Bon Terra

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Bon Terra is a highly charged, 5-woman rock-n-roll band with a blues and funk edge that has been playing in the Austin area for over 17 years. In the early nineties, Bon Terra was on the fast track to success. They played in practically every venue in the 6th street area including 3 formerly great blues clubs: the Original SteamBoat, Chicago House and the 311 Club. They produced a 12-song cassette entitled "Behind the Light" and received rave reviews. In 1991, the band performed in SXSW and rocked the house. Unfortunately, the band parted ways in the summer of 1992 due to creative differences. The tragic death of a beloved friend to the band however, inspired the core band to re-form once more for a benefit concert at Recreation Plantation, in honor of Cathy Humphries. That benefit concert became known as the very first Friend's Fest back in 1993. For years Stacy Spencer, the owner of Recreation Plantation and sponsor of the bi-annual Friend's Fest, continued to encourage Bon Terra to play the event, but the former band refused. Finally in the spring of 1997, Bon Terra agreed to play the event once more and by some bizarre twist of fate, they have been playing together ever since.
Enjoying a new bond with a fun new "party band" sound, Bon Terra plays today because they love it and for no other reason. Heading up the band with 5 of the original 6 members is Mary Austin Hewitt on guitar and lead vocals. Hewitt has a rich voice with the ability to grip the listener's soul when she "belts it", and a solid rhythmic feel on the guitar. Leslie Starnes fronts the band along with Hewitt adding back-up vocals and lead guitar. Starnes' vocal styling offers the perfect compliment to Hewitt's lead while Starnes' strong seventies influences give her guitar a solid, laid back sound. Adding a jazzy feel to the band, is Becky Blount on the sizzlin' saxophone (a 20-year veteran). Finally, the rhythm section offering a solid foundation flavored with influences as diverse as Buddy Rich, the Go-Gos and Led Zeppelin is filled by Liz Cline on drums and Kathy Ellison on bass. Together, Cline and Ellison not only provide the edge behind the funk, they add new meaning to the word groove.
Bon Terra plays a wide variety of covers and originals and ALWAYS leave the audience wanting for more. They're a must see band.
The Gogirls crew w/ Sarah Bettens 3/2006
Kathy, Kathy Valentine (from the Gogo's) and Starnes 3/2006
Starnes, Madalyn and Sarah Bettens 3/2006
Madalyn, Melissa, Melissa Ferrick and Starnes 3-2006