Meet the Band
Ricky Adams lead vocals, acoustic guitar, songwriting
Texas Country Western Musician Ricky Adams! Enshrined in the Bandera Music Hall of Fame, Ricky was first nominated as Best Vocalist in 2010, and awarded that honor in 2011, 2014, and 2015 (and his band was named Best Band in 2014 and 2015). Singing in bands since he was in high school, Ricky followed in the footsteps of his father, Travis “Tex” Adams, an accomplished Hill Country singer, songwriter and entertainer; and his adopted grandfather was the renowned fiddler and musical entertainer Caeser Massey. Like his mentors, Ricky has a diverse musical background, has written and recorded some of his own music, and loves to entertain. He performed at the legendary Gilley’s, on stage with the likes of Larry Gatlin, and has opened for Asleep at the Wheel, Dion Warwick, Kevin Fowler, Junior Brown, Charlie Robison, Neil McCoy, and other greats. Audiences are often surprised and delighted by Ricky’s wide vocal range and varied song list. His pleasure comes from always maintaining a talented band of friendly performers who can play almost anything, reading the crowd, and inspiring his audiences to sing along and dance. His goal is to always leave the audience wanting more. Ricky keeps quite a few guitars, but says “this one (a beautiful koawood Taylor) is my favorite stage guitar.”
Steve Vidro drums
Steve grew up in Southern California and has been playing music since before he could drive. “Our parents drove us to a gig on the Sunset Strip when we were about 15 years old. They liked us there but our folks wouldn’t let us go back. Our dads loved the place but our moms weren’t too sure. Had something to do with the women running around in their pajamas!” Steve was inspired to take up the drums by watching Ringo Starr and the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. He played all kinds of music out in California, ranging from classic rock to jazz and country, and most famously with rockabilly revival star Ray Campi. In 1987 Steve moved to the Texas Hill Country. Shortly after that he anchored the band at the South Star in Fredericksburg for many years. It was a great dance band, covering everything from waltzes and polkas to classic country, rock and contemporary country. All that prepared Steve for his current spot, adding some drive to The Ricky Adams Band. “I love working with this band. We play an incredible variety of music and really get the audience going. Great group of guys, talented musicians and fun to work with.”
James Miller bass, vocals
James began playing music at just 11 years old, performing with his dad’s band in Kentucky. Those early days sparked a lifelong passion for live performance and shaped his roots in traditional country music. As a teenager, he expanded into pop and rock with the Kentucky Teen Toppers, and went on to lead and perform with several other groups, including the Stacey Kain Band and Back Roads. He also managed the band Strait Shot, helping guide the group through recording an original album in Nashville. Although offered a recording deal, James chose to focus instead on raising his son and building a strong family life—something he remains proud of to this day. He continued performing with and booking the band Wild River for over 20 years. Over the years, James has shared the stage with or opened for legendary artists including The Osborne Brothers, Bill Monroe, The Lewis Family, Johnny Rodriguez, Pat Boone, T. Graham Brown, John Michael Montgomery, Exile, Confederate Railroad, Kentucky Headhunters, and George Jones, among others. Now based in Texas, James has embraced the vibrant Texas music scene. He is known for his steady groove, strong stage presence, and his ability to add depth through vocal harmony. Now performing with The Ricky Adams Band, James is grateful to be making music with a talented group of musicians and looks forward to creating great shows and lasting memories.
Dan Gelo electric guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, vocals
Known as The Iceman for his cool stage demeanor, Dan is originally from the New York City area, and began playing the guitar at age 8. He came to love country music, early rock and roll, bluegrass, and swing, and learned to play mandolin, banjo, and fiddle too. His teachers included jazz guitar pioneer John Pariso and fiddler Gene Lowinger, a former member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. Dan gigged and recorded extensively in his home area and his bands opened for Stephen Stills, John Sebastian, Papa John Creach, and David Bromberg, among others. Along the way he authored three guitar and mandolin instruction books for Mel Bay Publications melbay.com/Author/Default.aspx?AuthorId=37463. He is also recognized as an expert on the Indians of Texas and has published several books in that field. Dan is a disciple of the Big Twang available on Gretsch, Fender, Mosrite, and Rickenbacker guitars. As his bumper sticker explains, he got to Texas as soon as he could—1988. Dan says, “Between the song list, our venues, our fans, and the guys themselves, the Ricky Adams Band is my dream outfit.” When not performing or writing, Dan can be found riding trails in the Hill Country on his red roan gelding Zeke.
