THE KEVIN PRATER BAND:

Kevin Prater's lifelong journey in bluegrass music began with his first professional job at age seven. Now in his 43rd year his talents have taken him to 24 countries and 49 states. Kevin has shared the stage with many legends of bluegrass including The Osborne Brothers, Doyle Lawson & Quick Silver, Charlie Waller & The Country Gentleman. He has traveled millions of miles as part of many great bands including Mark Phillips & Third Generation, Jerry Williamson & Red Wing, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, The Bluegrass Brothers (earning a nomination as "Banjo Player of the Year") and for twelve years as the highly respected sideman and mandolin player of The James King Band. During his reign with King he was part of two "Album of the Year", a "Song of the Year" from SPBGMA and "Recorded Event of the Year" from IBMA. Kevin has been recognized by the House of Representatives of the great state of Kentucky twice, for Protecting and Promoting Kentucky's treasured Bluegrass Music. In addition, Kevin Has twice been declared a Kentucky Colonel.

For the past 15 years Kevin has been leading his own band throughout the USA and Canada. They have released six CDs, most recently "Red Rocking Chair" recorded at Kevin's own studio, Sound Makers in Belcher, KY. Kevin has recorded over 1,000 projects in his 30 plus years operating Sound Makers.

Kevin could not create that "Coal Fired, Pure Kentucky Bluegrass" sound without the help of his multi-talented band. From North Carolina, Jake Burrows on banjo and dobro and Gary Isenhour on Guitar. Hailing from West Virginia, Mallory Hindman on fiddle and Alex Donahue on bass. Individual bios are posted below.

Up to date information on The Kevin Prater Band can be found on the bands facebook page and thekevinpraterband.com. Those interested in booking The Kevin Prater Band should contact Stacey Wright, Booking and Public Relations Agent at 740-641-7884, lonepine9039@yahoo.com or through the band website.

Jake Burrows - Banjo, Dobro and Vocals, Jake picked up the banjo at age thirteen, as the old saying goes, he took to it like a duck to water. A true traditionalist, he counts Earl Scruggs as his biggest influence. Jake also studied the styles of Don Reno, Sonny Osborne, J D Crowe, and Ralph Stanley. Jake has played with many bands which includes Travers Chandler & Avery County, Kody Norris and The Burrows Brothers. Also filling in with various bands that includes The Clinch Mountain Boys, sharing the stage with Ralph Stanley. In addition to the banjo, Jake also plays mandolin, dobro and guitar. Jake contributes to the band vocally singing tenor, Baritone, bass and lead. His youth, energy, stamina and hard driving instrumentation sets the pace for The Kevin Prater Band.

Mallory Hindman - Fiddle and Harmony Vocals. The Kevin Prater Band is proud to have Mallory as part of the band. An extremely talented 18 year old musician and vocalist from Reader, WV. She has been playing bluegrass fiddle for eight years. Number one reason for her love of bluegrass music and the fiddle, her grandma, Vicki Glasscock. Vicki bought her a fiddle for Christmas at age eight, she has never put down since.

Others Mallory credits for moving her musical journey forward, include Ron Hoskinson, Ray Ebert, and Don Nething who she enjoys playing with. They encourage her to be her best at all times. A big part of Mallory's success is credited to Meagan Darby, Glenville State College. With Megan's encouragement Mallory became a student in the dual enrollment program at Glenville State College. In 2020 Mallory started homeschooling in order to focus on studies on her time, allowing more time to play fiddle. Her biggest fiddle influence has been Kenny Baker. Kenny once said, “I’ve never met a fiddler I couldn’t learn something from”. In her travels Mallory has found this to always ring true. Mallory looks forward to learning and participating in every new experience that occurs in her musical future and is excited about her first touring band job with The Kevin Prater Band.

Mallory has attended many annual summer music camps over the years, constantly improving her skills. She credits the camps for connecting to new friends, as well as learning from some of the world's best Fiddle players. Her favorite summer camp is Allegheny Echoes, as Instructor Charlie Walden has shared a wealth of knowledge with her. As of this writing, Mallory is working with Grand Ole Opry legend, Eddie Stubbs on the Pioneer Stage of Glenville State College. Mallory has also had the pleasure of learning from the incredible Byron Berlin and IBMA Player of the Year, Ansley Porchak.

Mallory has been fortunate to play many great stages in her young career. If asked her favorite venue to play Mallory will quickly tell you, The Pennyroyal Opera House, as crowds are always appreciative and the owners make you feel at home. Mallory has enjoyed opening for such Bluegrass legends as Dale Ann Bradley, Danny paisley, The Clay Hess Band and many others.

Additionally, Mallory has been studied Classical Violin for five years, which the COVID pandemic has allowed her time to fine tune her musical style. When not playing music Mallory enjoys fishing, coon hunting and hanging out with friends.

Alex Donahue - Bass, Lead and Harmony Vocals, twenty year old multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, originally from Roanoke, VA. Alex started playing guitar at age eight. He then started playing dobro, mandolin, banjo, then when he picked up the bass, he knew what he wanted to do. Alex has played with several local and regional touring bands in the past seven years. Three years ago Alex moved to Leon, WV., taking some time off from music to explore other areas of his career and other passions. What he discovered is a true passion for preservation of the Appalachian and American way of life. If Alex isn't playing bluegrass music, he can be found volunteering his time at museums and shows, teaching folks about a life that once was. Alex has spent most of his life with his grandpa being a mechanic and driving trucks. These talents will also be greatly appreciated during his time with The Kevin Prater Band.

Kevin Prater feels Alex is the most talented Bass player he has had the opportunity to play with in many years. He is excited Alex decided to become a part of The Kevin Prater Band.

Gary Isenhour - Guitar, Harmony and Lead Vocals, Gary hails from Stony Point, now living in Harmony, NC. His soulful vocals, coupled with his hard-driving, award winning flat picking style are a true asset to The Kevin Prater Band. His lead , tenor and baritone vocals combined with rhythm guitar reflect expert musicianship. Gary has played with various bands throughout the area including Dewey Farmer & Powder Creek, Harold Killian and The Catawba River Boys, Dry Run Bluegrass Band and Sons of the South. Gary was fortunate to play a short time with L. W. Lambert and The Blue River Boys. He has opened for such bluegrass greats as The Country Gentleman, Bobby Hicks, Blue Highway and The Jeanette Williams Band.