Kaden Hurst
Kaden Hurst grew up
in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California, where he began his musical
education in both western classical music and American and Scottish fiddle
music.
Kaden holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mandolin Performance from Regis University in Denver Colorado, where he studied under 2016 National Mandolin Champion Jordan Ramsey. Kaden is a member of 2019 Rockygrass Championship band Never Come Down, as well as Portland favorites Julie and the Wayves and the Portland Radio Ponies.
As a teacher, Kaden’s approach incorporates a deep knowledge of mandolin technique and history, the music theory and musicology underlying American folk music, and empathy for students at any level of mandolin knowledge. He currently works as a music teacher and performer based out of Portland, Oregon. When not playing mandolin, Kaden spends his time juggling, drinking too much coffee, and overthinking fiddle tunes.
Patrick Connell
Patrick has spent his entire adult life trying to figure out how the guitar works. In the mid aughts of the 21st century, his dad bought him his first pair of pants and pointed him in the direction of Tim o'Brien. Shortly thereafter, he found himself living in a remote shack in Southern Oregon with a guy named Thad, who played all the bluegrass instruments and taught him the g-run. It was in this shack that his addiction to bluegrass festered.
He currently lives, plays, and teaches in Portland with his wife and son, who are both aspiring fiddle players. When he's not breaking g-strings, he works as a direct support worker for adults with developmental disabilities, and does a bit of real estate here and there, when the haircut is fresh.
