The 2025 Screamin’ Eagles Guitarfest Guest Artists
Vasti Jackson
Multi-Grammy-nominated world renowned guitarist, vocalist, composer, musical director, producer, Mississippi living blues legend, Cultural ambassador, 2012 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee, and 2015 Albert King Lifetime Guitar Award recipient, Vasti Jackson is a powerful force in the world of music! With more than fifty years as a professional musician, Vasti has toured internationally for thirty-five years, presenting performances filled with stunning guitar and stellar vocals. As an educator, Vasti has developed twenty music schools in fifteen countries with the Playing For Change Foundation. Vasti celebrates the triumph of the blues and the joy of rhythm that is soul-satisfying to all that are lucky enough to experience his music.
Barry Leach
Born in Kentucky and raised in Mississippi, Barry started playing guitar at age 12, inspired by both rock and blues. Barry attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a B.M. in Jazz studies. Performed and or recorded with a wide variety of acts including the Dee Barton Orchestra, HBO, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Carmine Appice, Dorothy Moore and Mac McAnally. He has opened for Yes and Johnnyswim (Donna Summers’ daughter) to name a few. He is an arranger, writer and singer involved in many groups and recording projects. Barry has produced two CD’s with “The Vamps”, a soul-jazz ensemble, a solo project entitled “Stepfingers”, and a jazz standards collection with “The Barry Leach Group”. His performances are an eclectic blend of many styles and genres that enhance all musical endeavors. Barry has been voted “Best Musician” several times by the Jackson Free Press. In addition to performing and recording Barry is also an educator and has numerous private students.
Eric Merchant
Eric Merchant is a 7-string jazz guitarist, bandleader, composer, arranger and educator based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He got his M.M. in Jazz Studies from the University of New Orleans in 2016 under the tutelage of Steve Masakowski, and is now an adjunct guitar instructor at both UNO and the University of Southern Mississippi. Eric performs regularly around the city, both in groups and as a solo guitarist.
Michael Boyd
Michael Boyd received his degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. During his studies, Dr. Boyd garnered top honors at numerous festivals and competitions throughout the region. As performer and clinician, Michael maintains an active schedule in the region and abroad, including appearances with the USM Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, as well as performances in Argentina and Spain. He made his New York debut at prestigious Carnegie Hall in 2006 with The Mississippi Guitar Quartet. As a Jones College instructor, Michael has been recognized as both Humanities Teacher of the Year and ‘Lamplighter.’
Latisha Hamilton Earnest
Latisha Hamilton Earnest is a native of Sylvarena, MS, and has always been passionate about music. Latisha began singing and playing guitar at an early age. Latisha received her associate’s degree in Music Education from Jones College, Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi! She is the wife of Ryan Earnest of Laurel and they have two children Laila and Garrison Reese. She currently serves as Choral Director and Guitar Instructor at Laurel High School. Outside of the classroom, Earnest performs as a gospel quartet singer and guitar accompanist for her family group, The B&H Gospel Singers. She is a church musician and lead singer of her soul band “Latisha and Friends”. Latisha is grateful to be able to spread her love for music to others daily.
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Nick Ciraldo
Nicholas Ciraldo pursues numerous solo, chamber, and orchestral performances across four continents, playing in such venues as the United States’ Jordan Hall, Germany’s Berliner Dom, and Brazil’s Teatro José Maria Santos. Ciraldo has released four full albums to critical acclaim. Soundboard magazine states that Ciraldo’s “performances…are, without reservations, marvelous…with abundant technique and commitment to the music…one of the best….” Allmusic.com defines his playing as “confident…goes right to the heart of the music, with his precise, active, athletic style.” The Baton Rouge Advocate reviews him as “definitely in command….generating a collective gasp of amazement in the audience.” Kansas City’s Journal of the Performing Arts said Ciraldo’s “touch was nimble and delicate...the instrument was a clear extension of the performer….” Ciraldo is an award-winning Professor of Music at The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music and has released four albums. He is proud to direct the Southern Miss Guitar Studio.