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Kevin Prater began his bluegrass journey at age seven on guitar in a Southern Gospel Band. By age nine Kevin has earned college credits in guitar, had mastered banjo, bass and what has become his primary instrument, mandolin. He has since added dobro to his accomplishments. Kevin formed Elkhorn Grass at age eleven, touring regionally for eleven years. On Graduation day Kevin moved to TN. to work for Dolly Parton at Dollywood for three Years. Kevin was then offered an audition for The James King Band. Earning the spot as mandolin player and high tenor vocalist would change his life and set the course for what has become an amazing career.
As part of The James King Band for twelve years, Kevin was blessed to entertain in 24 countries, 49 states. They earned two "Album of the Year", a "Song of the Year" and a "Recorded Event of the Year" award winning projects. Kevin Prater was also nominated as "Banjo Player of the Year" during his three years with The Bluegrass Brothers. During his career Kevin Prater toured with many legends of bluegrass including Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, Jerry Williamson & Redwing, Mark Phillips & Third Generation and many others. Playing many great stages throughout his career, Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry stand out as his career high spots.
Forming The Kevin Prater Band in 2008, currently in year 16 leading The Kevin Prater Band throughout the USA and Canada. Playing 88 shows in 2023 and will surpass that number for 2024. 2023 brought the band with a recording contract with Turnberry Records of California. The first single "Kentucky Mountain Memories" released April 22, 2024 to radio and went to #6 on the Roots Music Charts.
"Coal-Fired, Pure Kentucky Bluegrass" sound is only possible with the amazing group of multi talented musicians the make up The Kevin Prater Band. Currently Kevin Prater is filling the bass position, lead and harmony vocals. On fiddle, 19 year old Mallory Hindman of Reader, WV. who began her journey with The KPB at age 15. Since age nine, has studied classic violin to bluegrass fiddle with some of the best in the world, including Eddie Stubbs of the Grand Old Opry and the late Byron Berline of Oklahoma. She also studied Roots Music at Glenville State College during two years of High School. Filling the guitar position, Lennie Centers of Jackson, KY., son of the late great Roy Lee Centers, vocalist and musician for Ralph Stanley & Clinch Mountain Boys. Lennie has followed in his fathers footsteps becoming one of the most accomplished guitarists in bluegrass. On bass, fifth generation bassist Bailey Moore of Chatham, VA. Bailey is carrying on the tradition of his Great Uncle Allen Mills, founder of Lost & Found Bluegrass and his late Uncle Jason Moore of The James King Band, Sideline and many others. Dalton Smith of Alderson, WV. on mandolin, though he plays everything with strings. Dalton is a former staff musician at Hatfield McCoy Dinner Theater in TN. All members of The Kevin Prater Band contributes vocally to the bands unique sound.
Additional information can be found at http://www.thekevinpraterband.com
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bridge Tavern & Grill, 15 10th St, Wheeling, WV 26003-2907, United States,Wheeling, West Virginia
