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Sample Repertoire

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.

Variety is a standout ingredient of a Gypsy Pickers performance and their repertoire is extensive. Their music is a mix of roots, rock, reggae, jazz, blues, soul, bluegrass, popular, originals and well loved hits - topped off with fun and entertaining novelty pieces. Somehow they manage to blend all these elements into a unique and wholesome Gypsy Pickers brew!

Depending on the setting, their music can move from a quality dining or concert experience, to floor shaking evocative dance music, consistently pleasing crowds of all ages.

With an innate rhythmic style, Ron Valente is an exceptional lead guitarist who plays with a joyful and inspiring spontaneity, and he adds a touch of the exotic to the show with some fiery mandolin playing.
Lindy Valente is a clever fingerstyle and a funky rhythm 'n roots guitarist, and it's a real treat when she picks up her 5-string banjo.
Together the Gypsy Pickers deliver a tight and zesty performance with sublime and passionate vocals, hot 'n spicy guitars, banjo, mandolin, foot percussion, melodica and other surprises!

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 vocals are sublime, the musicianship is world class!" (- Gary Sinclair)

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!"

"High spirited, good time, foot stomping music with the power of soul!"
- Queenstown Mountain Scene.

"The Gypsy Pickers really are a treat to see."
- The Mountain Guide - Salida, Colorado

"When local duo the Gypsy Pickers play here, the place bursts its macrocarpa seams."
- Gerard Hindmarsh on Golden Bay, Grace magazine

"Ron and Lindy Valente must be very happy with this new CD...it's an absolute gem."
-Steve Cochrane

"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."
-Cairns Barfly Magazine

"Finger-picking good!"
- Cairns Barfly Magazine

"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 comprises ...the Gypsy Pickers."
-Port Douglas and Mossman Gazette

"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.
...at a Gypsy Pickers concert (you can) expect to hear their own originals plus covers of everything from rock to reggae, blues to bluegrass, cajun to calypso - all given the treatment by the pair which can sometimes lead to floor-shaking spontaneous jams."
- The Mirror, Queenstown

"Ron...who has been playing since the age of nine, handles guitar and mandolin and sings.
Lindy, who boasts a big beautiful voice, also plays guitar plus banjo.
...You can catch the Gypsy Pickers, who thoroughly deserve their reputation as a great live act at ...Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka."
- Martin Chamberlain, The Mirror

"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

"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

"A unique and extraordinary acoustic duo!"
- Events co-ordinator

" 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

"The Gypsy Pickers are great, great, GREAT!"
- Happy wedding planner

"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

"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 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

"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

Gypsy Pickers Promo Photo

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Gypsy Pickers Promo Poster

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to download a quality A3 Gypsy Pickers live performance colour poster (7mb pdf) for advertising an upcoming performance

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.
Ron Valente - the versitile one man band. Lindy Valente - exquisite fingerstyle, jazz and roots.

PAINTINGS: Ron is also a visual artist, specialising in gorgeous scenes from the forest and coast of Abel Tasmal National Park.

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 Tane, Eva Cassidy, CCR, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, Lead Belly, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Earl, and many more.

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.