VALLEY COUNTRY: Bree Stevens

Bree Stevens walked off the stage, unable to breathe.

She had just opened the Bay Stage at the South Padre International Music Festival. Stevens, a 17-year-old singer living in Brownsville, says she played the whole set on adrenaline.

And even though she gasped for air afterward, she says the experience was the most fun she has ever had.

Started her band in 2006, when she moved to the Valley
Hometown: Stillwater, Okla.
Current town: Brownsville
Upcoming show: Nov. 29th at the Pharr Christmas Tree Lighting
Sounds like: Jewel + Dolly Parton
Influences: Dolly Parton, Reba, Rascal Flats and Jewel

Cowboy cred: 3 cowboy hats 

How does a Valley crowd differ from a regular country crowd? A lot different. Playing here, even compared to Laredo, is different. There, they're a lot more wild, loud. I think they listen to country more than people do down here. The percentage is higher. They actually know the songs. 

As a country musician, how do you relate to Tejano music? Being from Oklahoma, I've never really listened to it. I moved down here four and a half years ago. I don't speak much Spanish. I don't listen to it much. I really don't know. 

What's your dream gig? I would love to perform with Dolly Parton. I think she's so much fun. It could be anywhere. 

Where do you expect country music to take you? To Nashville hopefully. I'm taking it one step at a time.