What made you stay?

"Always heard about the scene here from some fellow musicians. Then we met a couple from Port A at a music bash in Terlingua and they took us in like we were family and helped us book some shows. Can't thank Sean and Lisa enough."

How does Port Aransas inspire you?

"The way the island accepted us. After our first show the people down here made us feel like we were super stars. Can't beat that!"

What makes the Port A music scene different?

"Definitely the diversity. We are playing for folks from all over the world. And even though y'all know how to party it is so laid back down here. It's like everybody knows everybody. We love it."

Do you write your own music?

"Yes. Our last album was recorded on a patio behind a grocery store. (On) "Live at Brookshire Brothers in Canyon Lake TX," all of the songs were written by us." 

What is your favorite Port A venue to play? Why?

"It's hard to answer this one because we haven't played them all...yet. But right now I'd have to definitely say Shorty's. Them people know how to party and we couldn't have felt more welcomed."

What makes a great audience?

"Interaction and compliments. When they're hooting and hollering, stomping their feet and singing along, it's a great show. We love the heckles, too."

What is your preferred during/after set beverage?

"Ice cold Bud Light. More after than during. We tried that before...it don't work so well."

What if your favorite song by an artist other than yourself?

"That's a hard one...there's so many good ones out there but if I (Rich) had to pick one, it would have to be Proud Souls by Jason Boland. I think it's one of the best songs ever written."

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

"Oooh. Had to ponder on this one for a minute. But I guess it would have to be Blue Bell vanilla. I mean, how much more simple and country can you get?"

Where can we find your work?

"Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and all music streaming sites. You can also find our website at waywardgypsies.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube."

What else should music fans know?

"We do it all. From our little two-piece band, and I emphasize band, a lot of work has gone into creating our sound so that we can play bigger venues, just the two of us. And if everyone that goes to our Facebook page can click the like button, we appreciate that so much. It helps with booking shows, and Lord knows that's the hardest part of this business. Thanks for supporting us and believing in what we do. We're just trying to keep it real."

Fun Fact:

"Not only are we partners in our music, we are partners in life. This husband and wife team works perfect together. "

What genre of music do you play?

"Classic Rock, Pop, Blues, Funk, and Country."

Where are you from?

"We live in Corpus Christi, Ingleside, and Sinton."

How did you get started in music?

"Some of us got started through our parents or other family members, and some of us are first-generation musicians."

How did you get to Port Aransas? What made you stay?

"We actually played for the first time in Port Aransas at the VFW as part of the 2021 Port A Live Music Festival. We loved the crowd and the laid-back vibe."

How does Port Aransas inspire you?

"We have all lived here for years and love the Port A vibe. There is something that changes inside when you enter those city limit signs. Port A for us means relaxation and good times."

What makes the Port A music scene different?

"We love the fact that Port A crowds are largely tourists, vacationers, and winter Texans. They are here because they WANT to be here and to have a good time!"

Do you write your own music?

"We have a few originals, but don’t play them out. People would rather hear songs that are familiar to them and ones that they feel comfortable dancing to. It’s about them—not us." 

What is your favorite Port A venue to play? Why?

"Although we have only played at the VFW so far, we love it there. The staff and management treat us like family and the crowd there really seems to connect to the timeframes of music that we play."

What makes a great audience?

"We love audiences who are having a good time and are simply enjoying themselves. There is nothing better than to look out and see smiling faces. That is what we are there for."

What is your preferred during/after set beverage?

"We’re easy, and versatile! Truthfully, whatever gets sent up to the stage is always appreciated, but sometimes just a cool bottle of water hits the spot."

What if your favorite song by an artist other than yourself?

"Oooh, tough one! We love so many songs by so many artists from different genres, it would be impossible to choose."

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