After five years of learning and experimentation, the Hartley Family Band is coming into its own. Their music has settled into a blend of bluegrass, blues-inflected gospel grass, and uniquely-HFB message songs that speak to the heart with their stories of faith and family.

 

     If you’re looking for flash at a Hartley Family performance, you’ll be disappointed. As one person put it after seeing them live, “they invite you into their living room,” and bring you from laughter to tears and back again. These jeans-and-T-shirts-clad, ordinary folks pour energy into their honest, acoustic brand of music, and they’ve connected with audiences from across the United States.

  

     Tom, father and banjo player, started the band and handles the business end of it. Occasionally he picks up the guitar and sings lead on a song.  He is also a talented storyteller.  Deb ("Mama") plays bass and keeps everything running smoothly.  Her warm alto blends with the lead and high harmony to make a full bluegrass sound.   Anna, age 19, plays guitar (mostly rhythm) and her powerful lead voice is featured on many of the songs.  She is also the  main songwriter of the family.  16-year-old Josiah's unique style of playing the fiddle drives the music.  Daniel (age 15) adds variety by switching from mandolin to dobro throughout a performance.  13-year-old Abby's clear guitar flatpicking accents almost every song.  She sings several crowd favorites during each performance, and her high voice gives an edge to the harmonies.  Micah, age six, competes with his dad to be the comedian of the family and often sings lead on one song per show.  He is learning to play the fiddle and mandolin and plays along with his family.  

 

     The Hartley Family now offers music lessons to those who are interested in learning how to play an acoustic instrument. They maintain an exacting schedule during the summers, and have played in states from LA to MN to NY.

 

     According to Dr. Benjamin Meade, a professor and independent filmmaker, “The Hartley Family represents an age-old American tradition of positive family support and dynamic through music.  They are one of the most high energy musical acts in the state of Arkansas.” Soulful singing, high-energy instrumental work and down-home storytelling make every performance something you don’t want to miss.