The Stars Behind Our Cruise in Nashville, America

Rob is a singer, actor, and host whose performances are rooted in storytelling, soul, and a deep love of live music. A vocalist first, he spent five years performing with Dollywood, following earlier work at The Smoky Mountain Opry, and has appeared in venues around the world, including two performances at Carnegie Hall. Grounded in country music and indie folk, his sound is shaped by humble beginnings singing in church and a career that has included recording with renowned artists and sharing the stage with none other than the one and only Dolly Parton. He currently serves as the host and a featured performer of Southern Nights aboard the General Jackson Showboat — continuing to evolve while staying true to the roots that shaped him.

Aleia Eagleton is a singer, dancer, and actor originally from San Jose, California. She now calls Nashville home after earning her BFA in Musical Theatre from Lipscomb University in the spring of 2025. Though early in her professional career, she has already built a diverse résumé, wowing audiences across the country in theme parks, theaters, and on showboats. Her credits span plays, musicals, dance showcases, cabarets, operas, and national tours, and she has had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Norm Lewis. Aleia is known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence — all while standing just 4'11". She loves travel, swing dancing, fitness, the outdoors, and her faith. Aleia currently stars in Southern Nights aboard the General Jackson Showboat and is thrilled to be "rolling down the river" while sharing her love of music and storytelling.

Austin Eisner is a singer, musician, writer, and recording artist from Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He has performed in national tours, resorts, and theme parks, as well as with his own band, Austin and The Powers. As a featured vocalist, Austin has taken the stage across the country, and as an artist, he has connected with listeners around the world — reaching millions of streams. Whether he's part of a cast, performing live, or creating in the studio, Austin believes music is the most meaningful way for him to craft something people can truly connect to.

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 vocal coaching. 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. 

Brooklyn McDaris, born and raised in Temple, Texas, is a Nashville-based performer with a diverse background in music and acting. She earned her degree in Musical Theatre from a conservatory college in 2017 and has since performed across the globe, including on cruise ships and national stages. Her vocal range spans musicals, cabarets, studio work, and live band performances. Brooklyn's acting credits include appearances on HBO, Amazon, ABC, BYU TV, and Roku, with roles in productions like Impulses, Rideshare, and Hacks. She currently stars in Southern Nights aboard the General Jackson Showboat and is passionate about animal welfare, hoping to work with a sanctuary in the future. Outside of performing, she enjoys beach days, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her partner Jimi and their dogs.

Kara Eknes, originally from Dayton, Ohio, has been performing professionally around the world for over 15 years in theaters, cruise ships, and theme parks. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in Musical Theatre, she was nominated "Best Female Performer" by the Smoky Mt. Opry for the 2017 IAAPA awards. Kara is a member of the international jazz group The Satin Dollz, helping launch their Nashville troupe with vintage flair. She's also a seasoned recording artist, with studio credits from New York to Los Angeles. Currently, Kara stars in Southern Nights aboard the General Jackson Showboat, celebrating her fifth season with the General Jackson. Her passion for performance and timeless style continue to charm audiences in Music City and beyond.

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. 

Eric is from Centre, Alabama and moved to the Nashville area in 2021 to pursue a master's degree in music. Since then, Eric hasregularly performed in a variety of genres, including country, rock, bluegrass, and jazz. He has worked both in the studio and in the pit orchestra for various theatre productions. In addition to performing on the General Jackson Showboat, Eric can regularly be heard performing in Nashville's famous lower Broadway honky-tonks. Eric holds a Master's Degree in jazz studies from Middle Tennessee State University and is a music faculty member at both Motlow State Community College and Columbia State Community College.

James is a fiddle player originally from St. Louis, Missouri. After moving to Nashville in 2020 to pursue a career in fiddle performance, he attended Belmont University, where he studied the instrument through the lenses of jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, classical, and R&B styles. Since graduating in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Commercial Music, James has enjoyed a dynamic mix of touring and session work, live performances throughout Nashville's honky-tonks, and private teaching. His work on the road with several bands has led him to open for major acts such as Alabama, Trace Adkins, Lady A, and Terri Clark, and his classical experience has also brought opportunities to perform with Josh Groban and Cody Fry. James currently stars as the fiddle player in Southern Nights aboard the General Jackson. Outside of music, he enjoys St. Louis Cardinals baseball, cooking, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Jim Kirby is a seasoned Nashville keyboardist whose career spans decades of live performance, studio work, and television appearances. A graduate of Austin Peay State University with a degree in Music Education, Jim was originally certified to teach K-12 music before being invited to tour with Roy Orbison. His work with Orbison included appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Austin City Limits, Farm Aid, and international broadcasts like The Don Lane Show and Sky Holland. Jim has also performed with a wide range of artists including Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea, Steve Cropper, Michael McDonald, and Rhonda Vincent. He continues to play regularly at the Grand Ole Opry and is currently the pianist at South End United Methodist Church in Nashville. Jim's legacy is marked by versatility, professionalism, and a deep love for music.

Mike Swope is a seasoned drummer originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, who began playing at the age of nine. After serving in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division Band, he continued his musical journey at Austin Peay State University and with the Tennessee National Guard Band. Mike has performed with legends like Lee Greenwood and Boots Randolph, and toured extensively with Louise Mandrell since 1993, appearing on national TV alongside artists such as Linda Davis, Terri Clark, and Crystal Gayle. His career includes performances for President George H.W. Bush and collaborations with renowned musicians in clinics and live shows. Mike currently performs aboard the General Jackson Showboat and serves as pianist at South End United Methodist Church in Nashville. His dedication to music and performance continues to inspire audiences across the country.

Cajun influences are essential to understanding Amanda Shaw's music, but her sound is entirely her own. A fiddle player since childhood, she grew up in New Orleans, where her early years were steeped in both fais do-dos and a vibrant mélange of jazz, blues, funk, and rock 'n' roll. By the time she was 15, Shaw had signed a record deal with Rounder Records. In the years since, she has appeared in numerous pop culture touchstones, including Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, the Today Show's Roker-thon, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is the recipient of prestigious honors, including the Big Easy Award for Best Female Entertainer, and she is a Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee.

Shaw has released an impressive nine EPs and albums to date, and she is gearing up to release a new project in 2025. This time, she's adding a new accolade to her résumé: working with producer Kent Wells, longtime collaborator and bandleader for Dolly Parton. The result blends traditional Cajun music with modern elements to create something that is unmistakably Americana and distinctly Amanda Shaw.

Cat Stone is an independent country artist with a voice as authentic as her story. Raised in a military family, her nomadic upbringing shaped a deep appreciation for storytelling and connection—foundations that continue to fuel her music today. After graduating from Belmont University, Stone began performing around the world, sharing her songs with audiences in more than 80 countries. Stone returned to Nashville in 2019 to focus on her solo career. She quickly gained recognition with her debut single, Take It In, which earned a spot on Spotify's "Fresh Finds Country: Best of 2022" playlist. She followed with emotionally resonant tracks such as Who I Was (Montana Memories), Dopamine Deprived, and Home Alone, all of which were featured on major editorial playlists. With a growing catalog and a dedicated fanbase, Cat Stone continues to carve out her own space in country music—one sincere lyric at a time.

Perry Danos hails from Chicago, a city where an array of musical styles echo through the streets. He carried those diverse musical sensibilities south to Nashville—now the place he proudly calls home. Over the years, he has become an in-demand entertainer and vocalist, performing on stages from New York to Las Vegas and around the world. Today, Perry continues to showcase his distinct voice and musicianship in the Main Showroom of the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville, starring in the hit production Nashville LIVE.

Brian is a versatile session and live drummer originally from upstate New York. He has built a reputation for musicality, adaptability, and groove across genres ranging from country and jazz to orchestral and pop. He currently performs with the La Vida Loca symphonic show, which tours throughout the U.S. and Canada. Brian has also performed many times with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and toured with country star Tracy Lawrence from September 2021 through December 2022. His playing is featured on Lawrence's 2023 release Live at Billy Bob's. In addition, Brian spent more than a decade performing drum set and percussion with Mannheim Steamroller (2012-2024). Outside of touring and live performance, he enjoys recording drum tracks, programming, and arranging for clients around the world from his home studio.

Dave Salyer has toured the world with Barbara Mandrell, performed for presidents at the White House, and appeared on countless television shows. Roy Clark once proclaimed Dave "one of the most fabulous guitarists on the planet," adding with admiration, "I can't believe this guy; if I could get my hands on him, I'd kill him!" Barbara Mandrell echoed that sentiment, simply stating, "Dave Salyer is the best guitarist I've ever had." Dave credits his uncles—bluegrass legends and Grand Ole Opry members Jim & Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys—for inspiring his love of music and shaping his musical talents. He continues to honor that legacy, performing select show dates with his uncle Jesse at the Grand Ole Opry. His solo repertoire spans an impressive range, from "Orange Blossom Special" and "Wildwood Flower" to "The Flight of the Bumblebee" and the "William Tell Overture." In addition to his guitar virtuosity, Dave is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and humorist. Above all, he's a down‑to‑earth guy with a God‑given talent for touching audiences through his music.

Born in Georgia and raised in Kentucky, James Douglas (W‑T) first came to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where he studied Musical Theatre. After seven successful years in New York City, he returned home to Nashville in 2020. James began playing violin at age ten and was soon encouraged by his Mema—who grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry—to learn how to "fiddle." His 100‑year‑old instrument, passed down from his great‑grandfather, is now affectionately named "Chanucey" after his fiddle‑playing ancestor. Locally, Douglas has appeared onstage with Studio Tenn, Nashville Repertory Theatre, The Rabbit Room, and Nashville Children's Theatre. His additional credits include: Off‑Broadway—The Robber Bridegroom, Soot and Spit; Regional—Once, Cotton Patch Gospel, Fiddler on the Roof; Television—Succession. His fiddle work can be heard in Clint Black's Looking for Christmas and aboard Disney's Magic cruise ship. He is also a founding 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 enjoyed an award‑winning run at the Cumberland County Playhouse in 2022. The show's concept album is available to stream everywhere at johnnyandthedevilsbox.com. In a full‑circle twist, James Douglas' very first fiddle teacher was a protégé of John Hartford—the fiddling Honorary Captain and theme‑song composer for the General Jackson Showboat in 1985. James is proud to perform with Matt Davenport Productions aboard the General Jackson, sharing the stage with an extraordinary group of musicians and performers. He currently lives in Franklin, TN with his wife, collaborator, and co‑star Annabelle; their children, four‑year‑old Oliver and six‑month‑old Hugo; and their golden doodle, Dandy. His performances are, and always will be, dedicated to his family. Instagram: @jdwtieman, @johnnyandthedevilsbox

A Western New York native turned Music City mainstay, Dusty Knapp is a premier keyboardist and Hammond B3 specialist celebrated for his soulful versatility. He honed his craft in the high‑energy neon trenches of Nashville's Broadway from 2010 to 2015, earning a reputation for professional preparedness and heartfelt performance. Since 2016, Dusty has been a staple performer on the General Jackson Showboat, and since 2022, he has toured nationally with country star Billy Dean. From appearances at the Country Music Hall of Fame to performing alongside many of Nashville's finest musicians, Dusty Knapp continues to stand out as a first‑call talent.

A native of the Nashville area, bassist Mike Claiborne has shared the stage with many of country music's most iconic legends—performing in Nashville, on the Grand Ole Opry, on television programs such as Nashville Now and The 700 Club, and touring throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. His versatility across genres has kept him in demand for decades, both as a live and studio musician, performing on bass and contributing vocals. Mike's creative vision shines through in his solo projects, which showcase his talents as an artist, producer, composer, and instrumentalist.

Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, this guitar virtuoso is known for his distinctive style that blends country‑guitar chicken‑pickin' technique with the energy and speed of rock 'n' roll. Canteri's music has earned recognition from major guitar magazines, prominent independent music festivals, and internationally respected artists. He has shared his expertise through instructional features and lessons for publications such as Guitar Player, Guitar Load, and Total Guitar. With The Royal Hounds, Canteri has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Brazil. The group also serves as one of the house bands at Robert's Western World—long celebrated as Nashville's premier honky-tonk.

Nicole Renée is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter originally from Elmhurst, Illinois. She graduated from Belmont University with a bachelor's degree in Commercial Voice and Music Business. During her time at Belmont, she worked with several artists, including Josh Turner and Russell Dickerson. In 2021, Nicole signed her first contract with Dollywood, where she continued performing full-time after graduation until January 2024 — and even had the pleasure of meeting and performing with Dolly Parton herself. In both 2023 and 2025, she was named a semi-finalist in Tennessee Songwriters Week, earning the opportunity to perform at The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville and Ole Red in Gatlinburg. Now back in Nashville, Nicole is thrilled to be performing on the General Jackson Showboat, joining the rosters of nationally recognized wedding bands, and singing on Broadway. Her original music is available on all streaming platforms, with more to come in 2026!