The Crew

Barn Dance manager Lynne Colacone has a love for country music, a keen eye for talent, and a long and impressive 40 year history in management. Originally from Johnston, Rhode Island, Lynne has been a resident of Hopewell, VA since 1985.

This current revival of the Old Dominion Barn Dance was actually sparked by an idea she had back in 2014, while vacationing with friends and country music entertainers Lynne Carnes and Donna Meade. When she suggested that Lynne and Donna plan a show together at the newly-renovated Beacon Theater in Hopewell, Donna took the ball and ran with it. Her years-long desire to revive the venerable barn dance show took root that day after Lynne’s suggestion, and Lynne became her ‘right arm.’

When it comes to the Old Dominion Barn Dance, Lynne’s award-winning management skills are second only to her people skills. She genuinely cares about everyone involved–especially its patrons–and takes great care of everyone and everything in the smallest detail. It is evident to see that Lynne loves being a part of the Barn Dance, and the Barn Dance is glad to have her as General Manager!

Born and raised in Richmond’s East End and graduating with honors from VCU with a Mass Communications degree, Billy Rice is a 30 year veteran of communications and production work for state government. Getting people and gear to the right place at the right time has been a constant in his professional endeavors, which includes nine years in local TV news operation. He’s had his hands in various aspects of the music business from building stages and running spotlights to coordinating music for charitable events.

Well known in stage production as one of the nicest guys around Billy always seems to enjoy his work, and for the past nine years has served as a volunteer and artist host for the Richmond Folk Festival. The Barn Dance is glad to have Billy on board!

Beth is a Hopewell native who moved back to the area after completing a successful career in real estate development in Pennsylvania, and now enjoys spending time with friends while actively volunteering with local organizations. Her background and organizational skills aid her in helping to manage backstage operations by minimizing the chaos that can ensue with most every production. As an assistant to stage manager Billy Rice, she helps to make everyone’s performance run quickly by ensuing clear communication between cast and crew. Beth’s goal is to always help make the performances at the Barn Dance the best they can be and an enjoyable experience for all!

Mary Tinnell is originally from Goochland, Virginia and currently resides in Chester with Ryland, her husband of 54 years. Ryland is the music director of the Old Dominion Barn Dance and the 2019 inductee into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame. Mary retired from Philip Morris USA/Altria in 2010 with 30 years of service. Upon retiring her company title was Coordinator State Relations, filing documents with the states’ attorney generals’ offices, filing taxes for unstamped product and other duties involving state relations. She represented the Company in an organization called Executive Women International serving as President of the Richmond Chapter in 2002 as well as holding positions as Chaplin, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. This organization’s mission continues to be promoting the member firm, enhancing personal and professional development, and encouraging community service. She also enjoyed participating in her department’s Toastmasters Club.
Mary’s love of country music and the musicians that perform and promote it makes her passion for the Old Dominion Barn Dance understandable. Although she does not perform musically, she has an extensive knowledge of classic country music and its artists. She does a wonderful job of assisting the performers backstage with their wardrobe, and helps the Old Dominion Barn Dance performances run smoothly by lending assistance wherever needed.

Our merchandise manager, Donna Riley, hails from Suffolk, VA where she currently resides. A retired widow after a forty-year marriage to husband Jim, the fruits of their union include three children and eight grandchildren. You may recognize two of their children, Shamus and Liam, as members of our Barn Dance Cloggers. Donna’s employed years were spent as an office manager for Norfolk Public Schools, where she was “praised for a giving heart to all she undertook,” while also ministering to the youth of her church. She enjoys family, friends, crafting and singing as well as clogging, having spent many years as a clogging director and is a 2008 inductee into the America Clogging Hall of Fame