MEET THE BAND MEMBERS
Our projects are comprised of some of the finest performers/musicians in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Award-winning vocalists, stellar guitarists, keyboard players and exciting drummers are all part of our line-up.
The Owners of Rockin Bands Entertainment
KRISTY JOHNSON
Lead Vocals
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Burning Sky Band
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Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute Band
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Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience
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Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA
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Winter's Night - The TSO Experience
WINNER: "BEST FEMALE VOCALIST OF 2023" BY DFW MUSIC CHOICE AWARDS Kristy was born and raised in the Dallas area and has studied music since childhood. She studied vocal music through elementary, middle and high school, and then went on to study vocal performance at Stephen F. Austin State University on a vocal scholarship. Being classically trained in vocal music has helped her develop a four octave range that lends to being able to cover the powerful scope of Ann Wilson's vocals. Kristy is also a Senior Vocal Instructor at DallasVoiceCoach.com and loves helping others reach their full performance potential. She's ready to wail, and the walls are gonna burn down when she steps up to the mic. Kristy has performed with a number of bands and projects in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She is also the lead vocalist for the Dallas-area cover band, Burning Sky, the "Amy Lee" in Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience. "Agnetha" in Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA, as well as a lead vocalist in Winter's Night - The TSO Experience. She has recorded several radio jingles, and sang "I've Got Your Back" on the soundtrack from the movie "Incubus." She has a true passion for music and loves performing, and has been a fan of Heart since childhood. For Kristy, pulling this amazing group of musicians together to form top tribute projects is a bucket list dream come true.
GLENN JOHNSON
Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Keytar, Trumpet
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Burning Sky Band
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Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute Band
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Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience
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Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA
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Winter's Night - The TSO Experience
WINNER: "BEST KEYBOARDS OF 2023" BY DFW MUSIC CHOICE AWARDS Glenn is a powerful part of Even It Up. A multi-talented musician and vocalist, Glenn handles electric and acoustic guitar as well as keyboards. He even gives extra punch to our set list by adding brass. His smooth vocal timber and natural flair for harmonies add amazing dimension and texture to Even It Up. Glenn has a long history with music and has covered everything from classical music with the Ft. Worth Youth Orchestra to extensive experience with a number of local rock bands since the 80s including Holland, Script, QSL and Rockit Science. He also plays guitar, keyboards and vocals for the Dallas-area cover band, Burning Sky, Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience, as well as keys and cello for Winter's Night - The TSO Experience.
Band Members in Alphabetical Order:
LORI CARLYLE
Vocals - "Anni Frid" for Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA
Say hello to our Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Lori Carlyle! Lori is a native Texan, born in Lubbock but grew up in Amarillo. Her love of music was fostered by her mother's family, including a grandfather that played the banjo in a country band that toured the southwest! Lori credits her performance experience to growing up and serving in the music ministry in church, as well as her school choirs - including the "Glee" of her highschool, "New Sound Singers!' Lori's passion is to deliver a performance that transports her audience - either back to memories in the past or hope for the future - but always with intention to emotionally touch. Lori has performed with a number of bands and projects in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Cutting her teeth with "Time Warp" - a party band, she moved into the tribute scene in 2018 as the "Stevie" for Fleetwood X - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. She enjoyed performing as Nicks so much that she built a band to tribute the solo work, Dreams Unwind - A True Stevie Nicks Experience. She recently launched her first country project, Antebellum - Tribute to Lady A. Lori also performs with Dallas' premier Yacht Rock band, Champagne Yacht Club as Ginger Hennessey, the Cruise Director. Lori enjoys rounding out her musical experiences with acoustic duos and trios. Photo Credit: Gia Randazzo of Gia Randazzo Productions See less
TROY GROENEWEEGEN
JEFF DEYOUNG
Drums - Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA
Jeff was born in Chicago, but got to Texas as fast as he could in 1980 at the age of 4. Throughout the 80’s he was influenced by the bands his 2 sisters Debbie and Susan were enjoying like Def Leppard, Van Halen, Joan Jett and especially ABBA! It was at that same time that he decided he wanted to play drums and watching Phil Collins play left handed seemed natural to him because he was a lefty anyway. He then started playing with various cover bands in Deep Ellum and around DFW for many years until he got into playing with tribute bands to Phil Collins, U2, Stevie Nicks and now ABBA! While Jeff may have not been an ABBA enthusiast, he was eager to dive into the ABBA catalog and reap the joy that their music gives while playing with one of the very best tributes to ABBA to ever hit a stage, Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA! Jeff plays, DW Drums, Zildjian cymbals and sticks and a Porter and Davies.
Bass Guitar
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Burning Sky Band
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Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute
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Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA
This one is more than an exceptional bass player – he’s FULL of fun-loving personality. Originally from Melbourne Australia, “Aussie Man” started playing bass in 1989 and has played in many cover bands since then - including a touring stint with an Elton John tribute show. He's also been part of multiple recording projects including recording an album with Melbourne-based band, A Lesser Ego. After coming to the states, Troy worked with incredible bands like Good Question in 2011-2017, then took on Random Axis, Time Machine Band and Big Daddy Band. He is also currently the bass player for Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute Band and Burning Sky Band. And even though we'd probably keep him around just for the fun and to hear that ultra-cool accent, we surely do love the skill and ability he brings to our shows. You'll see him on August 8th at Grandscape Texas! Photo Credit: The One and Only Gia Randazzo of Gia Randazzo Productions
TOMMY GUNN
Drums:
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Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute
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Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience
Tommy Gunn -
AMER KHAN
Bass Guitar for
Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience
Born in London, Amer moved to Richardson, Texas at the age of 5. He originally set his sights on being a drummer, but his experience with elementary percussion made it clear that he needed a different path. It was around that time that Amer discovered AC/DC and was immediately hooked on rock. A group of friends suggested forming a band, and since his younger brother played guitar, he decided that he wanted to conquer something different and went forward with the bass. From the age of 16, influenced by bands like Rush, Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Journey and Iron Maiden, Amer has found that bass is his passion. He handles a diverse range of musical genres with incredible skill and precision. Amer has worked with a number of bands over the years and is currently also the bass player for the Dallas-based cover band, Gen X.
CASEY NICOLE
Vocals/Guitar - "Nancy Wilson" for Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute
Casey Nicole is a talented and dedicated musician whose journey into the world of music began early and has since evolved into a passion-driven calling. Casey's love for music began in her childhood, inspired by watching her mother and aunt perform heartfelt harmonies and acoustic guitar sets at local events. Surrounded by music from an early age, she developed a deep appreciation for raw acoustic sounds and vocal harmonies that would shape her own musical journey. Though she began with piano lessons as a child, Casey soon discovered a new passion in percussion during high school, where she excelled in band, playing bass drum in the drumline and other front ensemble instruments. Her talent and dedication led her to earn high scores at UIL competitions. Casey later turned to music to navigate and cope with challenges she faced at home, using it as a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional solace. In her sophomore year, Casey picked up her first guitar and embarked on a self-taught journey. Using a VHS tutorial from Brook Mays, she learned to play classic songs like *Stairway to Heaven*, *4+20* by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and *Come Monday* by Jimmy Buffett. This self-guided exploration sparked her love for songwriting, and she soon began creating her own melodies and lyrics. As Casey grew her catalog of original songs and covers, she started performing at local venues to connect with audiences and other musicians. In 2009, she met vocalist Tiffany Belle, and the two formed a powerful musical duo. They began performing locally, recording acoustic renditions of popular songs, and released an album, Acoustic Harmonies, in 2020 under the name Casey and Tiffany, which received praise from listeners across streaming platforms and started a loyal following online. The album showcases their signature vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar arrangements, including a popular cover of The Boxer that has garnered over 50,000 organic views on YouTube. Casey released a 4-song EP titled Waterfall of Feelings under the name Casey Schreiber in 2013 and self-produced music videos for the project, showcasing her creative vision. In addition to her solo work, Casey hosted a popular open mic in the Cedars District of Dallas for several years, where she created a welcoming space for artists of all types and styles to perform. Casey’s next big leap came in 2015 when she was invited by Kristy Johnson to join Even It Up, a tribute band dedicated to the music of Heart. Casey had long admired the Wilson Sisters ' powerful songwriting and their ability to seamlessly shift from acoustic ballads to hard rock anthems while continuously showcasing their vocal harmonies and strength in sisterhood. As a fellow female guitarist, Casey had always felt a deep connection to Nancy Wilson’s pioneering spirit and felt inspired to pay homage to their timeless music. The band’s range of styles offered the perfect opportunity for Casey to showcase her versatility, whether playing Heart’s softer, stripped-down songs like These Dreams or rocking out with her electric guitar on classics like Barracuda. Over the years, she has expanded her musical abilities and grown as an onstage presence, learning instruments like the mandolin for the band's Led Zeppelin covers, and performing at renowned venues including House of Blues, Granada Theater, and Lava Cantina. A highlight of her career came in 2017 when she met Nancy Wilson at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in Los Angeles. Nancy was impressed by Casey’s skill in playing the iconic *Crazy on You* intro and expressed her gratitude for keeping Heart’s music alive. With her dedication to her craft and her passion for the music of Heart, Casey Nicole brings both musical depth and heartfelt authenticity to every performance, making her an integral part of Even It Up’s tribute to the legendary rock band. In addition to her work with Even It Up, Casey is currently working on releasing new original music under her name, Casey Nicole. From her early days as a self-taught guitarist to becoming a leading force in one of the most exciting tribute bands around, Casey Nicole delivers passion, talent, and authenticity to every performance and composition. With a rich history in musical styles and instruments, Casey is a versatile and dedicated artist, committed to continuing her musical journey and sharing her creativity with the world.
PHIL SCHOLLING
Lead Guitar
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Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute
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Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience
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Winter's Night - The TSO Experience (Co-Owner and Music Director)
Phil is originally from Shreveport, LA. He was a regular on stage starting at the age of 16 and hasn’t looked back since. His early years were spent with one of the pioneering Christian rock bands of the early 80’s, Philadelphia. The band recorded 2 records and toured the midwest and east coast in the mid 80’s. By the late 80’s he moved on to the west coast music scene of Los Angeles performing in bands and doing session work for aspiring song-writers and solo artists. In the 90’s he relocated to the Live Music Capital of the World: Austin, TX. Over the years he has performed in many different original and cover bands playing a mix of rock, funk, blues and even a country lick or two when needed. In 2016 Phil found himself reunited with his band mates of old in Philadelphia to record a 3rd album and hasn't slowed down since. Phil has worked with a number of bands in the D/FW area and currently plays lead guitar for Even It Up - The Ultimate Heart Tribute Band, Ever The Essence - The Evanescence Experience and Winter's Night, and the TSO Experience, where he functions as both lead guitar and music director.
JEREMY THORNTON
Lead Guitar/Vocals
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Burning Sky Band
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Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA (Bjorn Ulvaeus)
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Winter's Night - The TSO Experience
CORY WALLACE
Drums:
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Burning Sky Band
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Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA
This native Texan was born in Oak Cliff and has been tearing it up on guitar since he was 17. Heavily influenced by the sounds of Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeremy is an excellent musician with great style. Jeremy has played with a number of bands in the D/FW metroplex and has also spent almost 20 years as a worship leader and lead guitarist for many north Texas churches. He also teaches guitar, but his talent and contribution to the band doesn't stop there. He's got an amazing voice and brings incredible tenor vocals and harmonies to Burning Sky. He is also the "Bjorn Ulvaeus" and lead guitarist of Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA, as well as a guitarist for Winter's Night - The TSO Experience. Jeremy plays a gorgeous, blue-flame custom K2 electric from Buddy Blaze Guitars. He's got plenty of personality to keep everyone laughing, and trust us when we say that the party kicks into full gear whenever he's around!
Cory's Early Life Cory is originally from Lubbock, TX. He was born into music as a third-generation musician. His grandfather was a guitarist and songwriter, while his father mastered both guitar and steel guitar. Cory's older brother carried the torch, later working with Nashville artists as a guitarist. However, as the youngest in the family, Cory charted his own path, rebelling against stringed instruments as he found his passion in drumming. He began playing weekly in church services at the age of 10. Music Career Throughout his teens, Cory continued honing his craft in church while expanding his repertoire by joining original and cover bands. His musical journey flourished through the 90s and 2000s, as he played in a variety of projects and went on to work as a session drummer for various artists. Influenced by legends like Steve Smith and Jeff Porcaro, Cory developed a signature drumming style that combines their precision with the raw power and energy of Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins. Guided by Jeff Porcaro’s philosophy to "serve the song," Cory’s approach is always about elevating the music. Equipment Cory plays DW drums and uses DW hardware, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drum heads, Vater drum sticks, and Low Boy custom bass drum beaters. Off stage, Cory will happily engage in deep discussions about nerdy things like sci-fi, physics, science, and bodybuilding. He even has Stormtrooper tattoo, making him our very own Super Trouper.