Meet the Band

Bryan Graves began his music and stage career at a young age, performing with his father, Josh Graves, the legendary dobro player and original member of Flatt & Scruggs. In 1985, Bryan formed his original band, Lundon Angel, where he sang lead vocals and played lead guitar while touring throughout much of the United States. In 1992, Bryan began portraying Paul Stanley in a nationally touring KISS tribute production. The group performed internationally, with appearances throughout Japan, South Korea, South America, and across the United States. Bryan remained with the production until 1999, when he was cast in the musical Summer of ’66, directed by Ted Swindley, creator of Always… Patsy Cline. The show ran for two years. During that time, Bryan also gained national exposure by singing background vocals for many of the artists appearing on Crook & Chase on The Nashville Network (TNN). Bryan returned to the tribute genre in 2001 when he rejoined the KISS production with which he had previously toured. In January 2009, he founded Shigadig Productions, a company specializing in original music, commercial jingles, and motion-picture soundtracks. Bryan continues to share his passion for live performance with Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, drawing on decades of touring, theatrical performance, and music production to faithfully recreate the timeless music of one of America’s greatest rock bands. Bryan resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and children.

Gary Stevens Originally from the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, Gary Stevens has called Las Vegas home for the past 24 years. With more than 45 years as a professional musician, Gary began his musical journey as a drummer, an instrument he has played for most of his life. His years behind the drum kit gave him a strong rhythmic foundation and a natural understanding of what it takes to anchor a band. Over time, his talents expanded to include lead vocals, guitar, songwriting, and recording. Gary spent his early years performing in numerous Detroit-area rock and metal bands, including two groups that featured guitarist John Lowery, better known today as John 5. He later transitioned to guitar and spent nearly 30 years portraying Paul Stanley in several nationally recognized KISS tribute bands. His decades in the tribute-music world gave him a deep appreciation for the dedication, attention to detail, and respect for the original artists required to faithfully recreate legendary music onstage. In the mid-2000s, Gary recorded his debut solo album with acclaimed guitarist Bob Kulick, performing lead guitar and lead vocals. The project featured Kulick on rhythm guitar and Billy Sherwood—known for his work with Yes, Asia, and other acclaimed progressive rock bands—on bass, drums, production, and engineering for three of the album’s songs. Prior to Kulick’s passing, Gary and Bob continued collaborating on studio demos, jingle work, and other recording projects, further showcasing Gary’s versatility as both a performer and recording artist. In addition to his abilities as a drummer and guitarist, Gary possesses an exceptional vocal range that allows him to capture the demanding lead vocals and soaring harmonies associated with Don Henley and the Eagles’ music. Having grown up listening to the Eagles on the legendary airwaves of Detroit’s WRIF, stepping into the role of Don Henley with Soaring Eagles is a true full-circle moment in his musical career. Gary brings his versatility, powerful vocals, decades of professional performance experience, and lifelong passion for classic rock to Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, helping recreate the musicianship, harmonies, and energy that have made the Eagles’ music timeless

Rob Evans began playing guitar at the age of six, and by the time he was seven, he was already performing live in schools and auditoriums. By age 16, he knew music would be his life’s calling and began touring with numerous bands. In 2008, Rob’s band Jezebel Dogs attracted the attention of Dave Grohl, founder of Foo Fighters and former drummer for Nirvana, bringing increased recognition to the group’s musicianship. Rob has become a familiar face on the tribute-concert circuit, spending years performing with Legends of KISS before portraying Joe Walsh in nationally touring Eagles tribute productions throughout North America. Known for capturing Joe Walsh’s unmistakable guitar style, energy, and stage presence, Rob proudly continues that tradition with Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, helping deliver an authentic Eagles concert experience for audiences everywhere.

Vernon Roop discovered his passion for music at an early age while growing up in a musical family. Born in a small town in West Virginia, he moved to Miami, Florida, at the age of four and frequently performed with his parents’ band throughout his childhood. During junior high school, Vernon played keyboards in the jazz band while developing a second passion for television production. After high school, he performed with several local bands before returning to his family’s country band. Much of Vernon’s early professional career was spent as keyboardist and vocalist for South Florida favorites Buck Wild. The band independently released the album So Far, So Good, produced by Darran Smith, guitarist and co-producer for Tim McGraw. Vernon later signed an artist-development deal with Nashville-based Blue Desert Records, where he developed as both a performer and songwriter from 2004 through 2007. Throughout his career, Vernon has had the opportunity to perform alongside artists including Steve Holy and Justin Moore, performing hits such as “Good Morning Beautiful,” “Brand New Girlfriend,” and “Small Town USA.” He has also opened for the Charlie Daniels Band, Mark Wills, The Kinleys, Terri Clark, John Anderson, The Warren Brothers, Trick Pony, BlackHawk, and many other nationally recognized artists. Since 2006, Vernon has specialized in performing the music of the Eagles, recreating the band’s signature keyboard sounds and soaring vocal harmonies for audiences across the country. In addition to performing, he is an accomplished videographer, photographer, producer, and inventor. With Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, Vernon proudly continues his nearly two-decade tradition of celebrating the Eagles’ music. His musicianship, passion for live performance, and attention to detail help deliver an authentic concert experience for audiences of all ages. Vernon resides in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with his wife, Rachel. When not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his family and performing throughout the Nashville area.

James Richardson grew up in Milford, Michigan, just west of Detroit. He began singing three-part harmony and playing acoustic music in a folk and bluegrass trio with his twin brother, Shaun, and cousin, Carmen. Performing as Cats and the Fiddler, the trio entertained audiences throughout the Midwest for nearly 15 years. James first discovered the music of the Eagles through his Uncle Vince during family gatherings, where the band’s remarkable songwriting and unmistakable vocal harmonies left a lasting impression. As a teenager, James developed a passion for jazz harmony and vocal improvisation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Western Michigan University and has since performed with acclaimed artists including Deborah Brown, Randy Brecker, Chico Pinheiro, and Ben Folds alongside the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. His vocal talents earned recognition from DownBeat magazine in 2016 and 2017, as well as from the Nashville Industry Music Awards (NIMA) in 2020. In 2019, he joined Nashville’s contemporary vocal ensemble SONUS, appearing with Audrey Assad and Dave Barnes at the historic Ryman Auditorium. When not performing, James enjoys arranging and publishing a cappella vocal music spanning jazz, pop, and choral styles. His work has been praised by renowned British composer Jacob Collier, who described him as “inventive and agile,” while acclaimed voice actor Gabe Kunda called his arrangements “fresh ear-candy.” James brings his extraordinary vocal talent and love of harmony to Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, faithfully recreating the rich vocal blend that helped define one of the greatest bands in rock history.

Brian Franklin was born into a musical family. His brother, Paul Franklin Jr., is a world-renowned pedal steel guitarist, and his father, Paul Franklin Sr., designed the legendary Franklin Steel Guitars. Brian began playing guitar at the age of 13 and was touring professionally by the time he graduated from high school at just 17 years old. Throughout his career, Brian has performed with numerous acclaimed artists, including The Kendalls, Mark Collie, Shenandoah, and Alan Jackson. Most notably, he spent 17 years as lead guitarist for country music legend Kenny Rogers. Reflecting on his career, Brian says he has been “blessed to be able to make a living playing music while seeing much of the world, performing alongside many incredibly talented musicians, singers, and entertainers.” Brian brings that same world-class musicianship and experience to Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, helping recreate the legendary guitar work and timeless sound that have made the Eagles one of the greatest rock bands of all time. When he’s not performing, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Rosie, and their son, Noah. A self-described athlete with a great sense of humor, he still finds time to keep his tetherball, air hockey, and hopscotch skills sharp—along with carrying his guitar rig to every show.