The Kevin Prater Band plays Mohawk Valley Bluegrass Assn

Kevin Prater is currently celebrating his 47th year of bluegrass journey that began at age seven. Kevin has entertained in 49 states and 24 countries. Though Kevin has played with many legends of bluegrass in career, he is most known for his twelve years with the legendary, James King Band. During his time with King, Kevin was part of two "Album of the Year", a "Song of the Year" and a "Recorded Event of the Year", award winning projects. Kevin also was nominated for "Banjo Player of the Year" during a three year stint with The Bluegrass Brothers. There is a long list of additional legends Kevin has traveled with during his bluegrass career.
The Kevin Prater Band is in its 17th year living up to the band motto sharing their "Coal-Fired, Pure Kentucky Bluegrass". The band also enjoys additions of classic country, bluegrass gospel, original tunes and grassed up vintage rock in their shows. Their love of Bluegrass Gospel has resulted in sharing their "Bluegrass Gospel Music Ministry" with many church's throughout their travels.
Latest single from The Kevin Prater Band "Kentucky Mountain Memories" released April 2024 by Turnberry Records was #6 on Roots Music Charts May 17, 2024. The project is being recorded by Kevin Prater in his "Sound Makers" recording studio, Belcher, KY.
The Kevin Prater Band has been greatly blessed averaging 100 shows annually in 2024 and 2025. Blessings continued as they became the three day feature band at Blueberry Bluegrass Festival in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Aug. 1-3, 2025. September brought them an 18 day 15 show tour to California., which included a sold out show at the Station Inn, Nashville on the way home.
It takes a stellar group of musicians to support the endless talents of Kevin Prater. In addition to Kevin (Belcher, KY.) on mandolin, he is accompanied by Dalton Smith of (Alderson, WV.,) on guitar. When not on the road Dalton is a staff musician at Dolly Parton's Stampede, in TN. Larry Cadle of (Galion, OH.) mans the bass position. Larry comes from a variety of musical backgrounds, always finds his way home to bluegrass. On banjo, Codie Allen of Campbellsville, KY. Codie has become a huge part of the bands sound. Not only a great musician and vocalist he is a great songwriter. Many of his songs will be featured on our soon to be released recording. On fiddle, 17 year old Eb Saunders of Chattanooga, TN. Eb is the son of Owen 'Burley" Saunders that toured with the late James King Band with Kevin Prater. All band members play multiple instruments and contribute to the bands unique "Coal-Fired, Pure Kentucky Bluegrass" they have become known for.