SEAN MITCHELL

Vocalist

Weatherford, TX

ERICA STEVENS

Erica has served in Iraq.

Erika is a native Texas who spent her formative years in Denver, Colorado. She is a 1983 graduate of Denver East High School and after graduation pursued her education at Southwestern Christian College and Abilene Christian University, both in Texas.  She studied music as a voice major and received her BA degree from Abilene Christian in 1987.

         In the summer of 1988, Erika enlisted in the US Air Force as a vocalist in the band career field.  She served on active duty for 8 years and was stationed at Keesler AFB, Mississippi and  Scott AFB, Illinois.  After separating from active duty and relocating to Dallas in l997, Erika joined the 531st Air Force Band of the Texas Air National Guard where she currently serves as a vocalist at the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7).  In the summer of 2007, Erika was privileged to tour the Middle East performing morale concerts for the troops fighting in the Iraq war.

After moving to Dallas, Erika pursued a secular career as a Legal Administrative Assistant for various corporations in the metroplex.  However, she recently returned to her first love – music – and is teaching elementary music in the Dallas Independent School District.

         In August of 1999, Erika was given the opportunity to be a founding member and trustee of Light of the World Church of Christ.  Following the inspired vision of the minister, Erika was involved in all aspects of the planning and implementation of Light of the World Church, which has quickly become a model for new millennium ministry among black and white congregations of the Churches of Christ.  She has served as Secretary on the Board of Directors, Women’s Ministry Director, Chief Financial Officer and Choir Director during the congregation’s 8 years of existence.

         In addition to her musical pursuits in the military, Erika has worked with Lenny Klinger Promotions since 1992 as a free-lance vocalist performing at weddings and corporate functions across the country and more recently with the local band Zero260.  She is also musical director and arranger for Harmony One, an accappella gospel male vocal ensemble who have released 3 CDs since 2006.  She is an avid sports fan and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes playing softball, traveling and reading.

DALLAS MANLY

Vocalist

LANI STACY

Vocalist

Lani is a Dallas native who was raised in Grapevine along with three brothers and three sisters.  You might have even seen her at Six Flags Over Texas, singing and dancing at the Southern Palace.

She has been married for almost eight years to a paramedic/firefighter in Coppell, Texas. And they have two beautiful daughters, Halle, who is three and baby Brooklyn, born June 2008.  In her spare time she enjoys anything crafty and creative…like scrap booking, designing clothes, making jewelry, writing songs, fashion, decorating, etc.

Lani is currently the Pastor of Music and Arts at Metroplex Chapel where she has been full time church staff for four years.  Her Christian country CD was just released in July 2007.

“Above all”, she says, “I love the Lord with all my heart and passionately try to pursue getting closer to Him more everyday, and I try to be the woman of God that He has ordained me to be.”

SHELLY BURCH

Vocalist

SHELLY BURCH

24 year old Shelly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with minor in History and Music from Tarleton State University.

After performing in school and church for years, Shelly performed as soloist in the Tarleton Chamber Choir, University Singers, “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2005 and has placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in DFW Musical Theater competitions.

Shelly has studied salsa and in a language school 3 summers in Guatemala; studied Spanish one summer in Cuernavaca, Mexico and is currently a Spanish teacher in Hamilton, Texas.  She has also been an aerobics and fitness instructor for 2½ years teaching step aerobics, Latin cardio, palates, yoga, and weight training.  She heads to her job in Hamilton and then backtracks through Stephenville to get to Granbury for our concerts.

She loves God, photography and chocolate cake.  When Shelly first started teaching, one of The janitors told the front office some little blonde girl was in one of the classrooms and the Principal had to set the record straight.  She and her family are members of the Agape Way Family Church.

NIKKI VASSAR

Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, Nikki grew up playing sports – volleyball and softball - in school.  She attended University of Oklahoma on a volleyball scholarship.  She also spent time performing at Six Flags in the Southern Palace and Crazy Horse Saloon.

A newlywed, Nikki married Cody Vassar in September of 2008.  She is currently the Marketing Director for the American Heart Association’s local Dallas and Fort Worth offices.  Most of her professional career until now was spent in radio where she worked for 96.3 KSCS and 103.7 Lite FM.

Nikki has also performed at the Grapevine Opry along with two of our other cast members, Lani Stacy & DeAwna Wood, as the Grapettes.   The Grapettes received the 2007 Horizon Award. 

Her interests include spending quality time with family, friends and Dodge…the family’s black Labrador Retriever. Her favorite day of the week is Sunday, favorite holiday is Christmas, favorite season is summer, favorite type of music is country, favorite ice cream is peppermint and favorite thing to do is laugh.

DeAWNA WOOD

DeAwna began singing in church at age 7 (she loved singing along with Amy Grant).  Later she performed for three years with her high school show choir starring in “Grease”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Winnie” and more.  After high school, DeAwna performed at Six Flags Over Texas for four years.

More recently, she has performed at various Oprys including Johnnie High and Grapevine Opry where she received the 2007 Female Vocalist of the Year award.  In addition, she and Lani Stacy (also on stage here at Granbury Live) performing in the vocal group “Grapettes” were awarded the  2007 Horizon Award. 

She sings with a country trio called Maiden Texas performing in various places including opening for Randy Travis, the Chevy Main Stage at the State Fair and on the nationally televised show called “Your Big Break”.

DeAwna grew up singing in a non-denominational church in DeSoto, Texas and has been attending South Arlington Church of Christ where she serves on the praise team.  She is married to Darrell and has a 14 year old step-daughter who is a wonderful saxophone player.  DeAwna graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth and is now on their special events staff.

ZAC WILSON

"Mr. Multiple Personality"

Vocalist/Comedian/Emcee

Granbury, TX

KARLA NIVENS

Karla was born in Chicago, Illinois but moved to Dallas when she was 11 months old, so she definitely considers herself a Dallas girl.  She grew up watching and learning to love the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas Rangers with her Dad and two brothers. But, her Mom was the one most influential in her falling in love with music and more specifically worship music.  Her Mom decided that all three children had to first learn to play the piano and then pick another instrument to learn.  Karla picked the saxophone as her second instrument but if you ask her today if she plays the sax she will deny it!

Karla graduated from Tyler Street Christian Academy and Texas Tech University in Lubbock with a Bachelors Degree in Communication Disorders.  GO RAIDERS!!! After graduating from Texas Tech, Karla became an elementary music teacher for Dallas Independent School District.  She also toured with gospel artist, Kirk Franklin, as well as sang back-up vocals for Yolanda Adams, Michael Buble’, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond and Crystal Lewis.

Karla enjoys game nights at home with her family, husband, Roosevelt, Jr. and their two children, Naomi and Roosevelt III.  They all love taking trips to anywhere with an ocean view and are passionate about volunteering in the community.  Karla’s family started a non-profit organization called Love Ministries so that family members and friends could take part in giving to and educating those who are less fortunate.

ALECIA ECHOLS

Vocalist

Stephenville, TX

Alecia, who was born in Georgia, but has lived in Washington State, Florida and Maine, moved to Granbury in 1996 when she was ten years old.

 Upon coming to Granbury, she immediately became active in performing – both at school and at the Opera House, where she took several classes.  At 15, Alecia was hired to portray Mary in “The Promise”.  She was with “The Promise” for two seasons until at only 17, she was hired to perform full time with the Granbury Live cast in 2003.

 Alecia’s strong vocals and infectious stage presence have made her a favorite here at the theater. In 2003, while performing “God Bless Texas”, she met Mike Echols and, as they say, “The rest is history!” She and Mike fell in love on the stage at Granbury Live and were married in June of 2006. 

They now live in their first home in Stephenville where they attend First Baptist Church of Stephenville.  Her interests include her family and taking care of Mike and their new home.

MIKE ECHOLS

"The Blue-Eyed Fiddler"

Stephenville, TX

“The Blue Eyed Fiddler” is a Stephenville native and has been playing the fiddle since shortly after he could walk.  His grandparents began babysitting for Mike when he was about a year old.  His grandfather, quite a fiddle player himself, said that by age three Mike was so attached to the fiddle that he would run to the door yelling “fe fe fe fe”, that’s what he called his fiddle.  Mike’s first fiddle was a little Mickey Mouse fiddle and he later graduated to a three-quarter fiddle in elementary school. 

Mike’s grandfather would sit for hours teaching and encouraging him – always patient and helpful.  Later his grandfather made him a fiddle – one of Mike’s dearest possessions now.  Mike won his first fiddle contest in Hamilton, Texas when he was in the 7th grade.

Granbury Live was in need of a fiddle player in 2004 and Mike was hired just two weeks before the debut of “God Bless Texas”.  After coming to Granbury Live and becoming a permanent cast member, Mike met Alecia Horning, fell in love and they were married in June of 2006.

Mike graduated from Tarleton State University in 2005 with a degree in Business.  He is now employed as Associate Director of Music at First Baptist Church, Stephenville.  He and Alecia live in Stephenville in their first home.

In addition to the fiddle, Mike plays the guitar, drums and keyboard.  His hobby is golf and he carries a 1 handicap.  He says that his grandfather, in addition to teaching him to fiddle, taught him how to love God, family and music.  He loves all three.  His favorite music is Western Swing and Gospel. 

ROGER RAMSEY

"The Big Bass"

Benbrook, TX

ROGER RAMSEY

Born and raised in Deridder, Louisiana, Roger attended Northwestern State University and started playing with local jazz and big band artists in Shreveport.  He was a founding member of a jazz quartet called Inner Circle – doing his part by playing the Upright Bass, Tuba and Electric bass, but not all at the same time.  This group played numerous private parties, clubs and festivals though out Louisiana. A few notables include the Miss Louisiana pageant, Hollywood Premiers and they backed up such artists as Marvin Stamm. He lived briefly in Hollywood and played with a rock band.

After his days at Northwestern University,  Roger accepted a position with the United States Air Force Band program for the next twelve years, serving both on active duty and with the Texas Air National Guard.  He has performed for audiences from all around the world, including London, Paris, Prague, and Athens to name a few. Stateside, Roger has performed at Lincoln Center, the White House, Schubert Theater, and from Hollywood to Branson MO.  He has also personally performed on national telecasts for CNN and PBS entertaining foreign and domestic dignitaries such as ambassadors, senators, Prime Ministers and Presidents.

Roger then decided to use his Bachelor of Music degree and become a teacher. He is currently in his 11th year as a Band Director in the Granbury ISD school system.  Along with his teaching responsibilities, he continues to be very active in the DFW music scene, playing national stages such as Billy Bob’s and the Texas Motor Speedway.  Roger is currently in his 6th year on stage at Granbury Live playing bass, is on our creative team and lives in Fort Worth.

STEVE SLAYTON

"Wipe Out"

Drummer

Granbury, TX

STEVE SLAYTON

Self taught on the drums, Steve left high school at the age of 16 and went on the road to play professionally. Has played in 43 States and several countries and played all types of music in multiple bands, including an all Hispanic horn band (EL Paso) Black Blues Band (Long John Hunter) Rock bands (Windfall), dance bands (Emerald City), country bands, show bands, etc…

 Toured as opening act for multiple artists including, Eddie Rabbitt, Mickey Gilley, Alabama, Bob Hope, Huey Lewis & the News.  He also played in the praise & worship band at Sunnyvale Baptist Church in 1998 and experienced some fantastic times doing the contemporary services and  music ministry tours in places such as Brazil, St. Martin, and New York City.

Steve married his wife Cindy when he was 30 and retired from the “road gigs” when his first daughter was born.   He started college at 33, earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.  He worked in psychiatric hospitals for 12 years, is a licensed professional counselor and maintains his license currently.  Was recruited into the Assisted Living industry in 2003 and is currently the Area Director of Operations for Emeritus and oversees five Assisted Living communities in North Texas.   Steve works very hard at his corporate management job and has been dedicated to continue performing at Granbury Live since 2004.  He set a goal in 2007 to do a triathlon and recently completed his

third triathlon in August.

Steve and Cindy’s family consists of Stephanie (22), junior Texas State College in San Marcos, Taylor (16), junior at Granbury High School and Madelynn (13), 8th grade at Acton Middle School.  They built a home in Pecan Plantation and love to hike in Colorado, snorkel and scuba dive in Hawaii, play tennis, and Steve just loves playing the drums. It is his “therapy”.  “I love my family and do my very best to stay balanced in my very busy life.   I am truly blessed in so many ways.”

CHRISTIAN HUTTON

"Blue Electric "

Electric Guitar

Weatherford, TX

CHRISTIAN HUTTON

Christian is the eldest of four children born to a former Church of Christ minister and a “stay at home” mom. His father is now a successful financial advisor.  At age 11, Christian received a “garage sale special” $10 guitar.  He immediately became consumed with the guitar and learned everything he could from books, recordings and magazines.  Later he studied with the great Tom Burchill who unlocked doors for him and helped in get his first gigs.

 After receiving his A.A. degree in Music from Weatherford College, Christian married Amy and began playing gigs and teaching guitar.  Eventually, he hooked up with music producer Ken Halford from Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 weekly radio program.  He and Ken started a music production company Audio Ammo.  They stay busy doing jingles, production music and independent records.  Christian has been teaching 18 years – 8 at Weatherford College.  His interests are Corvettes, composition, exploring Europe and the never-ending adventure of playing the guitar. 

“The Lord has been so good to me in every way.  He has blessed the work of my hands and has given me the opportunity to be a better musician.  Everything I have is because of His Goodness and Generosity!  There’s nothing really special to write about me…God is the One who is remarkable.”

JOE TOM McDONALD

"Showtime"

Keyboards

JOE TOM McDONALD

Another new member to the back line at Granbury Live, Joe Tom, lives in Garland, Texas, with his wife, Renee.  They have two children, Ty who is 20, living in Austin and planning to enter UT in the Spring, and Rachel who is 18 and will be attending Hardin Simons fall of 2008.

Joe Tom graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a BA in piano performance.  He was the piano player for THE WATCHMEN gospel quartet from Terrell, Texas, for five years.  He has been involved in praise and worship ministries since moving to the Dallas area and is now praise band leader at First Baptist Church, Garland.

From 2002 - 2005, Joe Tom was involved with a mission tam to Latvia. They were able to construct and equip a Christian Recording Studio so Latvia Christians could record their music and share the message of Christ in the Latvian language.  they partnered with LKR, which is the largest Christian radio station in Latvia. The studio was finished and dedicated in september 2005. There have been numerous projects in the studio resulting in Christian recordings that are now getting airplay in Latvia.