Christian (CJ) Justus
Western North Carolina native CJ has been playing bass guitar professionally since he was 17, putting his chops to work early with his first regional band, Euphoria, which he helped co-found in 1988. Later, he also gained more valuable experience and skills along the way as the bassist for his parents’ band Justice. Both of these outlets introduced him to a wide variety of genres and helped to develop his singing and songwriting. Today, the core foundation to his playing is based in rock and metal, however you will often hear other styles come out in his delivery. He approaches the instrument with a “less is more, good bassists must appreciate the space between notes and know when and how to elaborate as needed” philosophy. His major influences include Stanley Clarke, Geddy Lee, Eddie Jackson, and Steve Harris.
Steven Posey
Steven Posey, a Columbia, SC native, began his musical journey at age 9 with piano and added trumpet at 12. His talent shone early as he toured Europe as the first trumpet with the United States Collegiate Wind Band in 1987. A Furman University graduate with a Music degree in 1991, Steven’s path in music continued to evolve.
In 2017, he teamed up with CJ, initially forming 28 Pages, which later became Skies of Avalon in 2022, and now Avalon’s Fate. Steven’s style, heavily influenced by Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, blends classical skill with modern rock. Avalon’s Fate, with Steven at its helm, offers a dynamic sound that reflects his musical prowess and evolution
Haley DeWitt
Lead vocalist Haley Colleen Majewska DeWitt has an alto-range voice. She said she’s influenced by The Cranberries’ late Delores O’Riordan on “Zombie,” Concrete Blonde’s Johnette Napolitano, Halestorm‘s Lizzy Hale, and Garbage’s sassy Shirley Ann Manson.
DeWitt is a San Diego, California native. After relocating to Western North Carolina, she covered rock and alt-rock hits with Hendersonville-based Full Length Parachute. They performed at the Day of Rock Toy Fest in December 2023, and The Dugout sports bar in Downtown Hendersonville, NC. She first performed with Avalon’s Fate at the Day of Rock Fest 2 at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC in August 2024 to a very receptive, welcoming audience. Haley’s style brings an unprecedented melodic, edge to the music, taking the band into new territory. Her positive energy, stage presence, and vocal talent will expand horizons for Avalon’s Fate.
Johnny Thorn
Johnny is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, primarily focused on guitar, with decades of music and recording experience. Having performed around 1,000 live shows, he has shared the stage with celebrity artists and contributed to a wide array of musical projects. Formerly a key member of a long-term band, he was replaced by a well-known recording/performing artist upon relocating to North Carolina, but continues to pursue music with the same passion and dedication whether in live performances or recording. In 2021 he joined Western North Carolina based 28 Pages, originally founded by CJ and Steven Posey. Since this time, he has continued to sharpen his skills and integrate quite well into the diverse, regional music scene. The rest as they say, is history.
Rob Hughes
A life-long Asheville native, Rob started playing the drums at the age of 9 and played in clubs since the age of 14. He has been in numerous local bands such as Orion, Trick R Treat, Euphoria, Danger City, the Jonnie Blackwell Band, Fineline, Crimson Moon, Sinder-Ella and has filled in for a multitude of his friends bands over the years. He was once band members along with CJ in the band Euphoria and has once again joined forces to bring a sold rhythm section to Avalon’s Fate! He plays Ludwig drums exclusively following the influence of such drummers as John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) and Eric Carr (Kiss). His other influences include Alex Van Halen, Neil Peart, Peter Criss, and Carmine Appice. Probably the loudest drummer in WNC, you’ve probably heard him play no matter where you are located…. it’s not thunder you heard, it’s the drums.
Alternate Member(s):
Carl (CMac) McDonald
An increasingly rare find in the wild, this lifelong NC resident is much more commonly found on a porch, truck tailgate or wandering around its burrow with a weed whacker.
Preferring the solace of small establishments (often adjacent to gas stations and decorated with license plates), it will scurry away quickly from vacation crowds. Orange traffic cones, kudzu and social media are its natural enemies. Its primary prey are slowly cooked meats, various light-colored ales and peanut butter. Do not suggest a saison to this animal in lieu of beer, as this can be seen as a threatening gesture.
If you engage with this particular specimen, be prepared for discussions about how it remembers when there were only eight teams in the ACC; how it needs to get more exercise; its love of Mark Twain, Tom Robbins and Douglas Adams stories; and the incredible benefits of bananas. You may also be surprised to learn that it has played guitar for about 30 years in almost as many bands and is still somehow only barely adequate.
As of September 2024, Avalon’s Fate original lead guitarist McDonald is no longer an active, permanent member. However, he remains an alternate member, possibly making the occasional contribution to a studio recording and/or even a live show appearance.
