Alexa Slaymaker hails from Salt Lake City, Utah, where her journey in the performing arts began. She performed at numerous venues in Salt Lake, notably Hale Centre Theatre and Lagoon Amusement Park. Alexa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Utah. GO UTES! After graduating, she set sail on the high seas as a performer aboard cruise ships with Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines. In 2017, Alexa’s journey led her to the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Tennessee. She Immersed herself in the heart of Music City, grinding her teeth on renowned stages along Broadway, writing and recording original music, and working as a studio session singer. Returning for her second season aboard the iconic General Jackson Showboat, Alexa is thrilled to share the stage with this amazingly talented cast, and excited to share their talents and enthusiasm for country music and Nashville with audiences.
Outside of performing aboard the General Jackson, Alexa channels her creativity into another creative venture close to her heart: running her own balloon business, Bash Pop Co. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Alexa enjoys keeping up with family and friends in Utah as much as possible and sharing endless laughs in the company of her friend and roommate and their furry companions, Henry and Tito. Alexa enjoys documenting life on board the General Jackson. Follow the journey on Instagram or TikTok @alexa.slaymaker
Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Kara Eknes has been singing professionally across the globe for the past 15 years, performing in large-scale theaters, cruise ships, theme parks, and more.
She is thrilled to be returning to the General Jackson for her 4th season!
After studying Musical Theatre at Bowling Green State University, she was nominated as “Best Female Performer” by the Smoky Mt. Opry for the 2017 IAAPA awards.
Kara is a member of the international female jazz group, “The Satin Dollz”, and has brought the group’s vintage sound to its inaugural Nashville troupe.
Singing her way through recording studios from New York to Los Angeles, Kara has never been happier to land back home here in Music City!
Emma Rose is thrilled to be back performing on the grandest showboat of them all! She has always loved singing and performing on stage, and has grown up in the music industry alongside her family, where her father is a Nashville studio musician and producer. Since the age of 6, Emma Rose has been in recording studios as a session singer and has sung on multiple projects for Disney parks, MTI (Musical Theater Int), and other artists here in the Nashville area.
Outside of performing on the boat, Emma Rose just recently graduated from Lipscomb University with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. She recently won Broadway World’s Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical for playing Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet with Studio Tenn Theater Company. Emma Rose has also appeared in multiple film projects, commercials, short films, and more. You can follow her silly little Instagram journeys @_emmarose_w.
Nicole Renée is a Nashville singer/songwriter who originally hails from Elmhurst, IL. She graduated from Belmont University and has a Bachelor’s in Commercial Voice and Music Business. During her time at Belmont, she worked with several artists such as Josh Turner, Clay Walker, and Russell Dickerson. In 2021, Nicole signed her first contract with Dollywood, where she continued to perform full time upon graduation until January 2024. She was a part of several shows on park including Forever Country, Dreamland Drive-In, Hydro Jive Junction and Christmas In The Smokies. In 2023, she became a semi-finalist in Tennessee Songwriters Week; where she got to perform at The Bijou Theater in Knoxville. Nicole is over the moon to be back in Nashville, and couldn’t be more excited to be a part of Music City Nights! You can follow her journey through her social pages and her website and be on the lookout for some releases coming this year! www.musicbynicolerenee.com
Nathan Belt, born in Texarkana, Texas, has lived a life deeply rooted in music, right from the Texarkana state line of Texas and Arkansas where he grew up. Surrounded by melodies from an early age, Nathan’s passion for music was ignited by exploring his family’s rich record collections, laying the foundation of his musical journey. The musical talent of his Grandma Belt, alongside his uncles Kelsey and Johnny who both played guitar and sang, introduced him to the classic legends of country and gospel music, shaping his early musical tastes with icons like Merle Haggard, George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley.
After moving to McKinney, TX in 1991, Nathan’s musical path took a significant turn when he would later receive his first guitar as a Christmas gift at the age of 13. This led to years of performing on the Texas Opry circuit, with the Grapevine Opry becoming a notable venue for his performances. Garth Brooks, George Strait, Alan Jackson and artists from the “Class of ‘89” would be most influential during this time. His talent soon caught the attention of rockabilly legend and Fleetwood Mac band member Billy Burnette in Dallas, leading to a pivotal demo that propelled Nathan to Nashville, Tennessee.
In Nashville, Nathan embarked on an artist development journey with Ginny Johnson and legendary guitarist and producer Billy Joe Walker Jr. of Marathon Key Productions, securing a publishing contract with the prestigious Acuff Rose. Despite the challenging shifts in the music industry, Nathan’s perseverance saw him returning to Nashville in 2012 after a stint as an Elvis Tribute Artist, further solidifying his musical career with the formation of Nathan Belt & The Buckles. This band became a staple on Broadway in downtown Nashville, enchanting audiences from Robert’s Western World to The Nashville Palace.
The pandemic years brought challenges, but Nathan’s resilience led him back to Nashville’s stages, where he now hosts the celebrated production, Music City Nights as presented on the General Jackson Showboat. You can also find him performing every Saturday and Sunday at Chief’s on Broadway. Currently, Nathan is poised to release his first EP and single in 2024 with the help of songwriter and producer Bryan Simpson, marking a new chapter in his enduring musical journey.
Brandon is from a little place called Martinsville, Va. He is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory where he studied acting and musical theater. Performing is a huge passion of his and he is very fortunate to have been able to perform for audiences all over the world. When home, Brandon enjoys taking time with other young aspiring performers sharing his experiences and doing vocal coachings. He has been performing on various cruise ships for the past six years and is excited to be grounded for a while and welcomed by the beautiful city of Nashville.
Peedy Chavis is a 22-year-old country, rock, and soul singer. Born in Lawrenceville, GA, Peedy grew up on everything from the Johnny Cash to Marvin Gaye to Elvis Presley and Glen Campbell. Peedy’s family encouraged his natural talent for singing, as he aspired to be a singer ever since he could talk. At the age of 12, Peedy picked up the guitar. Peedy wrote his first song in the 8th grade and quickly fell in love with writing music. In May of 2021, Peedy seized the opportunity to further his music career. He traveled to Burbank, California to be a competitor on NBC’s television show, The Voice. After spending months in California on the show, Peedy placed in the top 20 and then moved to Nashville, TN. Once getting to Nashville, he has been gigging downtown at Ole Red. Blake Shelton, Peedy’s former coach on The Voice, owns the establishment.
In 2023, Peedy recorded his first original EP in Memphis, Tennessee. He recorded at his dream studio, Royal Studios. Peedy is excited to unleash these brand-new classics. The release of his newest single will be April 1st.
Born in Altoona, PA, Mike Swope began playing drums at the age of nine. After graduating from high school, he served in the US Army where he played in the 101st Airborne Division Band at Ft. Campbell, KY. After managing an honorable discharge, he attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN and served in the Tennessee National Guard Band in Nashville. While attending APSU, he performed in clinics with Bob Mintzer and Rich Matheson, and performed for President George HW Bush. While serving in the National Guard, he performed with Lee Greenwood and Boots Randolph. In addition to touring extensively with Louise Mandrell, whom he joined in 1993, Mike has also appeared on National TV with Linda Davis, Terri Clark, Chrystal Gale, Janie Fricke, Skip Ewing, Alecia Elliot and Shane McAnally through Louise’s charity work with Boy Scouts of America.
Matheus Canteri was always meant to be one of Brazil’s top guitarists. Armed with a guitar that his father made him by hand at the age of twelve, it did not take long for Canterito to become the virtuoso now known all over Brazil, South America, and the world, writing lessons for guitar magazines and specialized websites.
Matheus moved to Nashville at the end of 2018 and has toured all over the US, Europe and Brazil with The Royal Hounds, which is also one of the house bands at Robert’s Western World, one of the most famous and respected Honky Tonks in music city.
He recently released his third solo album “A New Land” with special guests such as Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason and is currently part of the artist team of Fuhrmann Pedals, Planet Tone Pickups, Anatomy of Sound Picks, Mudstand and HC Guitars.
Andy was born in Nashville TN and got his start playing bass in his church student band. He went on to study bass at Belmont University where he graduated in 2019 with a classical performance degree. Andy has since been working as a bass player in the cruise industry, local musical theaters as well as performing around the US with various bands and artists.
Born in Georgia and raised in Kentucky Douglas came to Nashville the first time to attend Belmont University for Musical Theatre. After seven successful years in New York City, he came home to Nashville in 2020. Douglas started playing the violin at age ten and was encouraged to learn how to “fiddle” by his Mema, who herself grew up listening to The Grand Ole’ Opry. Douglas’ 100-year-old instrument was passed down to him from his Great Grandfather, which he now affectionately refers to as “Chanucey” after his fiddle playing ancestor.
Locally, Douglas has been seen on stage with Studio Tenn, The Nashville Repertory Theatre and most recently as Willy Wonka at the Nashville Children’s Theatre. Other credits include Off-Broadway: The Robber Bridegroom, Soot and Spit. Regional: Once, Cotton Patch Gospel, Fiddler on the Roof. TV: Succession. Fiddle: Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas, and aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship. He is a founding band member of The Lobbyists, whose Off-Broadway production Seawife was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Music.
His Broadway bound Americana Musical Johnny & The Devil’s Box received an award-winning run at the Cumberland Co. Playhouse in 2022. The show’s concept album can be streamed everywhere you get your music at johnnyandthedevilsbox.com.
Douglas is proud to perform with Matt Davenport Productions aboard the General Jackson among such amazingly talented musicians. He currently lives in Franklin, TN with his wife/collaborator/co-star Annabelle, almost two year old Oliver and their golden doodle Dandy.
Website: www.douglaswaterburytieman.com Instagram: @jdwtieman, @johnnyandthedevilsbox
Maggie Richardson is a Nashville “unicorn”- born and raised in Music City. She started singing professionally in the studio at 5 years old and has been going strong in the industry ever since. Maggie graduated from Belmont with a BFA in Musical Theatre and went on to perform all across the country professionally. Follow her journey on Instagram! @magtagwag
Kyle Henry found his love for singing in church at an early age. He then found a love for the stage while performing at local theaters. After high school, he moved to Tennessee where he began performing as a singer/dancer at The Smoky Mountain Opry and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Kyle then took to the seas becoming an inaugural vocalist with Carnival Cruise Lines. After three years with Carnival Kyle moved to Nashville where he was a host and singer for the tour production of Live From Nashville.
When he is not on stage you can find Kyle chasing after his two children, at a horse show with his wife, or traveling the country!
Singer/songwriter AmberLeigh has spent every chapter of her life on stage. The South-Florida native was found side stage in a playpen while her father, a musician himself, performed. She then fronted her own band by the age of 10 and now, residing in Nashville, performs over 200 shows a year across the country.
Amber Leigh is known for her fiery fiddle playing, and is widely recognized by her red hair. Leigh has released nine full length original albums, all to critical acclaim. Her unique, “Country with a touch of Celtic flair”, sound has led to a strong fan base that has seen her share the stage with country music’s finest including Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady Antebellum among others.
Her latest EP, “Dust to Gold”, captures her live energy in a studio performance while showcasing her strong songwriting ability. The first single, “Gonna Hurt Tomorrow”, co-written with Will Rambeaux (Faith Hill, Patty Loveless) and Sherrie Austin (Blake Shelton, George Strait), sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting year.
Leigh has been seen nationwide for The Nashville Christmas Parade, featured on the USA network, CMT, and full concert series on The Nashville Network. Additionally, her songs have been heard on The Disney Channel internationally as well as featured at Disney World.
A resident performer at the world famous Wildhorse Saloon & The General Jackson Showboat, Leigh says Nashville will always be her home, where she shares a love of fitness, outdoor activities, cooking, and raising daughter Ciara with her husband Matt, who happens to be Leigh’s drummer.
Leigh continues to support organizations such as Wounded Warriors Project, The Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Humane Society, and the American Cancer Society.
Perry Danos hails from Chicago, IL where an array of musical styles echo through the city streets. He took his musical sensibilities and headed south to Music City, Nashville where he now calls home. Since moving to Tennessee, Perry has become an entertainer and voice in-demand! In addition to performing and doing studio work locally, Perry has also appeared on stages from New York to Las Vegas, and everywhere in between!
Perry brings his distinct voice and musicianship to the General Jackson Showboat’s Victorian Theatre both day and night in the hit original shows Music City Nights and Taste of Tennessee. He has appeared in music videos with famous recording artists like Shania Twain, Randy Travis, and more. Additionally, he has been seen in national commercials for companies like Coors, Toyota, Ford, and more!
Bob Fortner is the son of a Nazarene preacher from a small town in Southern Illinois. With a passion for music, he moved down to Nashville, Tennessee to follow his dreams at just 18 years old. Upon arriving in Nashville, Bob started singing at the famous Opryland USA.
Bob continued his career with Gaylord Entertainment onboard the General Jackson Showboat, at Wildhorse Saloon, and onboard the Music City Queen while also getting the privilege, on many occasions, of performing on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry stage. Bob is honored to be a part of the midday show on the General Jackson Showboat, Taste of Tennessee, and to be working with this amazingly talented group of performers.
Throughout his highly successful career Dave Salyer has toured the world with Barbara Mandrell, performed for presidents at the White House, and appeared on countless television shows. Roy Clark proclaimed Dave as one of the most fabulous guitarists on the planet, stating “I can’t believe this guy; If I could get my hands on him, I’d kill him!!” Of Salyer, Barbara Mandrell simply states, “Dave Salyer is the best guitarist I’ve ever had”. Dave credits his uncles – Bluegrass Legends and Grand Ole Opry Members Jim & Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys – for his love of music and musical ability and talents.
Currently, Dave performs specific show dates with his uncle Jesse at The Grand Ole Opry. His solo repertoire ranges from “Orange Blossom Special” to “The Flight of the Bumblebee,” and from “Wildwood Flower” to “The William Tell Overture”. He is also an accomplished vocalist, songwriter and humorist!! But most of all, Dave is just a regular guy with a God-given talent to touch people with his music!
Dusty has been performing music since he was 3 years old in the genres of Blues, Country, Classic Rock, and Christian Contemporary. A current resident of Nashville, TN, Dusty has performed as a soloist, worked as a studio musician, and played at venues ranging from small fairs and festivals, to local clubs, private parties, weddings, and more. Dusty approaches every gig, audience and venue with an attitude of gratitude.
Ray Von Rotz has been one of Nashville’s most in-demand drummers and percussionists since 1979. He has performed around the world with artists like Boots Randolph, Lee Greenwood, Chet Atkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely and Little Jimmy Dickens.He has played on numerous shows on radio and television including Nashville Now, Crook and Chase and many more. Ray performed for years in shows at the Opryland Theme Park, and has been working as a drummer onboard the General Jackson Showboat for several years.
