The Max Fred Band, also known as MFB, is an all-acoustic band based out of Kansas City, Missouri. The band consists of lead vocalist Max Fred on guitar, Joshua Tate on mandolin and vocals, Stuart Yoho on banjo and vocals and Sonny Sparks on upright bass. This group of talented visionaries meld storytelling, vocal harmonies, and an inimitable percussion into a style with broad-based folk-rock appeal. Together, this band exudes a synergy of Americana, country, and alt-folk. MFB is all about creating honest harmonies, honed in the Heartland.
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, songwriter Max Fred grew up in a musical family. At an early age, his parents introduced him to the sounds of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Marvin Gaye. The exposure to these classic bands helped form the foundation of his creative evolution. Over the years, he has played in several different bands such as Shunga Nunga, Wakamojo & The Stringbucklers.
Topeka-native Joshua Tate is the band’s former bassist, current mandolin player and songwriter, lending his backup vocals and lyrical prowess to the team. Tate’s family inspired his creative development and a wide array of tastes in genres. He gives credits to his mother for his classical, big band, swing, country, and jazz influences. From his father, Joshua received inspirations of The Doors, Grateful Dead, Harry Nilsson, and The Beach Boys.
Over the past ten years, he and Fred jammed in basements, long before either of them had performed live. Joshua moved to Oregon and played with the band Poor Miner’s Union until Kansas called him home. In 2015, he joined Max as MFB came to fruition.
Also hailing from Topeka, Stuart Yoho brings his formidable talents to the banjo and vocals. Stuart always has some great banjo jokes to share with audiences and is also a fine picker. When Stuart’s not jamming with Max Fred Band, he enjoys rambling around the country with his wife in their conversion van.
From the wind swept western plains, Sonny Sparks holds down the low end for MFB on the upright bass. A Lawrence favorite, Sonny brings a fresh perspective to the bass and gives dancers and listeners a beat to get down to.
Max Fred Band’s artistry and thought-provoking lyrics result in a high-energy collision of bluegrass, country, folk–rock, and Americana. They have also played extensively throughout the Midwest and received much support from other bands in the local music scene around Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka. Max states, “We love playing with The Steamboat Bandits, Grassfed, and Signal Ridge.”
Max Fred Band is self-produced and remain independent, along with their DIY attitude. Max says, “Writing a song is an excellent opportunity to share feelings and emotions with the listener, and we want our songs to connect emotionally with our fans.”
The Max Fred Band is a trek through lyrical tales penned with intense emotion and pure, unbridled energy. Max and Joshua aim to have their songs portray meaningful messages – all while giving their fans a chance to dance. The tunes they craft and hone are as honest as the day is long in the America’s Heartland.