Meet the band

small towns, big speakers

Runaway Train started with Kimmie and a stack of songs nobody sits down for. Six players serving St. Louis, Franklin County and everywhere around them — vocals, fiddle, guitars, keys, bass and drums, happy to drive.

Three sets of classic and 90s country, a few rock detours, and a room that stays full until last call. For smaller rooms, the same crew plays as Country Roads and Friends, an acoustic-leaning combo built around fiddle, guitar and harmony.

Greg

Lead vocals · Bass · Lead guitar (Country Roads & Friends)

A lifetime of country music and a commanding presence behind the microphone.

Greg brings a lifetime of country music, powerful vocals, and a love for performing to Runaway Train. As a lead singer, Greg has developed a style rooted in the heart of country music while drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists and performers.

His musical influences include Gary Allan, Justin Moore, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Patty Loveless — artists known for their authentic country sound, strong storytelling, and unforgettable performances.

Whether it's a classic country favorite or a modern country hit, Greg loves connecting with the crowd and keeping the music — and the train — rolling.

Kim Bryant

Vocals & multi-instrumentalist · Founder

Singing since preschool — and still loving the ride.

Music has been a part of Kim Bryant's life for as long as she can remember. Her musical journey began in preschool and continued through children's, youth, and adult choirs, eventually leading to select music ensembles that traveled and performed throughout the United States.

Her love of performing expanded beyond singing into musical theatre, concert band, and orchestra. Over the years, Kim has played piano, guitar, flute, piccolo, and bassoon — but singing and entertaining have always remained at the heart of her love for music.

That lifelong passion led Kim to help create Country Roads, bringing together seasoned musicians and a shared love of country music. From there came the next chapter — Runaway Train, a high-energy country and Southern rock band built around great musicianship, strong vocals, and one goal: giving the crowd a show they'll remember.

For Kim, music has never just been something she does. It's been part of her story from the very beginning — and she's still loving the ride.

Melissa Southwick

Fiddle · Vocals

Champion fiddle since age six — from the California contest circuit to Missouri stages.

Melissa Southwick (Troberg), a fiddle player originally from Red Bluff, California, was raised in a rich musical environment shaped by a close-knit community and her mother's passion for Old Time Fiddle, Country Western, Bluegrass, and Texas Swing. She developed a natural ear for fiddle tunes at an early age and began competing on the Western U.S. fiddle contest circuit at just six years old. Within a few short years, she earned multiple regional, California State, and Western State titles, along with national recognition.

Beyond the stage, Melissa has remained deeply committed to community involvement and service. She was crowned Miss Tehama County in 1993, named Miss Cal State Alternate in 1994, and has contributed her time as Rotary Secretary in Red Bluff while participating in numerous local service projects. A graduate of Chico State, she has combined her musical talent with education, teaching private lessons and helping develop music curriculum for elementary schools.

Melissa has performed with a range of bands across genres, including the Sacramento-based bluegrass group One Button Suit, the modern country rock Ariel Jean Band, Missouri's Country Roads, and the country band Runaway Train. In addition to her collaborative work, she performs as a solo artist and enjoys traveling internationally to share her music.

Now based in Union, Missouri, Melissa is excited to connect with fellow musicians in the Midwest and explore new opportunities to continue sharing her lifelong love of fiddle music.

Jamie

Lead guitar

47 years of playing — and still riding the train.

Jamie's musical journey began at just 14 years old, and after 47 years of playing, the passion for music is still going strong. Over the decades, Jamie has built a wealth of experience performing with different groups and musicians, bringing a deep appreciation for live music and the energy of a great band.

From early playing days to performing with groups such as the Rough Riders, Jamie has continued to grow as a musician, drawing inspiration from artists and performers along the way, including Nick Nixon.

Today, Jamie brings that experience, passion, and love of performing to Runaway Train — proud to be part of a band dedicated to great songs, great musicianship, and giving every crowd a show to remember.

Mike Hatfield

Keys

Piano first, with a drummer’s sense of rhythm — and opening credits most bands would kill for.

Mike Hatfield is a seasoned musician whose passion for country music and live performance has made him a valued member of the music community. Over the years, Mike has shared his talents with a number of respected bands, including the Nick Nixon Band, The Country Sensations, Rough Ryders, Hillbilly Authority, Borderline, Country Roads, and Runaway Train.

A versatile musician, Mike's primary instrument is piano, bringing a strong musical foundation and distinctive style to every performance. His musical journey began early, including playing drums in his high-school jazz band, giving him a solid rhythmic background that continues to influence his playing today.

Mike has also had the opportunity to open shows for some of country music's biggest names, including Neal McCoy, Trace Adkins, The Bellamy Brothers, Mark Chesnutt, Craig Morgan, Chris Young, and Jamey Johnson.

With years of experience, a deep love for country music, and a commitment to putting on a great show, Mike Hatfield continues to bring energy, musicianship, and heart to the stage with Runaway Train.

Ron Krazer

Drums

Groove front and center — road-tested time, touch, and restraint.

Ron Krazer is a St. Louis, MO–based drummer rooted in Country Rock and Americana, known for keeping the groove front and center. Drawing on the pocket and power of Bonham, Gadd, and Phillips, he plays with a steady hand, strong dynamics, and a feel-first approach that supports the song without getting in its way.

After two years in Nashville and four years on the road, Krazer brings a road-tested sense of time, touch, and restraint to every track — whether it calls for backbeat drive, open-country swing, or stripped-down roots grit. Expect drums that lock in, breathe, and move the music forward.

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