The Riverside Arts Market is a celebration of the arts. Early on, the planners of RAM decided that music should pervade the market as much as any other form of art, and the music should be at the highest level. Luckily for everyone involved, two of the city's foremost musicians agreed to manage the musical talent on RAM's River Stage. Andy Burke and Mike Shackleford, owners of  Village Idiots Productions (VIP), have presented over 150 musical artists in free concerts since the opening day of RAM last April. We salute these two fine musicians for the amazing variety and quality of music they brought to the Riverside Arts Market.

Andy Burke formed his first band, The Tikis, the day after the Beatles' initial Ed Sullivan appearence. Since that time, he has performed with many groups as a guitarist or keyboardest. During the last five years, Andy has concentrated on fingerpicking acoustic metal guitars. He formed the musical duo, Willie Mae, with Tamara Grigsby in 2005 and has enjoyed recording and performing as a duo since.

"Performing with Mike Shackelford at RAM is an incredibly honor and a real test of my musical journey. I do not know Mike's songs so have to wing it. What a blast! It's a powerful dynamic to be able to bring people together musically," Andy says. "The music really moves us and we are hopeful that other people feel the same way."

Andy and Mike are organizers of  Beaches Unplugged, where musicians ranging from classical pianists to folk guitarists/singers can share their music at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. They are also the producers of Open Mic Night at Meza Luna at the Beach.

Mike Shackelford is a veteran local musician and is very well known in Jacksonville. He is respected by musicians, venue owners, and audience members alike. He's been a professional musician since the early 70s and is enjoying acoustic performances of late. He has extensive experience in bands that have performed for major venues opening for Beach Boys, Crosby/Stills & Nash, Kenny Loggins, Chicago, The Everly Brothers, Hall & Oates, Gary U.S. Bonds, The Coasters, and Martha Reaves and the Vandelles to name a few.
 
For years, Mike Shackelford's name has been known for his high energy performances. Whether playing for thousands in a large concert hall, opening for the Beach Boys at an outdoor festival, or jamming in intimate nightclubs, for Mike it has always been about the music. "Creating music doesn't get old ... each time I step up to the microphone I am creating a mood," he says. And his original material reflects that mood. His songs paint the picture of the human condition ... love, desperation, and most often, hope. But Mike is more than a guitar player and accomplished songwriter. He is an entertainer and a perennial favorite of the Northeast Florida music scene. He never forgets that when he performs he has an obligation to his audience ... and he immediately connects with them. He has a unique ability to make everyone in his audience feel as though he were singing to only them.

In 1976, his acoustic trio, Justin, traveled to Jacksonville and immediately began developing a loyal following. Throughout the next few years, the band continued to tour, and finally settled on Jacksonville as home. Over the next 10 years, "Justin" would continue to perform and became one of the most requested bands in the area.

Mike has been the musical host of the monthly Atlantic Beach's Songwriter's Night and Acoustic Night events for over 6 years. Mike brings a friendship and immediate connection to the intimate stage. He opens each performance with one of his songs. Technically, he manages the stage, sound and lights, but his expertise and true value is making performers and audience alike feel comfortable and special. Mike knows that being host is not about him or his personal opinions; it is about the people, the music, and the camaraderie of the community.

It was during the Atlantic Beach events, that Mike met  fellow musician Andy Burke. Their respect each other's music and passion for music in general, lead them to form VIllage Idiots Productions. VIP is proud to be responsible for bringing great music to unique venues, large and small. Their partnership with The Riverside Arts Market has allowed them to share their vision on a weekly basis.