About Us
Micheal Roberts
Trumpet, Band Manager
Born in Sheffield, England, Michael began playing trumpet at age seven, a gift from his grandfather, a renowned drummer who performed at Royal Variety Shows. By 10, he played solo at the Royal Albert Hall, again at 14, both times before the Queen. At 14, he passed all exams at the Royal College of Music and mastered multiple instruments. From 17 onward, he played professionally with touring bands and as a session musician, collaborating with top recording artists worldwide.
Greg Gorman
Bari Sax, Alto Sax, Vocals
AKA G-Money, Greg is a lifelong musician dedicated to giving back to his community. He started in his high school band and has been a cornerstone of the Santa Ynez music scene, playing sax with the Valley Wing Ensemble and co-founding Soul Cats. Passionate about mentoring the next generation, he directs the Youth and Praise worship group at Old Mission Santa Ynez. You can’t miss him—especially in his light-up gold shoes!
John Overbo
Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Cow Bell, Viborslap
Introduced to music at a young age as the son of our church organist and choir director, I started playing sax in 1973 after struggling with the flute. Most of my experience is in Big Band Jazz, including 14 years with the Richard Clark Big Band and 10 years with Riptide, along with various church, college, and community ensembles. Always passionate about Blues and Soul, joining Soul Cats let me explore my “Soul Side”—though playing cowbell has been the ultimate musical thrill!
Jo-Ann Street AKA Momma Soul Cat
Singer
At 70 and feeling more alive than ever, Mama Jo, Born in New Orleans, is known on stage as Momma Soul Cat. She brings decades of wisdom, a whole lot of Motown spirit, and a voice that can both soothe and set a room on fire! She's not just a singer - she's a living testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the joy of honoring each new chapter.
Lillian Street
Singer
Raised on her mama’s harmonies and later classically trained in high school choir, Lillian’s been belting out tunes her whole life. She’s rocked the stage with the Soul Cats for nearly a decade, and she swears the best view is from behind the mic—seeing the crowd laughing, dancing, and forgetting their troubles for a while
Melanie
Singer
Born to perform, Melanie has been gracing stages since the tender age of 3 in her hometown of North Carolina. Her musical journey has taken her to various cities, including Las Vegas where she fronted the punk rock band, The Objex.
Akuda
Keyboard
Akuda brings a fun, free style keyboard sound to the band. He doesn't use music. Akuda just plays what he feels and it always sounds good!
Miguel
Bass
The calm one on stage and off, Miguel Enciso is a true student of music. His journey began at age nine, and he quickly became a versatile multi-instrumentalist. While he's the anchor on the bass for the band, his playing is influenced by a diverse palette of sounds
Todd
Lead Guitar, Singer
A multi-instrumentalist and 3rd generation Californian, Todd has played guitar and bass in everything from solo shows to jazz ensembles and big bands to rock and funk bands (including 15 years as bassist in a Steely Dan tribute band in LA). Sliding into the guitar chair with Soul Cats is somewhat coming full circle,
John Lee
Harmonica
John Lee after 50 years in Santa Barbara, moved w his wife Dana to Solvang 5 yrs ago. Joined soul cats on the invite of his good friend Michael Roberts. John has played mostly blues rock (SRV etc.!) with numerous Santa Barbara bands, but has mastered some soul cats hits with a new twist. Watch out he’ll come right to your table!