DEAN SAMS
CREATOR, WRITER & DIRECTOR
Garland, Texas native Dean Sams has spent his life inside the music that built America’s soundtrack. As the founding member, keyboardist and vocalist of the multi-platinum band Lonestar, Sams helped shape one of country music’s most recognizable modern sounds. The group has sold more than 10.5 million records, scored 22 Top-10 singles and 10 No. 1 hits, and achieved a rare crossover milestone when their signature song “Amazed” reached No. 1 on both the country and Billboard Hot 100 charts. Over three decades, Lonestar has earned multiple ACM and CMA awards along with five GRAMMY nominations. A legacy Sams helped craft not only onstage, but in the studio.
Beyond performing, Sams has become a trusted musical architect behind the scenes. He has produced Lonestar's last seven albums, guiding the band's evolving sound while preserving its identity. As a producer, he also helmed Phil Vassar’s latest album, featuring a duet with Deana Carter, and continues to collaborate with emerging artists as a producer, songwriter, and mentor, helping develop the next generation of voices in country music.
Decades spent performing, arranging, producing, and studying the songs that shaped audiences across generations ultimately led Sams to a new creative calling: storytelling on a theatrical canvas. That journey became Country Roads USA.
Written and directed by Sams, the show is a stunning musical and visual experience. A living timeline inspired by the songs, artists, and moments he has spent a lifetime performing beside, learning from, and carrying forward. Drawing from both his Texas roots and Nashville career, Sams created Country Roads USA as a tribute to the music that connects generations, reminding audiences not just where country music has been, but why it still matters.
JEANNA KENNEY
PRODUCING PARTNER
Jeanna Kenney joined Country Roads USA initially as an investor, but quickly became an essential force behind bringing the production to life.
Drawing on more than 35 years of executive leadership at Johnson & Johnson, Kenney brought a level of structure, organization, and strategic planning rarely found in live entertainment development. Known for her strength in process excellence and team development, she built a reputation for turning complex ideas into scalable, working realities.
Within Country Roads USA, Kenney has played a central role in shaping the business foundation of the show. Organizing operations, supporting development strategy, and helping guide the production from concept toward a sustainable long-term venture, while at the same time, she became deeply involved in the creative side, contributing to decisions ranging from set aesthetics and props to wardrobe and visual continuity. Blending business discipline with creative intuition, Kenney serves as a bridge between production and practicality, helping ensure the show is not only artistically compelling, but operationally sound.
Her partnership reflects the philosophy behind Country Roads USA: great shows don’t happen by accident, they happen when vision and execution work together.
BRIAN SCHAFER
A dynamic, innovative and strategic visionary leader, Brian brings extensive success leading entertainment, nightlife and hospitality organizations. Most recently creating and opening Marquee Nashville, Brian has held senior leadership roles within companies such as Opry Entertainment Group and Marriott International. While having a keen eye for developing talent and leading venue operations, Brian is best known for creating unrivaled experiences and high-profile, immersive events. Brian's leadership and contributions to the industry have been recognized by being named to the elite class of 20 Executives Under 40.
NIKKI MELE
Nikki, the multi-hyphenate performer from Toronto, Canada is a singer, dancer, and choreographer with credits spanning stage, screen, and international tours. Nikki most recently worked as a backup dancer and choreographer for country star Walker Hayes on three national and international tours. She performed as a featured singer for Carnival Cruise Lines, The General Jackson Showboat and other major production shows.
On screen, some of her credits include A Week Away the series, Work It on Netflix, and Carrie Underwood's Hate My Heart music video. Some live performance credits include The Houston Rodeo, NBA All-Star Game and award shows such as CMT Artists of the Year.
She has also choreographed music videos, theme park shows, with some familiar names such as Chippendales in Nashville.
KYLE HENRY
Raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, Kyle Henry is a dynamic country vocalist known for blending traditional grit with polished, high-energy showmanship. With performance experience spanning national tours, regional theaters, major theme parks, and cruise ship stages, Kyle has entertained diverse audiences across the country and at sea. His rich, expressive voice and natural stage presence allow him to move seamlessly from heartfelt ballads to crowd-rousing anthems. Professional, versatile, and audience-focused, Kyle delivers memorable performances rooted in classic country influence while bringing a modern edge that resonates with today's listeners.
GEORGE ARBUCKLE
George Arbuckle is a 22 year old singer-songwriter from a small town in Missouri. Raised in a rural community, he developed an early appreciation for classic country music and the storytelling tradition that defines the genre. He's spent a year living in Nashville, Tennessee, where he's focused on writing and performing. Over the course of his career, George had played more than 500 shows in bars and venues across the United States, building his experience primarily through live performance. His music reflects a strong influence from traditional country artists and remains rooted in the classic country sound he grew up listening to.
SARA KELLY
Hailing from North Carolina, 24-year-old Sara Kelly is a Country artist and songwriter whose powerhouse, soul-infused vocals and deeply honest songwriting have quickly turned heads in Nashville and beyond. Blending the timeless warmth of classic country with a fresh, roots-driven edge, Sara delivers music that feels both authentic and unmistakably her own.
Since relocating to Nashville, Sara has fully immersed herself in the city's vibrant music community, honing her craft as both a performer and songwriter. She has taken the stage at many of Nashville's most esteemed and historic venues, earning a reputation for captivating live performances that showcase her emotional depth, vocal strength, and natural connection with audiences. Her commitment to the songwriting tradition of Nashville has also made her a sought-after collaborator, further shaping her identity as a compelling new voice in Country music.
Her debut EP marks a defining milestone, featuring a dynamic collection of songs, each rooted in her Southern upbringing and insightful storytelling. Produced by Paul Sikes and Keegan Ferrell, the project highlights Sara's ability to seamlessly blend classic influences with a modern perspective.
Her upcoming single, “Prayer List,” continues that momentum with a confident, sassy take on small-town life, pairing clever songwriting with her signature vocal presence. With each release and every performance, Sara Kelly continues to build a loyal following and establish herself as one of the most promising emerging artists and songwriters in the next generation of Country music.
TERIN CHRISTOPHER
Terin Christopher is a Professional Dancer/ Choreographer that has been working in Nashville for the past 6 years. He has appeared on ABC, HBO, Disney +, Hulu, Fox, and Prime. Terin grew up in Colorado and Wyoming listening to country music and making up routines in his basement pretending he was performing with the artists. Since moving to Nashville in 2020 Terin has performed with Amy Grant, Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Tyler Hubbard, Megan Moroney, Lady A, Little Big Town, Jelly Roll, Randall King, Cole Swindell and more! Country Music has always been a major part of Terin's life and he is so excited to help tell the story of country music in Country Roads USA!
TOM BAKER
Tom Baker born and raised in Nashville North Carolina moved to Nashville Tennessee in the summer of 2021 to shape his craft and pursue a career in country music. While it was a big leap to move to such a competitive town he still managed to perform nearly 200 shows in the first year. While surrounding himself with world class musicians, he's shaped his unique voice around some of his favorite artists including but not limited to Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Cody Johnson, and Zach Top. From dive bars to theater stages, it's a guaranteed honkytonkin' two steppin' time with Tom!
LAURIN FLOYD TURNER
Laurin Floyd Turner is a powerhouse entertainer with over 30 years of experience as a singer, dancer, choreographer, and producer. Her dynamic career includes performing with legendary artists such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Louise Mandrell, Steven Tyler, and touring with country icons Toby Keith and Brenda Lee.
Laurin has appeared on some of the world's biggest stages, including the CMA Awards, AMA Awards, the Grand Ole Opry, the Super Bowl, and the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Halftime Show. She is widely known for creating original choreography for theme parks, national tours, cruise ships, music videos, pageants, and Nashville's General Jackson Showboat-bringing high-energy and creativity to every project.
Currently, Laurin is the creator and host of the podcast Lyric in Motion, where she showcases independent artists by bringing their original music to life through dance.
RENEE LAYHER
Renee Layher is a Nashville-based wardrobe stylist, designer, and creative director with over three decades of experience shaping the visual identity of artists, productions, and brands in the entertainment industry. Originally from Indiana, Renee began her career in New York City in the early ’90s, working for Ralph Lauren, where she spent nine years traveling internationally sourcing textiles and fine leather for the iconic American brand. The experience refined her eye for craftsmanship, luxury, and timeless design. After relocating to Nashville, Renee expanded into footwear design for Genesco before transitioning into wardrobe styling — a move that would define her career. Guided by a philosophy that “the person comes before the clothes,” Renee built a reputation for translating personality, performance energy, and brand identity into unforgettable visual statements. Her client roster includes The Band Perry, Kellie Pickler, Journey, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, Joe Nichols, Heidi Newfield, Lonestar, Trace Adkins, Wynonna Judd, Rascal Flatts, and The Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks). For over a decade, Renee served as stylist for Rascal Flatts, overseeing tour wardrobe and all promotional imaging, helping shape the band’s polished yet accessible visual evolution during some of their most high-profile years. She has also collaborated closely with The Chicks, contributing to the development and refinement of their eclectic, genre-defining aesthetic. One of her most celebrated moments includes securing the iconic $2 million diamond-encrusted Stuart Weitzman heels worn by Alison Krauss at the Academy Awards. Beyond artist styling, Renee is currently the Lead Creative Wardrobe Director for the theatrical production Country Roads USA, overseeing large-scale costume design and creative wardrobe direction for a nationally expanding production. In addition to her entertainment work, Renee co-founded The Label, a Nashville menswear boutique, where she curated buying, merchandising, and developed a custom suiting program. Grounded yet visionary, Renee approaches every project with the belief that great style begins with understanding the individual. Whether dressing Grammy-winning artists, leading theatrical costume builds, or refining brand imagery, her work reflects artistry, precision, and an intuitive understanding of identity.
MARISSA MILELE
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Marissa Milele is an accomplished professional dancer, choreographer, and educator whose career spans television, film, live tours, award shows, and major recording artists. Trained competitively in all genres of dance, as well as power tumbling and trampoline, Marissa developed a strong technical foundation that launched her into the national spotlight.
Marissa gained widespread recognition as a Top 5 Female Finalist on Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance. Following the show, she joined the 70-city So You Think You Can Dance national tour in 2015. Shortly after, she moved to Los Angeles and booked Ricky Martin's “All In” Las Vegas Residency, marking the beginning of an expansive commercial dance career.
Over the past decade, Marissa has performed in some of the entertainment industry's most prestigious productions. Her credits include the CMA Awards, CMA Country Christmas, American Music Awards, CMT Awards, Good Morning America, the MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard events, and The Voice. She has performed alongside and for artists including Ricky Martin, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Charlie Puth, Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Cam Country, Dolly Parton, Janelle Monáe, and Jennifer Nettles.
Her on-screen appearances extend to television and film, including Nashville, Netflix's Insatiable, Alvin and the Chipmunks 4, Marvel's Hawkeye on Disney+, and Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas.
In addition to performing, Marissa is an accomplished choreographer and creative leader. She served as an NFL Professional Cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans in 2014–2015 and later became the team's Exclusive Choreographer from 2019–2021. She was also the Assistant Choreographer for FOX's I Can See Your Voice and continues to choreograph for studios, music videos, television, and live productions across the country.
Marissa is the Co-Founder of Milele Academy Dance, where she trains and mentors young dancers aspiring to collegiate and professional careers. She has traveled nationwide sharing her passion, expertise, and commitment to developing well-rounded, confident performers.
Marissa continues to work actively in the entertainment industry while dedicating herself to mentoring the next generation of dancers — combining professional excellence with a genuine love for inspiring others.
KRISTA DUDLEY
At the tender age of 15, Krista Dudley and her mother packed up and moved from South Georgia to Nashville to pursue her musical dreams. Her journey in Music City began working with Broken Bow Records in its early days, before the label's transition to Big Machine. That foundational experience launched a career that has now spanned over 20 years in the heart of the Nashville music scene.
Krista is a powerhouse performer known for her electric stage presence and soulful storytelling. She has spent the last 15 years as a staple of Nashville's world-famous Broadway, where she has captivated audiences with her signature blend of upbeat country and southern rock.
A seasoned veteran of the stage, Krista has held long-standing residencies at legendary venues including Layla's Bluegrass, The Second Fiddle, and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. Her ability to connect with an audience is unmatched; whether she's leading a line dance from the stage or sharing a quiet, nostalgic moment through song, she ensures every person in the theater feels like part of the show.
Beyond the neon lights of Broadway, Krista's versatile talent has taken her to some of the most prestigious stages in country music, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Loretta Lynn's Ranch, and the Grand Ole Opry House.
Now, Krista is thrilled to step into a new chapter as a member of the Country Roads USA cast. For her, this show is a heartfelt tribute to the music that shaped her, and she is honored to take the stage performing as several of her favorite iconic artists. Bringing these legendary voices to life while sharing the stage with such a talented group of performers is a dream come true, and she can't wait to take you on this musical journey through the roots of country music.
MILLIE MARTIN
Millie Martin is a Nashville-based performer rooted in musical theatre and commercial dance. She trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Notably, she appeared as Scallops Who, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Grand Ole Opry. Some of her favorite theatre credits include Val, A Chorus Line; Patti, Grease; Annie / Velma Cover, Chicago; Liesl, The Sound of Music; Dream Laurey, Oklahoma!; Rosalía, West Side Story; and Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors.
Millie loved her time as an NHL dancer, where she served as Dance Captain and Choreographer for the Nashville Predators including the Stanley Cup Finals. She was also a member of the NHL All-Star Dance Team. She toured internationally with AIDA Entertainment, performing in over 35 countries. She also maintains multiple residencies on Broadway in Nashville, TN, with her band. She is thrilled to release her debut single this summer as an original artist!
SAMUAL MULLIGAN
Samual Mulligan is a Nashville-based Pop/R&B recording artist, songwriter, and professional dancer. A graduate of Belmont University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Commercial Vocal Performance with a minor in Music Business, Sam has built a multifaceted career spanning recording, touring, and live television performances.
With the release of his 12th single, Sam's catalog of original music has surpassed half a million streams across platforms. In 2025, he toured nationally as a background dancer for country artist Walker Hayes on his U.S. arena tour. His recent performance credits include appearances at the College Football National Championship, NBA All-Star Game Weekend, providing background vocals for Josh Groban, and recording background vocals for The Walt Disney Company's 70th anniversary parade celebration.
Based in Nashville, Sam continues to write and record both for his own Pop/R&B projects and for other artists, balancing studio sessions, live performances, and national travel as a professional vocalist and dancer.
ZACHARIAH MALACHI
Zachariah Malachi is a Nashville-based actor, musician, and bandleader originally from Detroit. He has spent the last six years as a consistent performer on Nashville's Lower Broadway, developing a career that spans television, live theatre, and large-scale music production.
Malachi's television credits include a featured role in the Showtime series George & Tammy, where he portrayed the historical figure Charlie Justice alongside Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. His background in live performance includes starring as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and performing at major national venues, including the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood and the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, South Dakota.
As a musician and bandleader, Malachi directs the touring band for actor C. Thomas Howell. His own musical credits include opening for Tanya Tucker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other national acts. He is the artist behind the debut album Local Bar Opry Star, which featured contributions from Hall of Fame musicians Jimmy Capps and Charlie McCoy. In addition to his performance work, Malachi serves as a Country Music Historian, specializing in the genre's traditional roots and evolution. He currently resides and works in Nashville, Tennessee.