KoTB is powerhouse collective built on a rotating roster of Midwest guitar giants, anchored by Kansas City titan Nick Schnebelen and Omaha legend Kris Lager. Backed by the region’s most formidable rhythm sections, the lineup shifts—but the standard never does. This is a living, breathing showcase of the Midwest’s deepest blues rock talent. Heavy-hitting players step in, plug in, and push the sound forward. Learn more about the players below.

NICK SCHNEBELEN*

Nick Schnebelen is a Kansas City–based blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his gritty tone, deep groove, and no-frills approach to modern blues. A former Trampled Under Foot member and 2008 Albert King Guitarist of the Year award winner from The Blues Foundation, Schnebelen has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most respected players. His sound blends traditional blues roots with rock-driven intensity, delivered through hard-touring experience and a commitment to authenticity that resonates with both purists and new audiences alike.

KRIS LAGER*

Kris Lager is an Omaha-based blues guitarist, singer, and bandleader known for his soulful vocals, fiery guitar work, and electrifying live performances. As the driving force behind the Kris Lager Band, he’s built a loyal following across the Midwest and beyond with a sound rooted in blues, funk, and soul, delivered with raw energy and deep musicality. A relentless road warrior, Lager brings a modern edge to traditional influences, creating a live experience that’s as emotionally powerful as it is high-octane.

BRANDON HUDSPETH

Brandon Hudspeth is a Kansas City–based blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his soulful tone, expressive phrasing, and deeply rooted connection to traditional blues. A standout in the region’s live music scene, he blends classic influences with a modern sensibility, delivering performances that are both technically sharp and emotionally resonant. Whether leading his own projects or sharing the stage with other heavy hitters, Hudspeth brings authenticity, feel, and a quiet intensity that makes him a powerful voice in today’s Midwest blues landscape.

HECTOR ANCHONDO

Hector Anchondo is an Omaha-based blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his raw, soul-baring performances and deeply personal songwriting. A winner of the 2020 International Blues Challenge, Anchondo has earned national recognition for his ability to blend traditional blues with modern storytelling, delivered through powerful vocals and expressive guitar work. Whether solo or with a full band, he brings an unfiltered honesty to the stage that connects instantly—equal parts grit, vulnerability, and hard-earned authenticity.

BRODY BUSTER

Brody Buster doesn’t just play the blues—he grew up inside it. A Kansas City-born multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Buster first hit the stage as a kid prodigy and never let his foot off the gas. Over the years, he’s carved out a sound that’s equal parts grit, soul, and lived-in truth—blending blues, roots, rock, and Americana into something that feels raw and undeniable. Whether he’s fronting his own band or stepping into a lineup of heavy hitters, Buster brings a road-hardened intensity and a storyteller’s heart, delivering performances that don’t just entertain—they leave a mark.

MYLES JASNOWSKI

Myles Jasnowski is a rising Midwest guitarist known for his fiery fretwork, dynamic stage presence, and fearless approach to blending blues, rock, and improvisational jams. With a style that leans as much on feel as it does technical precision, Jasnowski brings a fresh, high-energy perspective to the regional scene. Whether stretching out in extended solos or locking into a deep groove, he plays with a confidence and intensity that marks him as one of the next players to watch coming out of the Midwest circuit.

HOWARD MAHAN

Howard Mahan is the kind of player you don’t manufacture—you earn him over time, one stage, one mile, one note at a time. Originally from Fredonia and now rooted in Lawrence, Mahan has been living the blues since he first picked up a guitar at age 9 in his family band—and he never put it down. Through Howard Mahan & Friends, a rotating, road-tested collective built on feel and freedom, he’s spent years tearing through bars, clubs, and festival stages across the region, especially in the years when live music fought its way back to life. With three all-original records released since 2020, his sound doesn’t sit still—blues at the core, but stretching into rock, jam, and Americana without asking permission. Whether he’s leading the charge, stripping it down solo, or locking in with players like Sean McDonnell and Randy McAllister, Mahan brings the kind of depth and grit that only comes from doing it the hard way—and doing it right.

SEAN MCDONNELL

Sean McDonnell is a Midwest-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his gritty tone, driving rhythms, and high-energy live performances. Blending blues, rock, and a touch of outlaw edge, McDonnell brings a raw, unfiltered intensity to the stage that connects instantly with audiences. Whether fronting his own projects or sharing the bill with regional heavyweights, he delivers a sound that’s both hard-hitting and deeply rooted—built on feel, fire, and a relentless commitment to the music.

*denotes founding member of the collective