The Kevin Prater Band returns to Appalachian Festival

Name: The Kevin Prater Band returns to Appalachian Festival
Start: 2024-09-21T16:00:00-04:00
Location: Frostburg State University

Schedule

Sat Sep 21 2024 at 04:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD

Born in Grundy, VA., currently resides in Belcher, KY. Kevin Prater's love of music began at age four, with the encouragement of his Uncle, Boone Estep. He quickly mastered the Guitar, Mandolin, Bass and Banjo. At age seven Kevin had his first professional job playing in a touring band. By age nine Kevin had college credits in guitar. When Kevin was eleven he formed "Elkhorn Grass" with life long friend David Adkins. The band toured regionally for eleven years. On graduation day they packed up, moved to Tennessee to work at Dollywood for Ms. Dolly Parton. Kevin remained there for three years. In 1998, his longtime friend Jason Moore arranged for Kevin to audition for the bluegrass legend, James King, beginning his worldwide travels.
Now in his 44th year, Turnberry Recording artist, Kevin Praters 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 16 years Kevin has led The Kevin Prater 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. Having just signed a deal with Turnberry Records on California for an all original recording. January 2024 will be the release of their first solo, with the full CD to release in Spring 2024.
Kevin could not create the bands unique sound without the help of his multi-talented band. Hailing from West Virginia, Mallory Hindman on fiddle. Lennie Centers, son of Legendary Roy Lee Centers on guitar, from Eastern, KY. Bailey Moore, of Virginia. He is the great nephew of Allen Mills or Lost & Found Bluegrass and nephew of the late, great bassist Jason Moore. On mandolin, Dalton Smith of Alderson, WV. All members of The Kevin Prater Band contribute vocally and they all play multiple instruments, assuring no two shows are ever the same. In addition to traditional bluegrass the band also delivers classic country, grassed up vintage rock, original tunes and bluegrass gospel.
Up to date information on The Kevin Prater Band can be found on the bands facebook page and http://www.thekevinpraterband.com.

The Kevin Prater Band Member Bios:
Mallory Hindman - Fiddle and Harmony Vocals. The Kevin Prater Band is proud to have Mallory as part of the band. An extremely talented musician and vocalist from Reader, WV. She has been playing bluegrass fiddle since age nine. 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.
Lennie Centers - Guitar, Harmony and lead vocals. A native of Eastern Kentucky, Lennie Centers was raised on bluegrass music. His father, the late Roy Lee Centers, was lead singer for Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys for many years. Lennie traveled with his father until his untimely death. This was where Lenny was first inspired by music. His Uncle Fred Spencer was the catalyst who would ultimately inspire Lennie to play guitar. Lennie's first professional work was traveling every weekend with The Goins Brothers. He soon formed the band Silver Creek with Barry & Bill Crabtree, Chris Miller, Porter Corume. Silver Creek is often credited for a new bluegrass sound heard today. In 1992 Lenny toured with Timmy Cline Band. Lennie, along with his son Roy, Scott Napier, Gary Skaggs, Keith Prater and Mike Creech came together to form Vintage Sound. Opening for Ricky Skaggs, they were the first band to ever play the stage at Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, KY. in 2002. He and son Roy also toured with Joe Isaacs. Lennie also did a nine day tour in Dublin, Ireland. Lennie has shared the stage with Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stewart, Allison Brown, Stewart Duncan, the last Keith Whitley, Lester Flat and many others.
Inspired by the music of the mountain sound of Ralph Stanley, Clarence White, Tony Rice, with the drive of Elvis Presley and the style of the Beatles, Lennie's style is constantly evolving.
Bailey Moore - Growing up family in a bluegrass family, Bailey Moore practically has Bluegrass music in his blood. Bailey is a 5th generation musician in his family. First showing interest in music at age 4, his father showed him a few guitar chords and he took off with it. At age 5, he started getting on stage, playing guitar with his dad's band. At age 8 Jeremy Stephens inspired Bailey to pick up the banjo. By age 11 he decided to follow the family line and pick up the up right bass. Bailey is the Nephew of the late, great bassist Jason Moore who played along side of Kevin Prater in the mid 90's in the James King Band. His Great Uncle is Allen Mills, founding member of the Lost and Found Bluegrass Band. Bailey learned all about the bass from Jason, Allen and his father Darren. Bailey's bass style is reminiscent of Jason's powerful and consistent style. At age 14, Dempsey Young's mandolin style caught his attention and convinced him to pick up the mandolin as well.
Bailey played bass with the Mike Mitchell Band while he was still in High School. After he graduated he started playing banjo with Caroline Owens, then later switched to bass in her band. Late in 2022 he joined Roxboro Connection and played on their recent album. Now, at age 19 and recently reached a milestone, Bailey is eager to travel the country with The Kevin Prater Band.
Dalton Smith - 23 years old, born and raised near Alderson, West Virginia. A Summer County High School graduate. Bluegrass Music has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. After learning to play the guitar at the Age of 8. I started playing locally with who I could, when I could with whatever instruments I could. My earliest and biggest influences are the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin.
The First Band I was ever in was a local band called “Chosen Generation” consisting of close friends from school. We played alot together at home and around town. After winning local Talent Shows, and playing several gigs , we got to branch out and open up for The late Dr Ralph Stanley, and Bobby Osborne.
Joined the “Valley Bluegrass Band” out of Lerona, WV in 2017 played with them for a year.
Joined “The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys” out of Pocahantas County West Virginia on their 50th anniversary of being an established band. Joined Dewey and Leslie Brown at the end of 2020 until Covid hit.
In June of 2022 I got back into the music scene and got a job at the Hatfield and the McCoy dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge, TN as a musician.
Being on the road playing the music I love, full time has been my biggest dream. I’m very proud to be Joining up with The Kevin Prater Band and am very excited for the experience and what the future holds.