Meet the Band

James – Lead Vocals / Guitar

James is the powerhouse voice and rhythm guitar behind our band, bringing a mix of heart, grit, and pure country soul to every performance. He first picked up a guitar at just 12 years old, and by his teenage years was already performing solo shows at venues all across California. His love for music has only grown since then, shaping him into a seasoned performer who knows how to connect with any crowd, from small-town stages to packed festival grounds.

In addition to his musical career, James proudly serves in the U.S. military, embodying the same dedication and discipline on stage that he does in uniform. His patriotism shines through in every note, and he has had the honor of performing the National Anthem at large-scale events, where his powerful delivery never fails to stir emotions. With his commanding stage presence, heartfelt vocals, and skillful guitar playing, James sets the tone for our band’s sound and energy, making every show an unforgettable experience.

What to expect from James:  James is our front man and he wears an enthusiastic smile to the stage where the audience feels like they want to get involved on many songs, he will occasionally go out onto the dance floor where he will dance with the crowd while singing or playing guitar!

Mark – Lead Guitar / Vocals

Mark has been playing country music on stage since he was 16 years old. Since he wasn’t 21 years old, bar owners made him comply to laws by requiring him to remain on the stage all night, Playing with local country music legends who were 3 times his age including playing with Johnny Lee and Glenn Campbell. Over the last few decades of playing guitar he has been in several bands playing everything from rock music in the 80’s to a wedding and dance band playing funk, Motown and Latin. He also worked in many side projects where he composed and performed jazz songs including a performance as the guitar player at the Newport Jazz Festival with the legendary drummer/band leader Mel Brown and bassist Gary Peacock and Saxophonist Renato Caranto.  Mark has a degree in recording arts and in music theory.  Mark has always had a sincere love for country music as as a child and all through high school he was involved in Rodeo and competed with his 3 brothers in High School Rodeo as a Bull Rider and a Team Roper. Raised in a rural, agricultural area in Northern California. His true music will always be Country and he grew up listening to Hank Williams Jr, George Jones, Charlie Daniels Band, Chris LeDoux, George Strait, Merle Haggard and many more.

What to expect from Mark: Mark is a traditional country artist cut from the cloth of a George Strait or Alan Jackson, his smokin’ hot lead guitar solos are pure Nashville and he gives us our retro country vibe when we need it, however, he is right at home with today’s modern country guitar styles as well.

Mark is endorsed by and uses the following gear:

Tone Junkie Kemper Profiler Packs
www.tonejunkiestore.com

Guitars Maintained by
Schoobies Guitar Works


Pedals by Keeley Electronics
www.robertkeeley.com

Jim Dunlop Electronics
www.jimdunlop.com

Clayton Custom Guitar Picks
www.claytoncustom.com

Paul – Pedal Steel Guitar, Lap Steel, Banjo, Dobro

Paul bought my first pedal steel guitar in Los Angeles in the fall of 1970. Shortly thereafter moved to Seattle where he found a good steel guitar instructor. His first professional gig was in the Seattle area with a rock band where he was hired to play the bass, but they occasionally performed country oriented songs (CCR) with Paul on the pedal steel.  He then joined Gary Tonkin’s country band playing the pedal steel full time. This was the real start of Paul playing pedal steel professionally.  This band played at a club in Yakima, Washington six nights a week, and Paul played pedal steel all night long. After a few months in Yakima, that band toured the Western United States playing clubs, casinos and country fairs.

While playing in Elko, Nevada, Paul met Jim and Jackie Estes and their blue-grass oriented country band, The Family Portrait.  He joined the Family Portrait and soon was traveling all across the United States and Canada.  They played clubs and casinos from Reno and Lake Tahoe to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Virginia and even Edmonton, Alberta.

After a couple years on the road with the Family Portrait, Paul relocated to San Diego and landed a job with Munds & Wood playing six nights per week at the Alamo, the top country night club in San Diego.  He opened shows at the club for national country acts, such as Barbara Mandrell and Freddie Hart.

After 18 months playing six nights per week at the Alamo he moved back to Reno and rejoined the Family Portrait. By this time the Family Portrait was settled in at the Shy Clown Casino in Sparks as the house band. They played their shows and they backed the guest artists that arrived each week; guest stars included David Frizzell (brother of Lefty Frizzell), Hensen Cargill of “Skip A Rope” fame, and Sammi Smith (Grammy award winner “Help Me Make It Through The Night”).  They shared the stage with other top acts including Asleep at the Wheel. Top players from other acts performing in Reno would frequently stop in at the Shy Clown to cut loose and jam late into the night.  Paul vividly remembers Paul Franklin (the top dog in Nashville on pedal steel) and other members of the Mel Tillis band performing on stage at the Shy Clown.

After playing six nights per week for a year straight at the Shy Clown, Paul decided it was time for a change.  He enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno and finished an undergraduate degree, and then enrolled in the University of San Francisco, School of Law. This led to a career as a public prosecutor with the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.  Paul is now retired from the practice of law and is again pursuing his interests in music and the pedal steel guitar.  He has also added dobro and lap steel to his arsenal of instruments.

Since returning to music he has played with local bands including, Buck Ford, The Stardust Cowboys, The Chris Creek Band, Saddleback Ridge, Rachel Steele & Road 88, and Blackwater.

What to expect from Paul: Paul is a true professional musician in every sense, from his instruments to every single piece of equipment, always pursuing the perfect tone to make his pedal steel guitar sound as good as it possibly can.  Always prepared ready to hit all the right notes.  Many times he has brought audience members to tears and given many goose bumps . .  as he makes his pedal steel guitar cry and sing.  Paul has that authentic Nashville sound and is a huge part of personality of Locked-N-Loaded.  He is a multi-instrumentalist and will play banjo, dobro and lap steel when needed.

Brad – Bass Guitar

Brad fell in love with the bass guitar as a young teen after trying out different stray instruments that his older brother would bring home. He was influenced by his cousin who was a trombone player for Frank Sinatra. Seeing his cousins success made him want to be a traveling musician. Being from a small town in Pennsylvania, there wasn’t many options for entertainment. So he would put on top 40 radio stations and try to mimic the bass lines. He began performing at clubs at 15 years old with more seasoned musicians and would need his parents permission to play those gigs. Brad used his love for pop music to find his way into a successful cover band that played the eastern seaboard from 1998 to 2010. Making a move in 2010 to Southern California, Brad answered a Craigslist ad for a band that was a staple at Disneyland. Since then, he has performed more than 1000 times at the happiest place on Earth. Disney helped launch a more professional career that brought Brad to about 40 countries around the world. It also brought on some high profile gigs such as Miley Cyrus birthday party, Jerry Lewis Telathon, and providing original music for various television shows on MTV.  Brad loves all types of music. He tries to absorb several genres and styles and bring them into each others realms.

What to expect from Brad: Brad is the pulsating force behind the rhythm in our band. With his infectious energy, Brad doesn’t just play the bass; he electrifies the stage with his moves, infectious smile, and dance-worthy groove. When Brad steps into the spotlight, you can expect an unstoppable whirlwind of charisma and precision. His playing is not just accurate; it’s a masterclass in groove and timing, anchoring our sound with a depth that resonates to the core. With unbridled energy, Brad’s presence on stage is a guarantee of an unforgettable performance, leaving audiences captivated and craving more.

Erik – Drums

Erik Khamis has been driven by a lifelong passion for music, inspired by the constant flow of tunes in his childhood home. He began his drumming journey at the age of 15, starting with snare drum in school concert and marching bands, and quickly expanded to the full drum set—a path he has pursued for nearly four decades. Erik has been performing professionally for over 26 years, bringing his talent and dedication to stages of all kinds.

What to expect from Erik: Erik is committed to delivering quality sound and performance, using only high-end professional gear such as DW Collectors Series  and Tama Starclassic drums, and both Zildjian and Sabian cymbals, you can always be assured that his drums will sound world class!!

Matty – Audio Engineer

Matty has spent the last 42 plus years Working as a Professional Audio Engineer.  Touring the world with many top entertainers and bands from arenas to small clubs and everything in between.  Spent 10 years with the House of Blues, as the Head of Audio.  Also worked as an Audio Installer for 20 years.  When not touring Matty likes to play Bass guitar, fly airplanes and drones, spend time with his family.  He also likes to raise English Bulldogs.

What to expect from Matty: Matty is an absolute professional and with his decades of experience, he always makes sure that every Locked-N-Loaded show sounds as good as it possibly can out front for the audience. “My goal is to have fun, enjoy every show, make it sound the best I can” – Matty

Professional Audio Equipment Purchased from
www.hunterblakeproductions.com

Furman Power Conditioners
www.furmanpower.com

Auralex Acoustics
www.auralex.com

Hercules Guitar Stands
www.herculesstands.com