The Walnut Room

Hunker Down

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who is hunker down?…

Hunker Down is a hard driving acoustic band that is carving a new sound while paying respect to the traditions that came before them. Their music is spicy blend of many influences that they have decided to dub “stewed rompgrass.” Hunker Down fans have become accostumed to high energy shows that lift spirits and leave bodies sore from dancing so hard. The group has grown to five members, though any combination of players has been known to rock its share of crowds.
Andy Straus…

is another former member of the Slightly Stewed String Band. He studied ethnomusicology at Miami University in his hometown of Oxford, Ohio. Andy also studied African music in Ghana. His appreciation for the old-timey repertoire has been a strong influence on other members of the band. Andy’s powerful mandolin chuck and energetic stage antics brighten every room the band has played. Andy’s appetite for a rockin party is unriveled in modern history. His love of a good time is perfectly matched by his love of good music.

greg travis…

on washboard and percussion has become the heart and soul of the band. Greggy fires up the rhythm with a tasty drive that pushes both the band and the crowd. Greggy grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, later moved to Yellowstone and then settled in Colorado. In the mountains of Colorado, he defined himself as an excellent trap-kit player as well as a great percussionist. His previous bands have included Sack Lunch and Space Heater.

bobby krech…

and his fiddle have pushed the band to a new level. His original tunes are distinctly rooted in tradition, while breaking down musical boundaries at the same time. You can always count on blazing licks that will blow your mind and get you dancing from Bobby. Not only an accomplished fiddle player, he is also an expert luthier. He grew up in a big family of musicians in Arizona. He recently moved to Colorado and Hunker Down is very excited to have him in their family. Other bands that Bobby has played with include the Jambusters and Raised on Rhubarb.

matty brown…

was a founding member of the Slightly Stewed String Band. He brings to the group an excellent grasp of old-timey music and wonderful song writing skills. He spent two years in France where he formed a group called Mr. B and the Cool Breeze. His teacher and mentor RC has been a strong influence for him and those he plays with. Matty’s strong vocals and guitar pickin have become an asset to the group’s sound.

branon barrett…

comes from Alabama via Chicago where he spent some time kicking around and pretending to be a blues guitarist with Vida Blues. When he moved to Denver in 2000 and heard Leftover Salmon and the banjo of Marc Van his musical world was turned upside-down. He immediately jumped head first into learning the banjo and bluegrass music, absorbing anything he could get his ears around. He played in the extrodinary Lazy String Gang and is one of only two surving original members after others disappeared in a mysterious sandstorm. He also likes fried chicken.