Entertainment

Valerie Jeanne is the presenter of the Opening Ceremony kickoff for the Gallop Event. She selects the performing artists, coordinates, directs, and produces one of the event's most notable highlights. With over two decades of experience in the Gallop Annual Charity Auction, she is a seasoned veteran. She is considered one of the most valuable supporters contributing to the event's success.

Ten years ago, local country and Christian singer Valerie Jeanne defied the odds by beating cancer. Now, she continues to share her story of perseverance and faith through her music, alongside some of the Inland Northwest's best talent.

Although Jeanne spent most of her childhood in Ontario, California, her family later moved to the Coeur d'Alene area, where she has lived long enough to consider herself a "hometown girl." It was in Ontario that she first discovered her love for singing. Home videos reveal that Jeanne has been singing since she was three years old, and she joined a church choir at age six. "I've just never stopped," Jeanne said. "I've always found a way to perform somewhere."

As a high school senior, Jeanne's family moved north, which was a stark change for her. "It was a little rough; a bit of a change there with all the snow," she recalled. Jeanne began working at Silverwood Theme Park as a magician's assistant, but when her boss learned about her singing talent, she quickly transitioned to performing four shows a day, six days a week, at just 17. Since then, she has spent decades as a prolific performer in the Inland Northwest, particularly as a go-to singer for the National Anthem at events such as Gonzaga basketball games, Spokane Indians baseball games, Spokane County Interstate Fair events, and more. Additionally, she has performed at Nashville's Charlie Daniels' Talent Round-Up and in Las Vegas as a tribute singer to Carrie Underwood. "It always seems like one opportunity leads to another," Jeanne said.

In 2014, Jeanne began to notice concerning health signs and sought medical attention. "The doctor hugged me several times, and you could just tell by his demeanor that there was some concern there," Jeanne said. At 39, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage 3 breast cancer, HER2-positive, a type where cancer cells grow rapidly. The situation progressed quickly for Jeanne. "Next thing I know, I'm sitting in a chemo chair," she explained. "It was coming after me to kill me." Valerie faced the challenge with the support of her family, faith, and an "incredible team of doctors," undergoing over a year of chemotherapy and various treatments. Now, she is celebrating eleven years of being cancer-free.

The experience profoundly changed how Jeanne approached her life and her music. With each day and every song, she has gained a deep appreciation for life's gifts and expresses her feelings wholeheartedly. Jeanne sings with a raw emotional honesty that can only come from such a life-altering experience. "I'm not the same person I was before that diagnosis," Jeanne said. "It's about baring your soul to the audience because music is how I express what's going on inside, and it's something deeply personal that I get to share with others."

Years ago, while she was still undergoing treatment, Jeanne found success with songwriters Abeid and Michelle McCammond. McCammond reached out to Jeanne with a song she and Abeid had co-written, titled "Rainbow After the Storm," which talks about miracles and overcoming adversity. Jeanne was strongly connected with the song, which went on to top the Christian Music Weekly chart and reach the top 30 of the Nashville Christian Connection chart. "It's really personal to me," Jeanne said. "It talks about miracles, and I believe that's what happened in my life, so it feels powerful to sing about it."

We're thrilled to welcome back the incredibly talented guitarist Ben Rose for his eighth year! Hailing from Kansas, Ben found his passion for music at just 17. After graduating, he honed his skills at Spokane Community College and Musicians Institute, earning the prestigious Most Outstanding Stylist award. He shares his love of music by teaching at Learn to Burn Music in Spokane and performs with various regional groups. Ben is truly one of the most accomplished guitarists to grace the Gallop stage during the Opening Ceremony. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience his amazing talent!

Kevin has been entertaining and delighting audiences of all sizes and ages for decades with his versatile voice and the variety of instruments he plays. He has performed in touring groups, variety bands, corporate entertainment acts, theme park shows, and worship teams.

With experience as a sound designer and audio engineer, Kevin ensures that your favorite songs sound just as you remember them, thanks to the meticulously programmed sounds from his cutting-edge keyboard rig. He is known for his vibrant personality and life-of-the-party reputation, which always brings energy and excitement to any event. As people often say, "Kevin's here—NOW we can get the party started!"

In addition to performing, Kevin also enjoys his other passion: teaching music. He teaches in public schools and has a thriving private practice, where he shares his knowledge and experience, helping students of all ages discover how music can enrich their lives.

Appearing for her first time on the Gallop stage, Heather Marie is a talented country music singer-songwriter from Spokane, Washington. With a passion for storytelling and a voice that captivates audiences, she brings her unique blend of traditional and modern country music to life. Heather Marie grew up in the picturesque town of Sultan, Washington, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She developed a love for music from an early age, influenced by the sounds of country legends and her family's musical background.

Heather began singing at local events and writing her songs early on and recently started performing with the Jesse Quandt band. Over the years, Heather has achieved notable recognition, including being a contestant on 'American Idol.' Heather Marie is composed, dignified, and self-assured, which makes a lasting impact on the genre. Watch her upcoming projects and join her incredible musical journey!

As the Gallop Opening Ceremony approaches, get ready for exciting additional entertainment. Tj Hoopes is a versatile drummer and multi-instrumentalist who is passionate about bringing energy and joy to every stage he graces. Whether performing at a festival or an intimate event, Tj excels at creating memorable experiences through music. Drums have always been his heartbeat, allowing him to lock in the groove across a range of genres, including Funk, Reggae, Rock, Punk, and Country.

With years of experience in performing and touring, Tj believes that music is the ultimate connector—a shared rhythm that brings people together and brightens the world. As a dynamic multi-instrumentalist and entertainer, he is known for his vibrant energy and his dedication to bringing music to life. This belief in music's power to unite is evident in every performance, where he infuses uplifting grooves and a contagious love for entertaining. Get ready to be uplifted and connected through the power of music!

Don's commitment to the Gallop Annual Charity Auction since 2011 is truly inspiring. Just a few years ago, he made his first on-camera appearance instead of working behind the scenes only. Our staff and committees hold him in high esteem for raising the standards of logistics, professionalism, and overall execution of the Gallop event. Although his first public appearance at the event was last year, his influence—often unseen but deeply felt—has been shaping the event behind the scenes for over a decade. Don leads the exceptional production team at Northern Quest and serves as the production manager for all the national touring acts that perform at Northern Quest's concert venues, showcasing his professional skills and dedication to his craft.

Don Carruthers, a Spokane native, was born into a musical family, a heritage that has profoundly influenced his musical journey. His father, the legendary jazz pianist Arnie Carruthers, instilled in him a deep love for music. Don's musical talents emerged at the age of twelve when he first picked up the saxophone. Over the years, he has played with numerous rock, funk, blues, and show bands, earning a reputation as a highly respected musician in the local music scene. His soulful tone and exceptional improvisational skills set him apart. You can often catch his band, Eternal Jones, performing in the area. If you’re lucky, you might even see his youngest son, Austin, carrying on the family tradition by singing and playing with the band.

With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Mellad's expertise covers nearly every musical genre. As a songwriter, producer, and music educator, he collaborates with a wide range of artists, from individual performers to large symphony orchestras, working across both stage and screen. Blessed with a keen ear for musicality, Mellad approaches his craft with dedication, and his strong work ethic inspires those around him. Highly versatile, he embodies an exceptional mix of creative talent, humility, and leadership skills. If you can envision it, Mellad can bring it to life.

**Portfolio - Notable Collaborations:**

An Dóchas and The Haran Irish Dancers, Amplified Wax: Arranger, Band Director, Musician, Producer, Carnival Cruise Line, Lab Band, Gonzaga University, Faculty, 'PBS' Emmy-nominated "Ireland With Michael, Izzy Burns, Jenny Anne Mannan and Her Angel Band, Justin James Live, Kaitlyn Wiens, Mark's Guitar Shop, Guitar Instructor, Nicole Lewis, Telly Award-winning Inland Sessions: "Quiero Flamenco" and "Gradience," The Sara Brown Bandamenco" and "Gradience," and The Sara Brown Band.

Mikaella began playing the fiddle at the age of eight and spent her early teenage years competing in fiddle contests across the Pacific Northwest. She also performed with various groups, including her family band. During high school, she started exploring classical training and later became the concertmaster for the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra while pursuing an engineering degree at Gonzaga University. By day, Mikaella works as a software engineer and Krav Maga instructor, and by night, she shares her music with audiences throughout the Spokane area.

Cole is a bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist who performs with various groups, including The Justin James Band, Funky Unkle, and Kaitlyn Wiens. He teaches choir and guitar at Gonzaga Prep and jazz bass at Gonzaga University. In his free time, Cole enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and playing disc golf.

Returning for his sixth year to perform at the 2026 Gallop Opening Kick-Off, the extraordinarily talented Jesse Quandt and his band are set to impress. Jesse began playing guitar and singing at the age of four, heavily influenced by classic and outlaw country as well as classic rock. He further expanded his musical skills by adding drums to his repertoire, becoming well-versed in jazz and classical music while always staying true to his country roots.

In 2003, shortly after the start of the Iraq War, Jesse put his musical aspirations on hold to join the Army. He served for nearly ten years, always taking his guitar with him, regardless of his posting. It was during his final overseas tour that Jesse began writing and composing his original music.

Within weeks of returning home to the United States, Jesse was booked and performing professionally. From gigs in small bars to appearances at state fairs and music festivals, Jesse has opened for award-winning artists and national touring acts, developing a devoted following along the way. His music, grounded in everyday life experiences, often explores themes of the blue-collar worker, heartache, life, and love. Jesse's energetic style blends country with rock, blues, and soul, offering listeners something to enjoy at every performance. Whether playing an intimate acoustic show or delivering an electrifying live event, Jesse Quandt consistently provides authentic entertainment.