Led by one of the most respected musicians in north Florida, Richard Stratton, on guitar and vocals, Palmetto Catz is the ultimate in professional quality musical entertainment.  Equally adept at classical, jazz and popular music, Richard is in-demand at top venues from Sea Island, Georgia to St. Augustine, Florida as a solo guitarist/vocalist, as classical guitarist with his ‘Trio Dolce’ (flute, violin and guitar) and as band leader of the Palmetto Catz.

Richard is joined by Tommy Gilstrap on bass and vocals.  Tommy has played shows with Mary Wells (My Guy), Cecil Womack, Eddie Floyd (Knock on Wood), O.V.Wright and has opened for Archie Bell and the Drells, Kenny Rogers and B.J.Thomas.  He was also bandleader of the group “Cor” of which Pam Tillis was a member.

Palmetto Catz also features Rick Kirkland on drums.  Rick was the drummer (and a featured soloist) for the Ray Charles Show during the 1980’s and has performed with many legends including Benny Goodman, Della Reese, Diane Schuur, Chet Atkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Doc Severinsen, Glen Campbell, Mickey Gilley, Dottie West, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Lionel Hampton, Lou Rawls, Diahann Carroll, Shirley Jones, Englebert Humperdink, Joe Cocker, The Ink Spots, The Four Freshman, The Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Red Skelton, George Burns, Bob Newhart, Freddie Hubbard, Louie Bellson, EShaughnessy, Buddy DeFranco, Terry Gibbs, Milt Hinton, Ross Thompkins, Marian McPartland, Keter Betts, Major Holley, and Herbie Mann.

When the occasion calls for a larger group, Richard calls on some of the area's top players to add to this formidable core trio.  With an extensive and diverse repertoire of popular music, Palmetto Catz is always sure to entertain!