Texas Hot Link Festival
  • Home
  • Vendors
  • Entertainment
  • Sponsorships
  • Cooking Competitions
  • Hot Link Eating Contest
  • History of Hot Links
  • Festival Features
  • Pilgrim's Marketplace
  • Lodging Accommodations
  • Writers' Block Spotlights
  • Articles of Interest
  • Past THLF Photos & Videos
Texas Hot Link Festival
  • Home
  • Vendors
  • Entertainment
  • Sponsorships
  • Cooking Competitions
  • Hot Link Eating Contest
  • History of Hot Links
  • Festival Features
  • Pilgrim's Marketplace
  • Lodging Accommodations
  • Writers' Block Spotlights
  • Articles of Interest
  • Past THLF Photos & Videos

Meet the 2026 main Stage Performers

Sheila and the Caddo Cats

Sheila and the Caddo Cats

        Main Stage Act 1: Sheila and the Caddo Cats 

10:00-11:15 a.m.


 Sheila and the Caddo Kats are an award-winning, international variety act rooted in the rich musical soil of East Texas. Fronted by three-time Josie Music Award winner Sheila Clark Fox—Nashville’s 2022 "Album of the Year" recipient—the band blends premier vocals with world-class instrumentation.

The lineup features internationally recognized guitarist Alan Fox, session drummer and educator Terry Salyer, seasoned bassist Ricky Roach, and veteran keyboardist Don Elbert. Together, they deliver a high-energy, multi-genre experience that has graced stages from the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame to the Los Angeles Music Awards.

Petty Cash

Sheila and the Caddo Cats

Main Stage Act 2: Petty Cash

12:00-1:15 p.m.


 The Petty Cash Band East Texas delivers a unique, high-energy fusion of Country, Blues, and Rock. Featuring Mike Wiginton (Vocals/Guitar), Danny Carroll (Lead Guitar), Jeff Kilburn (Fiddle/Vocals), Bob Brady (Bass), and Gary Meshberg (Drums), the group blends traditional fiddle melodies with iconic guitar licks. Their sound bridges the gap between the grit of Johnny Cash and the heartland rock of Tom Petty, creating a setlist that keeps audiences dancing. 

Contact: 

Gary Meshberg

garymeshberg@yahoo.com

214-476-5895

Lady Chazz and the Tramps

      Main Stage Act 3: Lady Chazz 

and the Tramps 

2:00-3:15 p.m.

  

 Lady Chazz and the TrampsSince 2002, Lady Chazz and the Tramps have been igniting stages across East Texas with a "no-limits" blend of R&B, Pop, Country, Soft Rock, and Rap. Fronted by the dynamic duo of Lady Chazz (Vocals/Dance) and Daddy Rich (Vocals), the band features a veteran lineup including "East Texas' hottest" guitarist Jimmy Piatt, versatile bassist Tim Briggs, and seasoned drummer Gary Meshberg. From soulful grooves to high-energy hits, they deliver a performance defined by good music, laughter, and pure entertainment. 

Facebook: ladychazzandthetramps@facebook.com

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

City : Gladewater, TX

Live N' Kickn Band

Main Stage Act 4: Live N' Kickn Band

4:00-5:15 p.m. 

 

Live N Kickn is an East Texas-based Classic Rock powerhouse fueled by decades of international stage experience. The band features Gary Swinard (Guitar/Keys/Vocals), who began his career in the UK opening for icons like Deep Purple and The Kinks, alongside Nashville veteran Barry Jenkins (Guitar/Vocals). Supported by the rock-solid rhythm section of Gary McClain (Bass/Vocals) and Keith Stainback (Drums), and the soulful energy of classically trained saxophonist JD Mathis, they deliver a high-octane tribute to the golden era of rock. 


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

  Contact: Keith Stainback 903-920-4249

City : Tyler, TX


Cristo Escalante

Cristo Escalante

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. 

Copyright © 2026 Texas Hot Link Festival - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept