Back in October at Suwannee Roots Revival, I found myself tucked under the pines with a band whose music has ventured far beyond the campground, the Henhouse Prowlers. These four outstanding pickers from Chicago have toured more than 30 countries, performed in embassies around the world, and counting. We recorded this conversation right at my campsite. We talked about everything: the evolution of their music, the challenges and freedom of leaving the single-mic setup, touring for more than two decades, and the incredible work they do through their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors, which has taken them everywhere from Kazakhstan to Rwanda to the middle of the Sahara Desert.They shared stories with me about learning national anthems in new languages, discovering the banjo’s ancestral roots in West Africa, emotional embassy performances, and what they hope to leave that will outlast them.

Episode Highlights
[00:01:00] Favorite Chicken Breeds
[00:02:20] 20+ Years Together & Changing Their Stage Setup
[00:04:45] Wireless Gear, Energy, and Staying Connected Onstage
[00:05:50] Learning Kazakhstan’s National Anthem
[00:07:00] Emotional Moments in Cultural Diplomacy
[00:09:00] Bluegrass Ambassadors: The Mission
[00:12:00] Embassies, Workshops & Worldwide Touring
[00:14:00] Banjo Roots in West Africa
[00:18:00] Recording, Guest Players & Evolution of Sound
[00:20:00] Songwriting, Influences & Band Chemistry
[00:23:00] Co-Writing & Collaboration Through the Years
[00:24:30] Upcoming Tours & Where to Find Them
[00:27:00] Legacy, Connection & The Power of Music

About the Henhouse ProwlersWith more than two decades of wild dreams behind them and plenty of road still ahead, the Henhouse Prowlers continue to push bluegrass into new territory with curiosity, heart, and undeniable chemistry. Ben Wright, Chris Dollar, Jon Goldfine, and Jake Howard have toured 30 countries across 5 continents through both the U.S. State Department and their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors, using music as a bridge between cultures. Their sound blends tradition, innovation, intricate musicianship, and storytelling shaped by countless life-changing encounters around the world.  Learn more: henhouseprowlers.com
Bluegrass Ambassadors: bluegrassambassadors.org
Follow: @henhouseprowlers

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