guests on the ryan files
Welcome to The Ryan Files! Our podcast is led by Ryan Pelton, a distinguished, internationally acclaimed actor, singer, songwriter, and entertainer. With a remarkable 25-year tenure in the entertainment industry, Ryan brings his unique perspective to the world of podcasting. Our show covers a variety of topics, including entertainment, ancient history, woodworking, faith, and the intriguing realms of everything from Elvis and Aliens. Join us as we explore these fascinating subjects and more!
Ryan Pelton
Ryan Pelton is the host of The Ryan Files. With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our show. He is a versatile performer with a passion for music, acting, and storytelling. Join Ryan each week as he shares his unique perspective on the world around us.
Shawn Barker
Shawn Barker was born and raised in the metro St. Louis area where like most entertainers, Shawn’s first experience with music was attending church with his family. From singing in church, playing drums in the school marching band or singing in cover bands and coffee houses, music and entertainment has always been in Shawn’s blood.
In 2004, Shawn auditioned for the part of Elvis Presley in the broadway production of, “Million Dollar Quartet”. The director Floyd Mutrux, (“Dick Tracy” & “American Hot Wax”) recognized Shawn’s unique talent and requested Shawn to submit an audition for the part of Johnny Cash. Shawn agreed and was instantly cast in the part with Mutrux saying, “We have 100 people who can play Elvis, but we only have one that can play, Johnny Cash.”
Since then, Shawn has performed his unmatchable tribute to Johnny Cash all over the world touring in Australia, Europe, Canada and across the United States.
Shawn Klush
Watch Shawn in Episode 13 of THE RYAN FILES
Actor, Entertainer, Recording Artist and Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist
The Closest Thing to the King in Concert
Winner of BBC TV’s ‘World’s Greatest Elvis’ and Elvis Presley Enterprises ‘First Ever’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest! As seen on the Late Show with David Letterman and HBO's Vinyl.
Born and raised in the small coal-mining town of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Shawn’s love for music led him to begin imitating his musical idol, Elvis Presley. He performed in the famous Poconos region followed by a tour of Canada where he entered and won the $5,000.00 prize in the “Worldwide Elvis Competition” in Montreal. This caught the attention of the award winning Las Vegas show, “Legends in Concert” where for many years he starred as ‘Elvis’ in their Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Branson and Atlantic City show rooms. Each January he stars in the “Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour”, an extravaganza with Elvis’ own musicians, singers, and friends, in major venues in multiple cities.
Shawn has released 5 CDs. He has performed with Elvis’ closest friends, musicians and singers such as JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, The Jordanaires, The Imperials, DJ Fontana, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Scheff, The Sweet Inspirations, Joe Guercio, Jerry Schilling and Joe Esposito. He portrayed Elvis in the hit TV miniseries “Shake, Rattle and Roll” which aired on CBS and VH1 and HBO's Vinyl.
On Elvis’ 70th Birthday, Shawn became grand champion at the $25,000.00 “World Elvis Tribute Artist Competition”. He then received “The Peoples Choice Award” from Gibson Guitar Co in Nashville for “Best Concert Elvis”. Shawn was then named the “World’s Greatest Elvis” by 6.5 million international viewers on BBC1 Television in the United Kingdom. Finally, on August 16th, on the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ passing, Shawn was named the ‘First Ever’ “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” by Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis TN. Shawn has record breaking performances in the US, Switzerland, Canada Australia, the UK and South America. He was named "Worldwide Ambassador of Elvis" at the Las Vegas Hilton where he headlines the annual the Las Vegas Elvis Fest, celebrating Elvis’ historic Las Vegas Performances. Shawn is the most popular Elvis Tribute Artist in the World.
Shawn was a featured performer on the Late Show with David Letterman performing to over 5 million viewers with the entire CBS Orchestra on Network Television and portrayed Elvis in HBO's Vinyl. produced by Martin Scorsese and Mic Jagger.
Shawn Klush is “The Closest Thing to the King in Concert”
A Singer From Another Time
Thea Danos, a Nashville native often referred to as an “old soul”, has a nostalgic style that transports you to a time of martinis and vinyl records. She specializes in jazz and Brazilian bossa nova, inspired by the Latin rhythms and serine landscapes of South America. She has spent extensive time in Brazil working with international musicians, and perfecting her Portuguese singing. Her musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sergio Mendes, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Louis Prima, and João Gilberto. The modern twist she puts on classic jazz songs has captured audiences of all ages. She has toured the world, produced beautiful collaborations with a South American orchestra, and can be heard on countless recording sessions. Thea has a grace and presence that is captivating and a voice that is set apart. Sit back, grab a cocktail, and get ready to travel back to the coolest decade of all time, the 1960s, with Thea.
Coming Soon!
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