About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Soul Vacay 2025 is a high-energy trio serving up a vibrant mix of rock, blues, pop, and country with a twist—think Johnny Cash meets indie originals. Though newly formed, these seasoned musicians hit the ground running, captivating crowds with dynamic performances, bold stage presence, and a genuine love of playing. Whether acoustic or soon-to-be electric, they bring joy, showmanship, and musical grit to every set.
Our Story
Audiences don’t just hear Soul Vacay 2025—they feel us. With expressive vocals, tight harmonies, and inventive arrangements, the band brings familiar songs to life in unexpected ways while showcasing bold, original material from songwriter John Hudson.
Every performance is crafted to connect, blending musical precision with spontaneous joy. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping crowd favorites, their sets are designed to carry listeners through a full emotional arc—and maybe get them dancing, too. Offstage, their creative chemistry and shared sense of purpose drive a fast-growing momentum that keeps fans coming back for more.
Katherine Beasley
Vocalist
With a voice as rich and resonant as it is rare, Katherine brings a powerful contralto sound to the stage—so deep and expressive, listeners often do a double-take. Singing tenor in harmony and soul in spirit, she lights up from the inside when performing. Known for high-energy shows, expressive movement, and flair for thrifted glam, her philosophy is simple: give your all, and the audience gives it back tenfold.
John Hudson
Guitarist, Songwriter
John is from flyover country. Kansas. The big city. Kansas City. Spent his summers out west of Topeka at his grandmother’s in the middle of nowhere. Started out on clarinet in 4th grade then switched to drums in 5th grade until he was 16 when he started playing exclusively on the guitar (having started two years earlier with the acquisition of his first guitar)……………………and, has been playing ever since. He claims to have been in a million bands and has opened up for Lucinda Williams, Nancy Griffith, Terri Hendrix, Gary P. Nunn, Stephen Doster and maybe some more he can’t remember. He’s got brown eyes, likes chocolate. Favorite color-burgundy. Turn offs are chatty and impolite people. Turn ons are sharp sense of dress and long eyelashes. He likes long eyelashes. His acoustic guitars are Martins and his electric 6 string is a vintage Fender Telecaster and his electric 12 string is a Rickenbacker 360. His favorite quote is “Everything is awesome.” by the average-regular-guy in the Lego movie, “The Lego Movie”.
Cory Walton
Percussionist
Drummer/percussionist Cory Walton grew up around Detroit when it was a bubbling cauldron of formative music influences (think MoTown to Bob Seger to Iggy Pop). He played in school bands, got his first drum set at 11 and started a band at 12. After high school he redirected his interests and didn’t play music again until moving to South Austin. He’s been madly making up for lost time ever since, playing in Jazz, Blues, Country, Americana and Top 40 cover bands around Austin. “Rhythm is the oxygen; the breath in music. I try to provide that breath with the musicians and listeners in the moment—that’s the groove!”