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VALINDA McQUEEN grew up in Kentucky with the influence of bluegrass, Old Time mountain and gospel music. She studied classical voice at Tennessee Temple University, but ultimately returned to her passion of folk music.

Valinda traveled with a blind folk singer between Florida and North Carolina from 1997-2000. She then joined folk-fiddle-grass act "Jackson Creek" and for the next three years toured the state of Florida.

Her first musical love is songwriting. She blends traditional, celtic, mountain, and contemporary styles to weave songs about life, love, and the natural environment of both Florida and her rural Kentucky roots. These can be heard on a 2006 release CD she and Jay did together called "Folks Like Us".

JAY WOOD is a sixth generation Florida native that grew up around Brooksville, Homosassa and Weeki Wachee Springs.

Jay has a lifelong fascination with Florida's history and a deep abiding spiritual connection with the sheer beauty and natural wonder of his home state. All of this heritage eventually served as a strong inspiration to write and perform songs based upon his experience as well as that of his family's.

With Jay's versatile guitar playing and incredible talent, there isn't a style of music he can't do. From rock to jazz, and bluegrass to country, he has performed with bands and duos for many years, but ultimately returned to his folk music roots and has concentrated on writing and performing songs about Florida.

He enjoyed sitting in with Florida's great folksingers of the past such as Gamble Rogers, Will McLean, and Don Grooms. These fine musicians left an indelible imprint, as can be heard in a fine tribute to them and Florida folk music in a song called "Good Medicine".

At every festival Jay gets a request for "Withlacoochee Waltz" and "Seminole Rose", both of which can be heard on the 2006 release CD he did with Valinda called "Folks Like Us". "Twisted River" is a riveting song detailing the exploitation of Florida's natural resources and can also be heard on "Folks Like Us."

Valinda and Jay were selected as Rising Star performers at the state White Springs Festival in 2005.  They currently perform at many different venues including festivals, historic societies and museums, and city events. 

StarBird is featured on a PBS special that has been broadcast since April over the western part of the state- with footage from the prestigious Pinellas Folk Festival.