Katie K Wrangles Archives - Bluegrass Today

Rick Faris to Katie K Wrangles

Katie Kirchner continues to makes waves in bluegrass for her new talent agency, Katie K. Wrangles, by signing singer and songwriter Rick Faris to her roster.

This addition marks the third Dark Shadow Recording artist to join the team, following Becky Buller and Full Cord, her original client, and with whom she often performs. The agency grew out of her success keeping Full Cord busy on the road, which she now operates as a full time business.

Faris has steadily built a career in bluegrass music over the years, starting with an apprenticeship in his family’s touring band as a teenager. Alongside his parents and four brothers, he learned to play the many instruments used in a bluegrass band, and to sing lead and harmony vocals, as they played all over the country from their home in the Ozarks. From there, Rick spent 11 years performing with Special Consensus, where he developed his songwriting as well as his professionalism under the tutelage of Special C founder and banjo player Greg Cahill.

Throughout all these ventures he also dedicated himself to building and repairing instruments, and recently accepted a newly created position to build his Faris Guitars as part of the new Kentucky Guitar Works @ the Center for Lutherie in Owensboro, KY.

Of this latest partnership with Kirchner he says…

“I love bluegrass music in its entirety. I can’t choose what I love doing more…building instruments, songwriting, or performing. With commitments mounting and everything needing my time and attention, instead of choosing one over the other, I chose to build a team who can help me continue to enjoy all the things I love!

The talented team at Katie K. Wrangles inspire great confidence and give new drive with booking, organizing, and promoting the Rick Faris Band. I’m super excited for our partnership moving forward and I’m so thankful for more time spent with my family, writing songs, and building guitars. All you amazing festivals give Katie a call.

I’m honored to be among the stellar and diverse roster of Katie K. Wrangles.”

Katie speaks quite highly of her newest signee.

“Rick Faris is a true bluegrass luminary, and I am proud to represent him. His talent, excitement, and dedication to the genre are remarkable, and I believe that with my support, he will continue to inspire fans and musicians alike worldwide. This is a perfect fit for my agency.”

For further information about Rick Faris, contact Katie K. Wrangles online.

Chris Jones & the Night Drivers to Katie K. Wrangles

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers have announced new representation, moving to the new agency formed by Katie Kirchner, Katie K. Wrangles.

Kirchner got her start in artist representation as a founding member of the popular and long-lived midwestern band, Full Cord, where her husband, Todd, is the bassist. In recent years she has handled all of their booking, and has now launched her own agency where she also handles dates for Becky Buller and Compton & Newberry.

She says that she is delighted to be working with Jones and his band.

“It’s a privilege to represent Chris Jones and the Night Drivers. Their music is a testament to the rich tradition of bluegrass and the singer/songwriter world, and their innovative approach ensures that they remain at the forefront of the genre. I am excited to work with them to further their career, and introduce their extraordinary talent to new audiences around the world.”

Chris is likewise thrilled with his new partner.

“I’m extremely excited to be working with Katie and the Katie K. Wrangles Agency. I love her passion for the business side of the music as well as for the music itself. I’m also proud to be part of her top notch and musically diverse yet complimentary stable of artists. The Night Drivers and I look forward to further expanding our audience.”

For information about Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, contact Katie online.

Jones and company are about to release their latest EP, Pages in Your Hand, on the Mountain Home Music label. It will be widely available from popular download and streaming services on Friday, October 6, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.

An album release concert and celebration is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, at Nashville’s Station Inn.

Mike Compton and Joe Newberry to Katie K Wrangles

Katie K Wrangles, the booking and management firm run by Katie Kirchner in Michigan, has announced that they will now be representing the duo of Compton & Newberry. That, of course, is mandolin maestro Mike Compton with banjo player and guitarist Joe Newberry.

Bluegrass fans have known Compton for decades, both as perhaps the most shining exponent of the Bill Monroe mandolin style, and as an instructor in those techniques. As the original mando man with The Nashville Bluegrass Band, he toured all over the country, and his appearance in the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou, put him in front of even more people, as did the live tour associated with the movie. These days, his Monroe Mandolin Camp exposes students to the wonder of Bill’s mandolin style for future generations of players.

Joe Newberry has worked as a traditional troubadour most of his life. A noted singer, songwriter, and banjo player, he has worked for many years as a solo act, and with Mike Compton in their duo. During its broadcast years, Joe was a frequent guest on A Prairie Home Companion, and has collaborated with numerous prominent folk artists like Mike Seeger, Norman & Nancy Blake, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Katie Kirchner came into bluegrass in the family way, through her husband, Todd Kirchner, bass player with Full Cord. She sang with the band, and handled their management, when it became clear that she had a knack for artist representation. After forming her own agency, she started handling dates for Becky Buller and Desmond Jones as well. Now, with the addition of Compton & Newberry, Katie has a full roster of acts to keep on the road.

She says that she feels privileged to work with such highly regarded artists as Mike and Joe.

“I am honored to have Mike Compton and Joe Newberry join forces with me. Their dedication to preserving and promoting traditional American music aligns perfectly with my mission. I look forward to working closely with them to bring their incredible talent to audiences worldwide.”

Kirchner will represent Compton & Newberry for their duo shows, and can also arrange solo performances for either of them. For information on bringing Mike and Joe to your festival or venue, contact Katie online.