The Henhouse Prowlers return home to Chicago for two nights with shows this Friday, April 12th & Saturday April 13th at Evanston Space (details here). They are in the middle of their ‘Rolling Wheels’ spring tour highlighting their most recent album Lead and Iron released on Dark Shadow records, produced and engineered by Stephen Mougin. The band calls Chicago home, however, they are known for their extensive touring of the US and abroad, performing and teaching in over 25 countries through their non-profit Bluegrass Ambassadors.
If you love Chicago Bluegrass, you may know about Jon, Ben, Chris, and Jake – but have you heard from their ‘fifth member’ Ian?! Likely not! And that changes TODAY!
While his role may be behind the scenes, he’s essential to their sound and the band’s consistent and persistent rise. Bluegrass Chicago connected with Ian Goodman about their upcoming Chicago-area show and new release. Check out one of our favorite tracks from Henhouse Prowlers and read our Q&A below!
BC: When did you start working with the Prowlers and how did it happen?
IG: Through mutual friends and colleagues in the summer of 2021. Colin Williams suggested to Jon that he had the perfect guy “ he’s not married , has no kids just a cat.” They called me out to do sound at a festival and the Station Inn in Nashville. It was a blast and we all hit it off immediately. That being said, the very first show at the Station Inn, Ben put the main mic they were using at the time on backwards and I was too busy setting everything else up to notice. We got it situated, but this was the first sign that the band would benefit from a sound guy.
BC: What are some unique challenges to running sound for bluegrass bands that non-sound people might not think about?
IG: Aside from learning the nuances of mixing bluegrass which is a thing unto itself but the relationships are key to success. If we’re all friends and having fun, the band sounds better.
BC: This will be your third time running sound for the band at Evanston Space. What do you think of the sound and vibe there?
IG: Great staff, crew and venue! Lots of fun! Hometown shows have their own energy and seeing all the people who helped make this band what they are is super special. .
BC: You’ve toured around the world with these guys and we hear some cool stuff happened to you a couple of years ago on a European run. Care to share?
FC: Well… I met the love of my life Anna Hiep from Groningen, NL. I was finishing up with the final stages of breaking down and loading out, I got the confidence to ask “ Hey, what does everybody do after a show here?” We spent the next few hours inseparable hanging out and just talking. The next day, I came to the lunch room and just started talking to Anna and the rest is history … burritos for lunch across the street from the venue standing together in the rain…. I also learned what it meant to truly be independent and resourceful. Gained a better understanding of the world around me… such as this apt saying I heard “ in the states 100 years is old, in Europe 100 miles is far.”
BC: Any other stories about the band you’d like to share? Favorite moments/shows?
IG: Some of the most rewarding days at work are the ones where we are teaching classes or doing workshops for the bluegrass ambassadors. Typically we play festivals and theaters but to get the chance to teach and learn together with all ages is a pretty amazing experience. The band actually introduces me as the fifth member and at the end of workshops the students crowd around the sound booth and want to learn about what I do. It’s cool to think that alongside being inspired to be musicians, there are kids at these programs that might go on to be a sound engineer.
Don’t miss the Henhouse Prowlers taking the stage at Evanston Space this weekend!
Tickets for Friday, April 12th Henhouse Prowelers wsg. Arkansauce here
Tickets for Saturday, April 13th Henhouse Prowlers wsg. Carrie Sue and the Wood Burners here