Mimi James
Singer/ Songwriter, Guitarist
Mimi James is an Americana country/ western artist from Denver, Colorado. As a singer-songwriter with a deep appreciation for the outlaw country genre, Mimi seeks to blend old fashioned storytelling with a classic country feel.
"I began writing songs when I was moody and bored and thirteen years old. It's a funny thing to grow up and realize the things you loved at thirteen come back with a vengeance at twenty-three. Ten years later, hungover on a bad breakup, I found myself drunk in a Groundhog's Day loop every night at The Grizzly Rose. What started as a gag eventually unlocked a piece of my soul and brought me home. And out of blacking out on the bathroom floor.
I wrote an album about that."
Thatcher Wine
Dobro, Pedal Steel, Keyboard
Thatcher Wine is a multi-instrumentalist, playing dobro, pedal steel, and lap steel with The Dustlighters. A lifelong creative and entrepreneur, he approaches music with curiosity and craft, blending bluegrass, country, rock, and other influences into a sound that’s both rooted and personal.
Ed Principato
Lead Guitar
Guitarist Edward Principato’s style lives at the intersection of vintage rock energy and soulful, groove. Heavily influenced by the songwriting of the 70s, the guitar heroics of rock fusion, and the deep pockets of R&B, Edward specializes in finding the perfect space—seamlessly blending rhythm playing with hook-driven parts and dynamic, improvised solos. His turning point came when he took his passion to the professional ranks, building a career out of touring, teaching, and live stage management. A true professional who thrives in the chaos of the road, Edward brings both a sharp sonic identity and a veteran workflow to the stage.
Chris Peterson
Drums
Chris (CP) Peterson has been playing drums since they were young enough to grip grandma's empty spools of thread and use them as drumsticks on her pots and pans.
From garage bands in their teenage years to successful singer songwriters and established musicians, Chris has played and recorded with many successful, prominent artists and bands.
While living in Colorado for the last 7 years Chris picked up a love for playing Indie Rock, Americana, Folk and Country. Chris is jazzed to be helping carry the success of Mimi James and The Dustlighters!
Corey Yeager
Bass
Cory Yeager was inspired by his older brother at an early age to appreciate music. Years spent playing bass and acoustic guitar alongside his brother sparked a lifelong passion and led him to explore styles ranging from folk, funk, and bluegrass to rock, psychedelic, fusion, and blues.
After performing with bands throughout the Kansas City music scene, Cory stepped away from music to pursue graduate studies. Following graduation, he moved to Colorado, where a fortunate meeting with a talented songwriter and guitarist led him back to performing. Playing with these talented individuals reignited his passion for music and being part of the local community.