Songwriters Round (Nashville style) with Kelly Hunt & Zach Balch 7:30 pm

Kelly Hunt

Kelly was born and raised in Memphis, TN but is now based out of Kansas City, MO. Her primary instrument is her voice, which rings out with confidence and clarity of one who has been singing all her life.

Accompanied by her 1920s tenor banjo ("Ira") and guitar ("Vernon"), Kelly’s songs meld traditions of folk, classic country, and old-time music for a sound that is both timeless and fresh. Her songwriting is poetic but approachable, full of feeling and alive with storytelling.

With her new debut album Even the Sparrow in hand, Kelly embarks on her first national tour this September, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Staś Heaney.

PRESS

“[In] her stunning debut album, ‘Even the Sparrow...’ Hunt applies her haunting voice and evocative banjo playing to songs that build on the work of contemporary masters like Gillian Welch. Hunt is a vital young voice who promises to continue providing solace and inspiration for decades.”

— - BILL BROWNLEE [THE KANSAS CITY STAR]

“Whether it’s pulling listeners through one of the most painful — and normal — stories of lost love imaginable on the haunting ‘Across the Great Divide,’ or leading a gospel blowout like ‘Gloryland,’ Hunt’s voice draws in fans just as much as her banjo.

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— MIKE WARREN [KCUR]

“...the combination of Hunt’s exceptional voice and exquisitely spare instrumentation is stunning. ‘Even the Sparrow’ will likely be my favorite non-jazz album of the year by a Kansas City musician.”

— BILL BROWNLEE [THERE STANDS THE GLASS BLOG]

Zach Balch may have grown up in a flat West Texas town where nobody locks their doors, but his sharp wit, thought provoking words and driving ambition stretch much further. After trading small town life for the bustle of the Dallas metroplex, Zach’s acoustic folk sound took a bluesy-pop turn, culminating in an alt-country sensibility that artists like Ryan Adams and Pete Yorn are known for. When onstage with the rest of the band, pianist Ryan Pool, bassist Robert Willis and guitarist Tyler Martin, Zach Balch and The Company take on an electrifying big-city dimension. The result is the personal prose of David Ramirez meets the clever, full-bodied Alt-Country/Rock of Ryan Adams, served up with a satisfying helping of the Blues.

This Monday night series at Opening Bell Coffee has 2-3 artists playing per night. Audience discussions and questions are welcomed! If you'd like to play the round please email us at booking@openingbellcoffee.com