5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Live Energy. Lasting Memories. Legendary Fun.
Illinois, IN, IA, KY, MO, MN, TN, WI,
Travel area: No travel restrictions See details
I would highly recommend the Feudin’ Hillbilly’s for your next event, especially a wedding! They kept our dance floor packed and the energy high all night long. Jackie and the entire band were absolutely wonderful to work with and brought SO much fun to our special day! We couldn’t have asked for a better band to celebrate our big day!
Hattie K.
5.0
The Feudin Hillbillys were absolutely amazing! From the beginning they were so easy to work with. They took time to talk with us and answer any questions we had. The music was fantastic, as always! Everyone was out of the dance floor the whole night. We have received so many comments from people about how much they loved the live band and how great the music was! The Fuedin Hillbillys truly made our day so special and I can’t recommend them enough!
Rachel H.
5.0
AWARD WINNER
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
When it comes to wedding entertainment that keeps the dance floor full and the smiles wide, Feudin’ Hillbillys deliver every single time. Based in Villa Grove, IL, this powerhouse country band combines top-tier musicianship, unmatched energy, and a personal touch that makes every celebration feel one-of-a-kind.
Leading the charge are Patrick Sheppard and Jackie Freezeland — the perfect onstage duo. Patrick is charming, witty, and endlessly energetic, keeping the party turned up to 10 from the first song to the final encore. Jackie is endearing, personable, and blessed with a powerhouse vocal range that turns every performance into a showstopper. Together, they bring charisma and chemistry that light up the entire room.
Behind them is a lineup of top-notch musicians who deliver an engaging mix of danceable country favorites, crowd-pleasing classics, and harmonies that impress even the toughest critics.
Before your big day, Jackie personally connects with the bride to walk through the evening timeline — covering all the important details so nothing is left to chance. She’s also happy to MC your reception at no additional charge, ensuring the night flows effortlessly from start to finish.
The FH approach is simple: they line up every detail like dominoes before the big day — then, when the guests arrive, everything falls perfectly into place. You just relax, dance, and celebrate surrounded by your favorite people.
To top it all off, Feudin’ Hillbillys deliver a three-hour, high-octane show that guests will rave about for years to come.
Your wedding deserves more than a playlist — it deserves the Feudin’ Hillbillys experience.
Details
Instruments
Bass
Guitar
Keyboard
Percussion
Ukulele
Vocals
Music Genres
Country
Dance
Pop
Rock
Music Services
Live Music
MC Services
Recorded Music
Sound Equipment
Wedding Activities
Rehearsals & Parties
After Party
Wedding
After Party
Ceremony
Reception
Awards and Affiliations
2026 'Best of Weddings'
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 6
- Jackie FreezelandVocals, Wedding Emcee, Ukulele, Keytar, Front Ma'amJackie Freezeland is a singer and songwriter with a heart for Country and Christian music. Her love for performing began in high school, shortly after returning from a year as an exchange student in Argentina — where she discovered that even when language was a barrier, music could always connect people. Locals quickly learned that Jackie could sing, and she’s been sharing her gift ever since. Jackie sang with Black N Blue, Jackie Lawson & her Hillbilly Rockstars, and Jac Freeze. She has opened for Sugarland (twice!), We the Kingdom, Craig Morgan, Shenandoah, Restless Heart, Buddy Jewel, Josh Gracin, Bomshell, Ashton Shepherd, Diamond Rio, Lonestar, The Frontmen, Eddie Montgomery, and Tracy Lawrence. Jackie is also a member of the worship team at Family Worship Center in Mattoon, where her faith and voice come together to inspire others. She’s married to Tad Freezeland, guitarist for the Feudin’ Hillbillys, and treasures the fact that they get to share the stage — and their love of music — both on and off the road. Check out her channel on YouTube or find her music on Pandora.
- Wes SperryBass, Vocals, HarmonyWes Sperry is a seasoned bassist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist with decades of experience shaping the groove from the studio to the stage. Since joining the Feudin’ Hillbillys in 2011, Wes has anchored the band with his pocket-driven bass lines, soulful harmonies, and rock-solid musicianship. Music has been part of Wes’s life since childhood. He learned to harmonize from his mother and grew up singing quartet gospel music with his family — a foundation that shaped his ear for harmony, timing, and ensemble rhythm. Surrounded by musicians, he picked up several instruments before ultimately finding his home on the bass guitar. Since 1985, Wes has performed with numerous bands and lent his talents as both a live and studio musician, known for his tasteful playing and warm vocal tone. His work has been featured in For Bass Players Only (2011) and No Treble magazine (2012). With a deep love for music and a steady, soulful style, Wes brings experience and heart to every performance.
- Tad FreezelandGuitar, Vocals, HarmonyTad Freezeland is a talented guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose lifelong passion for music runs deep. He picked up the drums at age 8 and guitar at 9, quickly developing the versatile musicianship that defines his style today. Music is truly in his blood — his mother, a country singer inducted into the Illinois Country Music Hall of Fame, and his father, a bassist, passed down both talent and love for the craft. As a teenager, Tad was drawn to metal rock, but frequenting his parents’ country shows and Opry performances gave him a wide appreciation for multiple genres. That blend of influences shapes his dynamic sound and adaptability on stage. In 2005, Tad founded Black N Blue, a local ’80s rock cover band — and in the process, hired a powerhouse female singer who would later become his wife, Jackie. The two joined the Feudin’ Hillbillys in 2019, bringing with them years of chemistry, energy, and harmony. Tad’s strong musicianship, versatile style, and passion for performance make him a driving force behind the Feudin’ Hillbillys’ signature sound.
- Derrick RoyDrums, Business Manager, Founding MemberDerrick Roy is the drummer, business manager, and founding member of the Feudin’ Hillbillys — when you reach out to book the Hillbillys, Derrick is most likely the one on the other end of the phone/text/email/message. He jokes that he’s been playing drums “since last Tuesday,” got into music because he “lost a bet,” and that his “lack of ability” shaped his unique playing style. But behind the humor lies a sharp, strategic mind and a deep commitment to excellence. A driving force both on and off the stage, Derrick is constantly planning, refining, and raising the bar for professionalism and musicianship within the group. His leadership and vision have been key to the Feudin’ Hillbillys’ long-term success. And, in true Derrick fashion, he’ll tell you his favorite part of being in the band is simply “seeing Wes.”
- Patrick SheppardVocals, Acoustic Guitar, Front ManPatrick Sheppard has been performing for most of his life, blending natural showmanship with genuine small-town roots. Raised on a farm and surrounded by a strong musical family, Patrick’s passion for performing started young. His father, Duane Sheppard, played guitar and sang in a band that entertained audiences across Illinois and Indiana throughout the ’80s and ’90s, inspiring Patrick to follow in his footsteps. Joining the Hillbilly's in 2015, lead vocalist Patrick brings unmatched energy, wit, and charisma to every stage. Together with Jackie, they bring a powerful mix of personality, harmony, and heart to every performance. “The Feudin’ Hillbillys are my musical family and some of my closest friends,” he says. Whether he’s lighting up the crowd with his voice, charm, or humor, Patrick embodies the passion and fun of every Feudin’ Hillbillys show. “If you’re not a fan today, you will be.”
- Rod EvansGuitar, Vocals, HarmonyRod Evans is an accomplished guitarist whose playing reflects a lifetime of passion, discipline, and curiosity. He first picked up the guitar at the age of six, and it’s been his constant companion ever since. Growing up in a household filled with rock and roll, Rod developed a versatile style shaped by countless influences — and eventually found a happy home in the country genre. Rod joined the Feudin’ Hillbillys in 2013, bringing a seasoned touch and a love for the musical challenges the band delivers. His tone, taste, and dedication to his craft shine through in every performance. When asked how he got started in music, Rod insists that music chose him. “I really can’t explain why I started playing — I just did. The guitar was there, so I picked it up and started messing with it. I guess the rest is history. Before joining FH, Rod performed with several regional bands including Micky Finn, Restless, the Amy White Band, and Beyond 10
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.015 reviews
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Review Summary
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The Feudin' Hillbillies are energetic, professional, and easy to work with, delivering a diverse, crowd-pleasing set that keeps the dance floor packed. They smoothly handle MC/coordinator duties and engage guests with fun interactions. Many couples called them unforgettable and highly recommend booking them.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 5
Kali F
Highlighted review.
5.0
We had The Feudin’ Hillbillys play at our wedding, and they were absolutely incredible! 🎶
From the very beginning, they were thoughtful and professional. Jackie handled the music...
for our ceremony and formal dances perfectly — everything flowed seamlessly. She even made sure I ate and brought me drinks to my table so I could mingle and still get some calories in (which every bride knows is no small thing on wedding day!).
Before the big day, the band took time to talk with us about our music preferences and really got to know us. You could tell they genuinely cared — they shared stories we’d told them throughout the night and even surprised us by rapping an Eminem song just for us!
Once the party started, the band absolutely rocked the place. Everyone loved them, and the dance floor stayed packed all night. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Highly, highly recommend The Feudin’ Hillbillys for any event! 🤘🎤❤️
Response from Feudin Hillbillys
Thank you so much for the kind words! We will always remember your ceremony and reception ...
at the Distihl Brewery in Normal in 2023. If anyone looks through our photos here, you'll see a purplish-hue photo with a wall of barrels behind us. You will also see that Kali was FIRE in her beaded-bodice wedding gown. Simply stunning! (Ted is a lucky man.) Thank you so much for the honor of including us in your big day!
Hattie K
5.0
I would highly recommend the Feudin’ Hillbilly’s for your next event, especially a wedding! They kept our dance floor packed and the energy high all night long. Jackie and the enti...
re band were absolutely wonderful to work with and brought SO much fun to our special day! We couldn’t have asked for a better band to celebrate our big day!
Any questions?
Rachel H
5.0
The Feudin Hillbillys were absolutely amazing! From the beginning they were so easy to work with. They took time to talk with us and answer any questions we had. The music was fant...
astic, as always! Everyone was out of the dance floor the whole night. We have received so many comments from people about how much they loved the live band and how great the music was! The Fuedin Hillbillys truly made our day so special and I can’t recommend them enough!
Kirby S
5.0
We can’t recommend the feudin hillbillys enough for a wedding. Jackie was so great to work with, she answered all of my questions and made everything go smoothly that day. The day ...
of the wedding they were set up and ready to go with no issues, Jackie checked in with me before the reception just to go everything 1 more time. It amazing to see how much they cared about making our day turn out perfectly. The music was great and the band was so fun. 3 years later and everyone still talks about how great the band was for our wedding!
Ellie S
5.0
When my husband and I were planning our wedding, we decided that we wanted to have a live band to keep our guests entertained. We had heard great things about the Feudin Hillbillys...
, and decided to see if they were available for our date. Looking back, they were one of the BEST decisions that we made for our wedding. All of the band members are so genuine and really just great people. They set everything up, were very professional, and Jackie was amazing with all of her help! They are a very fun, upbeat band and really make sure that everyone is having the best time. Jackie even still reaches out every once in awhile- and we got married 2 years ago! Since our wedding, our family has even hired them for a couple of private events as well. If you are debating about using a band for your wedding, I 100% recommend the Feudin Hillbillys. You will not regret it!
Heather W
5.0
The Feudin’ Hillbillies absolutely made our wedding unforgettable!
From the very first song to the last encore, these guys brought an incredible mix of energy, talent, and genu...
ine fun. They had every guest on their feet — dancing, singing along, and smiling the entire night. The setlist was perfect, blending country, rock, and classic favorites in a way that kept the crowd hooked from start to finish.
They weren’t just performers; they were true professionals who cared about making our night special. Their sound quality, stage presence, and interaction with the crowd were top-notch. We’ve had so many guests tell us “that was the best wedding band we’ve ever seen!” — and we couldn’t agree more.
If you want a band that will keep the energy high, make memories that last, and deliver an amazing live experience, The Feudin’ Hillbillies are the real deal. Highly, highly recommended!
– James & Heather Williams
Danielle S
5.0
The Feudin Hillbilly’s were amazing!! They were so easy to work with and communicating with them was a breeze throughout the wedding planning process. Not only did they play a vari...
ety of music that everyone loved, they also acted as our emcee and did all the announcing for us. They really thought of everything and made the day stress free! When they took their breaks, they had interactive activities for our guests. Everyone absolutely loved them and we got so much positive feedback! So many of our friends told us it was one of the best weddings they had been to and I truly believe it was because of the Feudin Hillbilly’s! I would book them again in a heartbeat and would recommend them to anyone!
Alyssa N
5.0
10/10 recommend this band for live music!! They played at our wedding and kept a full dance floor the entire reception! They had so much energy and kept everyone so engaged! We are...
so happy we chose them to play and be part of our special day! It’s been 2 years since then and we still get compliments on the band and music we had that day!:)
Micah O
5.0
I cannot recommend the Feudin Hillbillies enough! We were so lucky to have them play at our wedding reception! The crowd on the dance floor was crowded all night long! Jackie, Patr...
ick, and the whole crew really made our night so special! I sincerely appreciate all they did to make our wedding night one we will never forget!!
Taylor S
5.0
The Hillbillies were awesome to work with! They put on an amazing show from start to finish that had the dance floor filled. They also helped with running the reception and MCing i...
ntroductions dances and food line. Guest still talk about how fun and good this band was. BOOK THEM you will not regret it.
Angela D
5.0
Hiring the Feudin’ Hillbillys for our daughter’s wedding was the best decision we made. Jackie took charge that day as wedding coordinator and helped us out immensely. The band so...
unded amazing and provided so much fun and entertainment. Their price is VERY reasonable for everything they provide. Highly recommend! You will not regret hiring them.
Chad S
5.0
I have personally known Tad and Jackie for many years and love the Feudin Hillbillys! To say it was a dream come true to have them perform at our wedding is an understatement! Let ...
me tell you the guests felt the same! Not only do they plan great music but they interacted with guests as well. I would 110% recommend booking the baddest band in the land! And they let me sing a song with them so MAJOR WIN lol
Calli E
5.0
This band is so freaking awesome. We have watched them play multiple times and I was so excited to have them at our wedding. They were the talk of the town for MONTHS!
Response from Feudin Hillbillys
Thank you, Calli! We had so much fun at your beautiful reception! We had never played at t...
he Lindendale Ballroom in Highland before, but you and your mama had it shimmering from top to bottom. We will always remember it! Fun fact, our sound engineer Brad is a foodie, and I think he will FOREVER be comparing wedding food to the spread you had at your celebration! He still talks about it! If anyone looks through our photos, you will find a glimpse of the charcuterie during cocktail hour and another of the buffet line. And -- MMmmm -- it tasted even better than it looks! Thank you for having us at your reception, and I hope you remember us when you have your 1st anniversary party. And 5th. and 10th, 15th,... birthday parties, backyard BBQ's, Sean & Julie's anniversaries...
Taylor K
5.0
They were so easy to work with and Jackie made sure she knew exactly what we wanted prior to the wedding day. The day of the wedding she was amazing at coordinating everything and ...
making sure everything went smooth. We were suppose to have table numbers to release people for food and that was not done but you would never know with how smooth she made it. Everyone at the wedding told me that they were the favorite part and they kept the party going! We couldn’t have asked for anyone better to have on our special day!
Response from Feudin Hillbillys
Thank you for your review! Funny, everyone told ME that their favorite part was the sparkl...
e of love when you both said "I Do" (of course). ;-)
We had a blast celebrating with you and your family and friends. I will never forget it!
Wes and Taylor were married on 6-7-2025 and celebrated at the gorgeous Foxmore in Shelbyville, and it was such a unique and beautiful space. They made it even more unique by adding classic gaming parlour features for their guests.
Thank you again for allowing us to be a small part of your big day!
Joshua M
5.0
The Hillbillies were such a joy to work with for our wedding. They were always so quick to respond to questions we had. They made sure and took the time to get to know us and the s...
ongs they thought we’d enjoy most during our reception and they absolutely killed it!! The second they went on stage, the dance floor was packed and never let up. My wife and I couldn’t have asked for a more fun, professional, and great to work with band. They worked with us and were flexible with every wish we had from song requests, length of playing, and logistics to make sure they didn’t add any stress to our day and they sure didn’t. Derrick and the guys were truly amazing to work with. If you’re looking to take your reception to the next level, book the Feudin’ Hillbillies!
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Feudin Hillbillys
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