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Biography
Testimonials Introducing the South Island's touring legends - the
GYPSY PICKERS The GYPSY PICKERS are a multi-instrument duo who are known for their engaging live performances that have kept them busy on the local and international touring scene for many years. The duo are both accomplished singer/songwriters, highly talented musicians and lively entertainers. Dynamic acoustic maestros of rock, reggae, bluegrass, gypsy, celtic, popular, pacifika, jazz, blues and roots, this powerful multi-instrument duo never fail to get the energy moving! Their hot musicianship, infectious rhythms, sublime vocals and a vast repertoire, ensure their wide appeal amongst those who've had the sheer enjoyment of seeing them live. Ron is known far and wide for his ability to dance large crowds of people on his own, with just his voice, his energy and his acoustic guitar. The Gypsy Pickers show is part join-in novelty, part magical songs for the soul and part high energy, crowd-rocking jams, highlighted by front man Ron Valente's jaw-dropping lead work, and superbly enhanced by accomplished multi-instrumentalist Lindy Valente. The duo have an intuitive chemistry between them that creates an uplifting electricity. And they both have a mutual attraction for raucous fun, as they pull out the banjo, mandolin and melodica, and proceed to wow the audience with their musical wizardry. The Gypsy Pickers are just as adept and at home playing classy jazz and blues, and are a popular vineyard act. Ron was born on Route 66, Flagstaff Arizona. Early in his career he was guitarist and songwriter in an all original rock band in LA. He went on to tour the USA with blues man Buddy Reed (guitarist for Little Richard and other blues greats). He came to live in New Zealand in the 1980s and featured on regular shows of TVNZ's That's Country where he performed with a long list of top international artists including Emmy-Lou Harris and the Flying Burrito Brothers. It was around this time that Ron discovered the South Island's West Coast and wrote his legendary song 'West Coast Bound' which features in the movie 'Magik and Rose' and has become the theme song of the famous West Coast Wild Foods Festival. At a South Island music festival Ron met Lindy - a kiwi songbird who had been performing as a solo artist in Australia. They became the Gypsy Pickers (aka The Valentes) and have toured extensively in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and USA. The Gypsy Pickers have shared the stage with many top NZ performers. They've featured on TV shows and their original music has received regular radio, internet and TV airplay. The Gypsy Pickers are currently working on a new album of original music. The duo have also been involved in recording projects with music artist Max Maxwell - collaborating on tracks which have been included in bfm award nominations - and with various other artists including Fiona Pears, The Warratahs, The Beat Roosters and The Coalrangers. "Whether you like to kick up your heels and have a good time or just sit back and listen, the Gypsy Pickers are an exceptional live touring act not to be missed!"
Testimonials
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Thankyou so much for your amazing music at our wedding. You were absolutely amazing and knew how to get the guests up and moving. We will definitely recommend you in the future!" - Newly-wed couples' thankyou letter "Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. We had so many comments on how great you guys were and everyone loved it. We can not thank you enough as the music adds a huge part to the day, so a big THANK YOU. We will not be hesitating in recommending you to friends." - Newly-wed couples' thankyou letter " Just wanted to quickly touch base again to thank you so much for such a great performance last night! You guys did such a good job! You really set the tone for such a fun night. We received so many good comments and people asking how they could get ahold of your music! Thank you so much again." - Newly-wed couples' thankyou letter "Thankyou for your lovely music and the great energy you contributed to our wedding. The dance floor was always packed which speaks for everyones enjoyment!" -Newly-wed couples' thankyou letter "THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, FOR GIVING IT TO ME!" on my birthday! What a FABULOUS night we had. I think it was my best birthday ever. We all LOVED your music" - Birthday event planner's thankyou letter "We wanted to say thank you for your energy and good times! Everyone raved about how much fun the band was & what a terriffic time they had! Spot on with choice of music and timing etc. Cheers for working in with the couple of requests! Your energy & passion for music was magnificent! Thank You - very much! If need testimonials etc, please feel free to shout!" - Newly-wed couples' thankyou letter "We were at the Wine & Food festival yesterday and we got such a buzz listening to your music! You sounded great and we can't wait for you to play at our wedding!" - Wedding planner and Event Marketing Manager "Just wanted to give you both a very big thank you for Saturday night...
You were fantastic, we had lots of great comments and I would highly recommend you." - Event co-ordinator "The Gypsy Pickers are coming. They are playing here this Friday the 21st. Get ready to be amazed. They are playing from 8.30 so get here early to get a good spot. ." - Plan B "We were very happy with how everything went especially the music, it really made the party. Thanks again, you guys are a class act!" - Party Planner "Lot's of people have asked who the band is and we've had some great comments when we've mentioned your name. Can't wait!" - Wedding planner "... was hearing The Gypsy Pickers which was such an amazingly energetic performance and a good choice of songs to get everyone going. Seeing you both perform was a great way to spend our evening. We will have to keep checking your website to see when you might be performing up this way again!! " - Auckland concert goers "Lindy I really appreciate all your communication, it makes things easy and has been a big help with organising things." - Event Organiser "A bit scared (booking a band) sight unseen. But a brilliant job! Thankyou." - Newly-wed couples' thankyou letter "Interested in getting a great band for your entertainment? I can recommend the Gypsy Pickers for a fun night!" - Events co-ordinator "The Gypsy Pickers are an acoustic duo who love live perfomance and it shows as the verve and vigour they play with is guaranteed to get people up and dancing. "The Gypsy Pickers have opted to put on ice
an offer to tour Europe from a promoter who handles Sting, Jethro
Tull and other mega-concert acts, to remain in Far Northern Queensland
at least until October. That's good news for Port Douglas music-lovers,
who have taken the acoustic duo to their hearts." "Michael Gabour's Court House Hotel at Port Douglas has been named Queensland's 'Best Entertainment Venue' in the 1996 Australian Hotels Association American Express National Awards for Excellence. ...This week's entertainment at the Court House ...the Gypsy Pickers." "When local duo the Gypsy Pickers
play here, the place bursts its macrocarpa seams." "Ron and Lindy Valente must be very happy with this new CD...it's
an absolute gem." Note: More info regarding the above testimonials is available on request
Performance Poster and Promo Photo Gypsy Pickers Promo Photo Photo-Click here
Gypsy Pickers Promo Poster Poster-Click here
Services Available The Gypsy Pickers are available for venues, festivals, weddings, conferences, events and private functions. They perform mostly as their popular duo but both Ron and Lindy also perform as professional solo artists.
DUO: Ron and Lindy are well known for their top quality live act as a high energy acoustic duo. SOLO: Both Ron and Lindy perform as solo artists as well. PAINTINGS: Ron is also a visual artist, specialising in gorgeous scenes from the forest and coast of Abel Tasmal National Park.
Gypsy Pickers - Sample Repertoire Here's a sample repertoire of songs that we perform, besides our popular originals and depending on what's suitable for the occasion. Some of the artists covered in our repertoire: Van Morrison, Jason Mraz, Ben Harper, The Police, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Ray Charles, Joss Stone, Johny Cash, The Pogues, The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Simon and Garfunkle, Bob Marley, Tiki Taane, Eva Cassidy, CCR, Dropkick Murphys, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, Lead Belly, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Earl, and many more. Sample Repertoire
All material on this site is copyright and may not be copied without prior permission from Gypsy Pickers (aka Valentes). All Original Content copyright © and (p) 2001 Gypsy Pickers (aka Valentes). All rights reserved. |
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