F
HUNT BROTHERS BAND
ormed in May of 2022 , The story of the Hunt Brothers Band dates back to childhood for brothers Jonathan and Andrew who are committed to the idea of creating music together long term . Through a family move to Oklahoma from the Kansas City , Missouri area in the early 2000s , they met their long time musical and personal mentors Byron Berline and John Hickman who would prove to be an enormous influence on them and cement their determination to make their mark in music .
In October of 2018 while backstage at Oklahoma ’ s International Bluegrass Festival , the brothers met Samuel Grounds and quickly found him to be the type of guitar player who could help fulfill their musical vision .
Each member of the band had a successful and award-winning career before
HUNT FAMILY BAND
deciding to pool their talents . In early 2022 , the Hunt Brothers Band also accepted the role of house band at Byron Berline ’ s Double Stop Fiddle Shop and Music Hall where they perform regularly . Jonathan is currently a graduate student at Oklahoma State University .
Andrew Hunt plays fiddle and mandolin . In addition to his instrumental and vocal chops , Andrew is the business and marketing contact for the band . He also heads the youth music scholarship program for Oklahoma ’ s International Bluegrass Festival .
Sam Grounds plays guitar and is a versatile musician . Over the years , he has added his talents to multiple noteworthy country and bluegrass acts in Oklahoma and Texas . He is a master of both flatpick and finger style guitar playing having received recognition in both categories . IBF
F ormed in 2004 , The Hunt Family Band is a product of one family pooling their individual efforts and love of music to create a four-piece bluegrass band with a fresh , tight sound and building a successful independent career in the music industry . Each member – Terry , Leanne , Andrew , and Jonathan – plays a different and vital role both on and off stage to make The Hunt Family Band a reality .
HFB ’ s music could be described as being grounded in tradition ( with a tip of the hat to the forefathers of the music ) while including a strong dose of west coast bluegrass sensibility , the influence of contemporary talent in the genre , and of course their own creative energy .
For HFB there is no distinction between fan and friend and you are sure to come away from an HFB performance inspired by their solid picking , harmonious and persuasive singing and interactive spark that have become their trademarks .
Formed in the Hunt family ’ s living room with informal jam sessions they were soon asked to perform at their church and then at other small events and venues which gave them a reason to practice and improve their music . Inspiration from musical heroes has always been highly valued by HFB ’ s members and was especially important early in their career .
Performing and jamming at Byron Berline ’ s Double Stop Fiddle Shop & Music Hall in Guthrie , OK allowed HFB to grow and be encouraged as musicians .
HFB ’ s self-titled first album was released in 2006 and was the first of six they have released to date ( all but the first have been on their own independent label Rock Springs Records ). Their most recent album – an all Gospel recording titled Something Exciting was described by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine as having “ lead vocals of great fervency ” and being a “ very good and persuasive recording .” IBF
OKLAHOMA ’ S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2022 / 11