- Shannon
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
We are thrilled to announce this year's live entertainment at Spring Fling 2026! We will have a live band on stage for the entire event, and you won't want to miss it. Keep reading to meet our musical guests and learn a little more about their journeys. You may recognize these bands as they were both a hit at our 2025 Spring Fling!
Live Entertainment: Steve Hobbs and Friends
Listen Live from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
We are excited to have Steve Hobbs joining us to open the event! Steve has been a long-time customer of Unleashed, dating all the way back to the very start at the Raleigh Flea Market! Steve loves dogs, loves Spring Fling, and loves music, so he makes a perfect fit for Spring Fling!! Plus, his tunes are pet-friendly, and he has performed every Spring Fling, so he knows exactly what the vibes are (pun intended!)
About Steve Hobbs- professional Jazz musician
Steve Hobbs is the son of retired professional dancers. He started hand drums at age 7, and trumpet and drums at 11. He switched from trumpet to vibes at age 17. Hobbs received a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Berklee College of Music in 1978. He received a Master of Music in Jazz Mallet Performance from the University of Miami in 1982. He received 52 credits towards a Doctor of Music Arts from the University of Northern Colorado when he dropped his studies to perform extensive touring with both the Art Van Damme Quintet and Jumpin’ Johnny (blues).
As a vibist, Hobbs just out of Berklee at age twenty-two, toured with the pop group “Janice,” which performed internationally and was featured on the Red Fox Show in 1979 and American Bandstand in 1980. The group had a number 8 hit titled “I Told You,” on Casey Kasem’s, Kasem’s Top 40. He has also toured with Tom Harrell, Randy Johnston, Art Van Damme, Jumpin’ Johnny (Blues), and many others. Steve has recorded both as a leader and sideman with Kenny Barron, Tom Harrell, Bob Malach, Bruce Forman, and numerous others.
Steve will have several guest musicians accompanying him on stage at Spring Fling this year, and we are so excited to hear them all!
Live Entertainment: Cane Creek Rhythm Section
Listen Live from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
We are excited to have Cane Creek Rhythm Section joining us for their second year in a row! This local band is full of animal lovers and brings the right mix of tunes to keep us entertained for the second half of Spring Fling!
About Cane Creek Rhythm Section
In 2019, Gary Epperson, Jimmy Atkins, Art Melvin, Chris Jepsen and Teddy Ray were in the process of creating a "BADGE BAND" reunion. They played their only gig in February 2020 before they were shut down by the Covid pandemic. Only Art, Chris, and Gary were able to get together until late November 2020 when Jimmy was able to rejoin.
During their time rehearsing as a trio, the group decided to work on original material and the project took a new turn. They played one gig and decided they needed another person to fill out the sound. Harry Tueting joined the band in December 2022, and the band began recording the album "Better Late Than Never" in March 2023.
All of the members of CCRS have been friends for many years and have played in other bands together. They have a combined 200 years of performing experience. Their repertoire consists of 50% original music and 50% cover material. Their genre is multi-faceted, including blues, rock and country. Combining all of these influences, they call it Americana/South.
The band also covers artists including: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Seger, Poco, The Byrds, Little Feat, The Allman Brothers, Outlaws, The Eagles and more.
We can't wait to hear what songs they play at this year's Spring Fling!
Don't miss the live entertainment at this year's
Unleashed's 13th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser
Sunday, April 26, 2026
12-6 pm
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2026:
2026 FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HZBMS3x3S/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k9springfling
