Eric Metts

Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Eric Metts is a highly versatile professional guitarist and vocalist known throughout the regional music scene for his rich, eclectic style and effortless professionalism. From high-energy rock sets to intimate acoustic performances, Metts' expansive vocal range and refined guitar work have made him a beloved staple of the coastal Carolinas for local clubs, weddings, private parties and corporate banquets since 2016.

Eric's musical journey is deeply rooted in family. Guided by his late father, Walt Metts—a prominent local guitarist who performed with the cover band Jet 22—Eric picked up the acoustic guitar at just nine years old. Recognizing his son's natural talent, Walt showed him the ropes, helping Eric rapidly develop his skills.

For 15 years, Eric and Walt played side-by-side in multiple rock bands. The most renowned of these projects was Seneca Guns, a beloved local rock and variety band that featured Eric on lead vocals and guitar, his dad Walt on lead guitar, his father-in-law Tony Mallard on drums, and lifelong family friend Rob McGee on bass.

Since 2024 Eric couldn't escape the comparison. Gig after gig, week after week, different patrons would approach him after his sets with the exact same feedback: "You sound just like James Taylor." It happened so frequently that Eric began jokingly telling his wife that he was just going to have to start a James Taylor tribute show. 

What started as a running family joke soon felt like an undeniable nudge from the universe and the rest is history. 

Bobby Bush grew up in the Maryland area outside of Washington, DC and has been a professional bassist since high school, where at 16, he got hired to play on a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial!

Over the next few years, while working as a studio musician and cab driver, Bobby attended Berklee College of Music, finishing his degree at Towson State University, where he studied under the great Hank Levy.

In the 90s, he became an arranger for various artists in Pop and Gospel, and the bassist for Robert Brown, musical composer for the hit TV show America’s Most Wanted and his band, the Atomic Brothers, a contemporary jazz fusion group based in the Maryland / DC area being courted by Columbia Records.

Bobby Bush has played bass for the Blackbyrds (Fantasy Records), Keith & Kristin Getty (Getty Music), Motown Tour (2001 and 2002), Marty McCall of First Call (DaySpring Records), Tim Eyerman & East Coast Offering (Columbia Records) and Jaared Arosemena (Trippin’ in Rhythm Records) to name but a few.

Bobby has also been the bassist and musical director for several well known tribute shows, including a Stevie Wonder Tribute Show - Wonderful Music - A Tribute to Stevie. 

Based in the Little River area of South Carolina, he still does the occasional mini tour with select artists, and more recently, is now the co producer of  Carolina in My Mind - A Tribute to James Taylor, with Eric Metts.  

 Brad Dean is a professional drummer with over 50 years experience, and currently endorsed by Tidal Drum

Works, a custom drum builder in Wilmington, NC.

Brad’s musical education began at an early age on a snare drum, with a foundation in rudiments developing

through years of marching and concert band, before evolving into a lifelong career behind the drum set.

His versatility spans a wide range of styles including rock, pop, soul, funk, R&B, jazz, fusion, and contemporary

Christian praise and worship.

During his career, Brad Dean has played with some successful tribute bands covering The Allman Brothers Band and The Rolling Stones, as well as many other groups around the Wilmington area focused on multiple genres of music.

Today, Brad is a drum instructor at the School of Rock in Wilmington, NC, sharing his background, knowledge and experience with other drummers and musicians. 

He also plays at several Wilmington churches and takes part in a variety of other music projects around the area. 

Brad Dean's knowledge, background, experience, excellence on drums and professional demeanor are all well known by many local and regional artists he has worked with over the years, and a wonderful addition to the music for Carolina in My Mind. 

Brad Dean and Bobby Bush create an undeniable groove behind each and every song in the show. 

Sean Peter Hagon is a composer, performer, music technologist, educator, and academic leader with a career spanning more than three decades of performance, composition, music production, and higher education. 

As a composer and orchestrator for film, television, and advertising, Sean has written music for numerous television programs and films, including the History Channel's American Pickers, PBS's Genealogy Roadshow, Oxygen's Snapped, CNBC's The Filthy Rich Guide and The Deed, as well as the films Seduction and Snacks and the award-winning short film Ride The Wave. 

With over 30 years performing and touring throughout the US and internationally, his musical career includes appearances on the renowned Rock Legends Cruise alongside artists such as Gary Hoey, performances at respected venues including Tupelo Music Hall and Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club, to name but a few. 

Sean Hagon has a distinguished career as an educator, with an award winning degree in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music and a master's degree in Music Technology from Indiana University.

Currently, Sean is as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Music Technology program at Coastal Carolina University.

Scott Rice is a seasoned guitarist and singer performing as a featured artist across the greater Grand Strand area of NC & SC in many well known venues.

Scott's musical background and skills, along with his multi-octave vocal ability provide extreme versatility for a variety of music genres, including songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s, up through today's music.

Originally from the Virginia area, Scott Rice performances include stints at the EagleBank Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, to name but a few over his years of performing. 

Scott's musical knowledge and ability to serve the songs and music with great excellence is well known, making him a sought after guitarist for many local and regional artists aware of his skill sets and team player attitude. 

The additional guitar work heard in the music and songs of James Taylor require special skills, so we're grateful to have guitarist 

Scott Rice with us as we embark on our journey of paying tribute to the iconic career, music and songs of James Taylor!

Showcase your talent with our open mic night. Whether you're a singer, musician, poet or comedian, our stage is open to all. Come and share your passion with a supportive audience.