Banjo man Mark Krider has deep bluegrass roots from the mountains of North Carolina where he grew up listening to and playing bluegrass music. “You might say its in the water there”. He has played banjo and guitar for 50 years now. Krider has formed bands wherever he has lived, from North Carolina, to Tennessee, and Arizona. Mark has shared the stage with The Osborne Bros, Country Gentlemen, Lewis Family and Blue Highway. Wanting to keep the traditional sound going, he formed HillBilly Fever in 2018. Mark now calls Texas home where he lives with his wife Sue.
Born and raised in Grassy Creek, North Carolina, Randy Pasley immersed himself in traditional music as a performing and recording artist. Randy is a very accomplished musician, winning numerous contests including Best Dobro at The Galax Old Time Fiddlers Convention 3 times. He has performed with Doc Watson, Sam Bush, Wayne Henderson and Tim O’Brien, just to name a few. Randy is also a builder fine of instruments. Randy sings lead, tenor, baritone and bass. After a long stay in Alaska, Randy and his wife make their home in Ogden, Utah.
Tucker McCandless was raised in Western North Carolina and started playing Bluegrass music in 1996. Mark and Tucker have been playing music together off and on for 30 years. Since then he has traveled the Bluegrass festival scene and performed with many bands. In 2001 he made his move to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where he has been fortunate to perform with Dolly Parton and work in many theatre shows in the area. McCandless served as band lead and musical director in the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show for a 5 year stint.
After 18 years of performing in the East Tennessee tourist area he has decided to go back out and play shows all across the US with HillBilly Fever. McCandless brings his high tenor and lead vocals as well as his unique guitar playing to the group. He is a pure pleasure to listen to as he brings the high lonesome sound to the music.
Mandobilly” Billy Parker is one of Phoenix’s most diverse and talented musicians. A freelance mandolinist, he is adept at several different styles of music including Bluegrass, Western Swing, Jazz, Celtic, and Americana and moves fluidly across genres with skill and creativity. With 40+ years of experience under his belt, Parker brings passion and style to every project he is a part of. Billy’s diversity has connected him to performances with a wide range of music legends; Bill Monroe, Faron Young, Nils Lofgren, and Howard Alden to name a few. Billy’s work as a session musician has resulted extensively with over 30 releases throughout his career in Montana, Oregon, and Arizona. As a former member of Southern California Bluegrass band Lost Highway, as well as a number of other bands within the Celtic, Western Swing, Jazz, and Americana scenes, Parker has traveled extensively, playing festivals throughout the United States. Billy and his wife Brenda presently live in Chandler, Arizona and have two beautiful and talented daughters, Emily and Kelsey.
Hudson Bosworth began playing guitar at the age of 5 along with several other instruments including piano, mandolin, banjo and bass. His wide vocal range adds great baritone and tenor harmonies to the band. This award winning bluegrasser makes his home in Ogden, Utah as a 4 time Utah State Flatpick Guitar and Mandolin Champion. He was recently awarded a Bachelors degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music at East Tennessee State University while living in Johnson City, Tennessee. As a former student of Wyatt Rice, his rhythm and lead playing is sure to please bluegrass fans of all ages. He will add his talents to HillBilly Fever on guitar, mandolin and vocals.
Alan W. Tompkins plays the bass and provides vocals to the group. Alan grew up steeped in country, gospel, and bluegrass music in Kentucky. He’s had the privilege of sharing the stage with many incredible artists including Rusty Goodman, Del McCoury, Jim “Texas Shorty” Chancellor, John R. Bowman, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Steve Huber, Ron Stewart, Brad Davis, Gerald Jones, and many more. Alan is the founder and President of the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of bluegrass music in America. He has degrees in bluegrass music from Glenville State University and Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music. Alan is general counsel and trustee for the Lamar Hunt family at their office in Dallas, where he lives with his wife Julie and daughter Jessica.
Upcoming Shows
