Meet the 2026 main Stage Performers

        Main Stage Act 1: Sheila and the Caddo Cats 

10:00-11:15 a.m.

Showcasing the premier vocals of Sheila Clark Fox, JMA’s two-time winner of Nashville’s "Entertainer of the Year," plus 2022 Nashville’s "Album of the Year," and 2024 Nashville’s "Impact Song of the Year," "Why Am I Here."

Sheila Clark Fox – Lead Vocals / Guitar / Percussion

Sheila is an international performer, leader, and main vocalist for "Sheila and the Caddo Kats." Born in Marshall, TX, she is the leader of today’s award-winning variety band.

The Caddo Kats first started in the Caddo Lake area of East Texas, where Sheila, a singer/songwriter, grew up. She developed a love for music through the teachings of her father (a Music Director) and her grandfather, who was part of a Gospel Quartet. She is now sharing musical compositions with the world as an international performing artist. In 2002, Sheila performed at the John Ritter Showcase in Carthage, TX, for the inaugural year of the opening of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In 2015, Sheila was awarded "Song of the Year" for her song "Love Is So Right" from Fair Play Country Music; she was also featured on the cover of FPCM Magazine as the Artist of the Month. Her songs "Little Feather" and "Harley Fever" were nominated for Song and Video of the Year at the Josie Music Awards for 2017, 2018, and 2019. Her band, Sheila and the Caddo Kats (2017 to present day), has earned several awards. In June of 2023, Sheila performed the lead role of "Patsy Cline" in the musical I Am Patsy for the Jefferson, TX, Opry House Players.

Sheila released her first solo album, titled Uncertain Texas, in 2019, produced by Kenny Lee Productions of Nashville, TN. Her second album, Would You, was released on May 25, 2020. The Kats released their third album, Country Soul Living in the City, on January 4, 2022. This album won JMA's "Album of the Year 2022." Their fourth album, Chill, is a multi-genre album consisting of previously released singles along with some new tunes that have not been released.

Alan Fox – Vocals / Guitar (Original Member, joined August 2017 to present; favorite color: Red)Alan Fox, guitarist for the Caddo Kats, is an internationally recognized, award-winning guitarist from the Great State of Texas. He won his first Jazz Song Award for the song "Snowflake" from FPCM in the Netherlands. Inspired by his friend Michael Garvin, Alan believes, "If you have no vocals, you have no language barrier." He has been garnered with awards in the highly competitive music Mecca of California at the 23rd Annual Los Angeles Music Awards for "Rock Band of the Year" 2013, and in 2016 for "Rock Band of the Year" in Nashville, TN. In 2017, he won "Rock Band of the Year" at the ETX Texas Music Awards.

Alan joined with Sheila to form the Caddo Kats, based out of East Texas. Alan is endorsed by Goulding Guitars, Studio520, and Clayton Picks. He was signed with "The Alan Fox Band" at Mesquite Street Records of Arlington, TX. Alan was a vocal scholarship student at Stephen F. Austin State University. There he met other aspiring young musicians such as singer/songwriter Michael Garvin (a songwriter with over 600 top 10 hits). Alan later moved to Bossier City, LA, with Michael to record and perform. After moving back to East Texas and starting a family, Alan later returned to college and earned his degree in Bio/Chemistry. Alan has worked with such performers as Bobby Mackey, Bobby Rice, Bugs Henderson, Michael Garvin, Point Blank, Foghat, Black Star Riders, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Marshall Tucker, Thin Lizzy, Wes Jeans, and Little Texas (WB Artist).

Terry Salyer – Vocals / Drums (Original Member, joined August 2017 to present; favorite color: Blue)When not involved in national or international tours, Terry performs in the Texas area, allowing him to teach and record. He records as a session player from Texas to Tennessee. His tasteful drum tracks have been heard in songs reaching the top 10 and top 20 on World, International, National, and European Indie charts. As an educator, he has had many successful students; many have earned degrees and many others have become professional players, several with major artists. This success explains the year-round waiting list to study with Terry Salyer.

As early as the second grade, Terry had dreams of becoming a musician. He made his first commitment toward fulfilling those dreams by beginning his formal study of music in the fourth grade. That dedication continues as his calendar fills with performance, recording, and clinic dates. Most of these dates include performances, in-store appearances, radio interviews, and performances with the Alan Fox Band, a signed artist with Mesquite St. Records of Arlington, TX. Terry Salyer is an endorser for Aquarian Accessories and is a teacher-endorser for Promark. See, hear, and feel the magic of the music of this exuberant performer by attending a performance or clinic presentation by Terry Salyer.

Ricky Roach – Bass (Joined May 21, 2023, to present; favorite color: Blue)Ricky is an outstanding performer who joined the Caddo Kats in May 2023. He comes to the Kats as a very seasoned performer who has toured with Capitol/Liberty Records artist Ricky Lynn Gregg and Sony Records artist Don Woods Jr. We welcome Ricky, as he has proven to be outstanding in the field of music. He has also played with the Mescalero Cowboys Band, Black Land, Deep South, Etched in Black, and the Cole Scoggins Band.

Don Elbert – Keys (Joined March 27, 2023, to present; favorite color: Silver)Our keyboardist, Don Elbert, is a longtime East Texas musician who has played with many, if not most, of the area’s bands. The bands he has performed with have graced stages ranging from the Texas Governor’s Mansion to the East Texas Fair. These include the Gregg County Fair and the East Texas Blues Festival. Other venues Don has performed at include Dallas’ Love Field and the King Biscuit Blues Festival of Helena, Ark., just to name a few.

Main Stage Act 2: Petty Cash

12:00-1:15 p.m.

Genre: Country, Blues, Rock

Members include: Danny Carroll on lead guitar, Gary Meshberg on drums; Jeff Kilburn on fiddle and vocals, Mike Wiginton on guitar and vocals and Robert (Bob) Brady on bass

The Petty Cash Band East Texas includes five talented and seasoned musicians. Unlike many of today's bands, the band comprises various musical influences that blend to provide a sound unique to Petty Cash. Expect to be surprised by the talent and imagination of Petty Cash. Influences include Tom Petty and Johnny Cash, but also various genres from traditional country featuring familiar violin melodies to classic music with guitar licks that all will recognize. Dance or sing along to the hits you know and love from The Petty Cash Band East Texas.

Mike Wiginton has been the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for several bands in the North Dallas area.  He recently left McKinney, Texas to live the lake life in Pittsburg, TX.  Mike can handle vocals in the style of Tom Petty to Johnny Cash and most styles in between.  He is currently lead singer for The Petty Cash Band East Texas.  Influences include Chris Stapleton, John Fogerty, The Eagles, George Strait, Steve Earle, Jackson Brown, Jimmy Buffett as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Rolling Stones.  His recent projects included The Back Talkin' Johnny Band and The After 5 Band. 

Bob Brady developed his bass style by playing in clubs and shows in Chicago, Illinois. More recently, he was the bass player for The Back Talkin’ Johnny Band, which played out of McKinney, Texas. Bob’s influences begin with Led Zeppelin, Stones and Creedence and continue to Tom Petty, George Strait and Chris Stapleton. 

Danny Carroll is a lifelong guitarist.  He is native Texan from Frisco, TX. Throughout his life, he has performed with numerous individuals and bands covering all genres.  Upon retiring from government employment, he now resides in Winnsboro, TX.

Jeff Kilburn is a longtime Pittsburg resident. He is a farmer by day and a fiddle player by night. He picked up his first fiddle while serving in the USAF over 30 years ago. He has played in countless local and regional bands and groups including country, gospel, bluegrass, western swing, jazz bands and even a few classical string ensembles. His musical influences include Johnny Gimble, Stephane Grappelli, Asleep at the Wheel and Nat King Cole. Jeff and his wife Kristin live on their farm near Pittsburg.

Gary Meshberg, born in Toronto, Canada, played drums in the Toronto clubs for many years before his move to Montreal. Then, in 1999, after playing the Montreal club scene for years, he relocated to Dallas where he continued to lay down a solid backbeat for several club bands. His 30+ years of playing are rooted in up-tempo blues, classic rock and R&B. Gary and his wife Kellye live in Pittsburg, TX and can be spotted cruising on Lake Bob Sandlin.

Contact: 

Gary Meshberg

garymeshberg@yahoo.com

214-476-5895

      Main Stage Act 3: Lady Chazz 

and the Tramps 

2:00-3:15 p.m.

Genre: R&B, Pop, Country, Soft Rock, Rap

Band Description:  

Our type of music is all music, we have no set genre. We do not just play for one type of person, or one age group. We play music for all. R&B, Pop, Country, soft Rock, and a little Rap. Music that will soothe the soul or set you on fire. Entertainment is our stick, good music, with lots of fun and laughter.

Lady Chazz and the Tramps  has been in existence since 2002 

Lady Chazz came to Texas in 1998 with her husband Daddy Rich (Richard Lee). They both have been in the business a long time since the mid-seventies. Chazz started singing and dancing with her dad at age five. Rich started showing true interest when in high school. Lady Chazz has performed with and for; Johhny Otis, Tina Turner, Big Joe Turner, Bobby Blue Bland, War and Midnight Star to name a few. Daddy Rich sang with Seventh Flee Reserve while in the military. Soon after he and others formed a group called 2+2 and they toured while serving in the United States Navy.

The players in this group have been a part of our family for years off and on, Jimmy Piatt, guitarist, is one of East Texas hottest guitar players. He is well versed in all styles. He has been with the group the longest, since 2009. Jimmy plays a variety of styles with various bands around the Longview area, but he is dedicated to what the Tramps bring for entertainment. Tim Briggs, bassist, played with the group off and on for a number of years as bass and guitar player. He started playing guitar at the age of fourteen and switched to bass to play for the Alan Fox band more than a decade ago. He has played guitar and bass with many groups such as Rickey Lynn Gregg and Bobby Clair. Gary Meshberg: Born in Toronto, Canada, Gary played drums in the Toronto, Montreal and Dallas clubs for many years. His +30 years of playing are rooted in up-tempo blues, classic rock, and R&B. Gary and his wife Kellye live in Pittsburg, TX.

Facebook: ladychazzandthetramps@facebook.com

Contact: Charlotte Lee richchazz2@aol.com 903-241-5477

City : Gladewater, TX

Main Stage Act 4: Live N' Kickn Band

4:00-5:15 p.m. 

Genre: Classic Rock

Members Include:
Gary Swinard - Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals

Barry Jenkins- Guitar, Vocals

Gary McClain- Bass Guitar, Vocals

Keith Stainback- Drums

JD Mathis- Saxophone   

Live N Kickn is an East Texas-based Classic Rock cover band consisting of seasoned musicians whose passion for music delivers an experience filled with energy and fun.

Barry Jenkins: Guitar/Vocals

Barry is a seasoned, very talented guitarist who has played all over the USA and masters any genre of music. Moving to ETex from Nashville, Barry now lives in Kilgore.

Gary Swinard: Guitar/Keys/Vocals

In 1963 at age 12, Gary started his first band. At 15 yrs old he was playing on big stages, rubbing shoulders and opening for famous iconic bands such as Deep Purple, The Kinks, Jethro Tull, The Zombies, just to name a few. Gary moved from the UK to the US in 2001.

Gary McClain: Bass/Vocals

Born in East Texas, Gary was heavily influenced by the British Invasion sounds of the 60’s and 70’s. His local band won the most popular band award four consecutive years. Some of Gary’s musical influences include, SRV, Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, etc.

Keith Stainback: Drums

Since picking up a pair of drumsticks at the age of 12, music has been an integral part of Keith’s life. Music has taken him to wonderful places in the US, Canada, and Europe, allowing him to share the stage with many talented musicians. After living for years on the East Coast, Keith is now back in his hometown Tyler, TX.

JD Mathis: Saxophone

Being classically trained in East Texas by some of the areas most talented teachers, JD plays many styles of music. His musical skill and energy on stage always thrills the audience. JD lives in Lindale, Tx.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1DaNEAjL7f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

  Contact: Keith Stainback 903-920-4249

City : Tyler, TX

Main Stage Act 5: Cristo Escalante

6:00-7:15 p.m. 

Genre: Country

Members Include:

Christo Escalante: Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals

Brandon Jones: Lead guitar, Vocals

Fernando Jimenez: Bass Guitar

Melvin Jackson Jr: Drums

Bios:

Christo- 19 year old artist/song writer/ and producer from Mount Pleasant, Tx. Born in Dallas, Tx as a premature baby and is alive by the grace of God. Loves women as much as he loves music. Lives by motto 

“Chasing That Neon Rainbow”

Fernando- 19 year old Bass player from Mount Pleasant, Tx. Enjoys fishing and hanging out with friends. Spends most of his time on his bass and learning guitar. 

Brandon- Brandon Jones - grew up in Lamar County TX. Moved to Lubbock at 21, got into the TX country / rock scene at 24 and now spend time hanging at home with my wife & baby

Melvin- My name is Melvin Jackson Jr I’m from Como, Tx and I’m the Drummer for Christo Escalante. I’ve been playing drums for 15 years and since then they became my life. Love traveling with the band and the get togethers after the gigs.