7 Bridges : The Ultimate EAGLES Experience
Band Biographies
Glenn Frey (Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals):
Portrayed by Jason Manning
Born and raised in Corsicana, TX, Jason got his start in music at the age of 4 on piano. When he arrived at the University of Texas A&M he picked up guitar by playing along to all his favorite Eagles songs. He formed a band called Touch 'N Go in 1990 and toured the college circuit the next four years playing a wide variety of covers ranging from country to classic rock, dance and modern rock of the 90's.
Upon graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in communications, Jason wrote and recorded two independent albums in the mid-90's. 1994's Texas Avenues and 1995's Writing On The Wall received heavy airplay in Texas and the southwest. He toured with his band throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in support of the two releases until his move to Nashville, TN in 1996.
Soon after he arrived in Nashville, Jason worked under the guidance of songwriter/producer Buzz Cason often accompanying him at writers' nights at such venues as the legendary Bluebird Cafe. He started writing, producing, and playing with a variety of artists and also toured with Yankee Grey and Don Ellis Gatlin.
In 2005, Jason returned to Texas, where he is also now involved with an original music project, Manning-Dickson (www.manningdickson.com), and resides near downtown Fort Worth with his wife, Rachel.
Don Henley (Drums, Percussion, Vocals):
Portrayed by Keith Thoma
Keith began his musical career very early on in life. At age 2, he was already banging out beats on his mother’s cookware and other suitable objects. Throughout his formative years, Keith performed in a variety of musical groups including his high school’s jazz ensemble, marching band and concert band. He joined country duo, The Truesdells, in 1995, with whom he opened for both Merle Haggard and Daryle Singletary.
In 1997 Keith took a departure from country music to explore the classic/modern rock genre with local act, Chunkster. He remained with the group for 5 years. During those years, Keith added vocals to his list of talents.
From 2002 until 2004 Keith toured the US extensively with Lonesome Road. During his time with them, he performed on many stages across the US including the Longbranch Saloon in Raleigh, NC. Keith also played drums, percussion and sang lead and harmony vocals on the Lonesome Road album, Damn Good. In addition, Keith wrote and arranged most of the harmonies for the album. Keith also increased his talents by learning the harmonica, which he can play while drumming. While on tour with Lonesome Road, Keith was able to share the stage with many acts including Emerson Drive and Rushlow.
After his stint with Lonesome Road, Keith toured briefly with Nashville Star Season 3 finalist, David St. Romain, before finally making the move to Nashville, TN.
Since his move to Music City, Keith has toured England with Billy Yates and Sean Patrick McGraw, toured Germany with Tim McDonald, criss-crossed the United States with Brandi Thornton, and performed at every honky-tonk in town. Keith now resides in Hermitage, TN, with his wife, Keri. Randy Meisner/Timothy B. Schmit (Bass Guitar, Vocals):
Portrayed by Bryan Graves
Bryan began his musical and stage career at a young age performing with his dad, Josh Graves. Josh is a legendary dobro player and an original member of Flatt and Scruggs.
In 1985 Bryan sang and played lead guitar in his own original band "Lundon Angel" touring most of the country.
1992 saw Bryan begin performing as Paul Stanley in a KISS tribute band. The group toured worldwide with performances in Japan, Korea, South America and all over the US.
Bryan remained with the group until 1999, when he was cast in the musical, "Summer of '66." The musical was directed by Ted Swindley (Always Patsy Cline) and ran for 2 years. During this period, Bryan also gained national exposure when he sang background vocals for many of the artists that appeared on the "Crook & Chase" morning show on The Nashville Network (TNN).
Bryan made his return to the tribute genre in 2001 when he rejoined the KISS tribute he had been a member of several years prior. Shigadig Productions was started by Bryan in January of 2009. The company produces original music, commercial jingles, and movie soundtracks. Bryan left the KISS tribute in January 2009 as well, and joined 7 Bridges as their permanent bassist.
Bryan resides in Hendersonville, TN with his wife, Chantha, and their five children.
Don Felder (Guitars, Mandolin):
Portrayed by Douglas P. Gery
Born and raised in Lafayette, IN, Doug moved to Nashville, TN in 1997 to pursue music with his original southern- rock flavored band, Catawompus. He eventually landed a recording contract with the German-based label Halycon/Sony Music and released two albums throughout Europe.
Catawompus has had the distinction of opening for artists such as; Faith Hill, Travis Tritt, Marty Stuart, Starship, Marshall Tucker Band, Leslie West of Mountain, Molly Hatchet, and Edgar Winter to name a few.
Doug has had songs placed in movies for comedian Pauly Shore as well as several radio and television ads. He now operates GG Jingles based out of Nashville, TN.
He and his daughters, Lily and Lyla, reside in Hendersonville, TN.
Doug proudly endorses Gibson guitars, Epiphone guitars, Rock Mace guitars, Peavey amplification, SIT strings, and Fred Kelly guitar picks.
Joe Walsh (Guitars, Vocals):
Portrayed by Race Godson
Born in San Diego, California, Race Godson began playing guitar at age 13. Immediately after seeing his first concert – KISS, he knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Fired up by the blend of theater and rock n roll, he practiced 12 hours a day for 3 years before joining bands that played the most prestigious venues in California. Race cut his musical teeth at The Whisky, The Roxy and Troubadour in Los Angeles, The Keystone and Stone in San Francisco as well as opening for Metallica, Poison, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Joe Satriani and Ratt.
A songwriting partnership led him to Portland, Oregon, where he formed and co-fronted the still thriving Top-40 band 24/7. After 7 years at the top of the Northwest club circuit Race made the move to Music City – Nashville, Tennessee.
After touring extensively throughout the South and Midwest with his own band, The Space Cowboys, he was offered the lead guitar position at the world famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville. This led to appearances with music greats Hank Williams Jr., Steve Miller, John Rich, Gavin DeGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Mel Tillis, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Lorrie Morgan. A major career highlight was performing with Rhodes Scholar/Oscar winner/legendary songwriter Kris Kristofferson as well as leading the all-star band for the Tootsies Orchid Lounge 50th Anniversary Celebration at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
A veteran of over 4,500 live performances, Race is thrilled to be touring with 7 Bridges : The Ultimate Eagles Experience. When he’s not on the road with 7 Bridges, Race enjoys writing, producing, and performing with various groups in Nashville. Race also specializes in live performance coaching.
Race currently resides in Nashville, TN, and is a BIG fan of Victory motorcycles!
Joe Vitale (Keyboards, Cowbell, Vocals):
Portrayed by Vernon Roop
Vernon got his start in the music business at a very early age in a musical family. Born in a small town in West Virginia, he relocated to Miami, Florida at the age of four and through the years would frequently perform with his parents' band. During junior high, he played keyboards in jazz band and found interest in television production as a second career. After high school, he played in several local bands before returning to his parents' country band.
The majority of Vernon’s early career was spent playing keyboards and singing for South Florida standouts, Buck Wild. The group released one album independently, "So Far, So Good", which was produced by Darran Smith, guitarist and co-producer for Tim McGraw. Vernon also garnered an artist development deal with Blue Desert Records (Nashville, TN), which ran from 2004-2007.
During Vern's professional career, he's had the opportunity to perform with Steve Holy and Justin Moore, as well as opening for such acts as Charlie Daniels Band, Mark Wills, The Kinleys, Terri Clark, John Anderson, The Warren Brothers, Trick Pony, Blackhawk, and many more.
Vernon currently resides in Bowling Green, KY, with his wife, Rachel. When he’s not on the road with 7 Bridges, Vernon can often be seen performing in various clubs on Nashville’s famous Lower Broadway. He is a fan of comedic movies and loves spending time with his children, Ashton and Emily.