The B. Kin Band

On a warm May evening in 2014 The B. Kin Band emerged. A family band with deep roots in community and the arts...

Graham Martin Byers (Vocals, Guitar) 

Graham was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC. He grew up the youngest of nine children in a rather lively and musical household. His formal music education began at the age of nine when he took up the alto saxophone, attending summer sessions at UNCSA and taking private lessons on the side. At seventeen, he began teaching himself guitar which would begin his shift into folk americana music. At eighteen he began writing songs using a 4 track recorder and what ever instruments he could get his hands on. These songs would later work their way into the B. Kin Bands repertoire. At twenty he traveled to Panama for three months in search of new influences on his writing whether that be Panamanian music or the stories of the people throughout the country side. At twenty-two, He moved to Portland, OR with his brother Francois. They both lived and worked together, writing and recording songs out of their studio apartment. After a somewhat rough year, they moved back to Winston Salem where they would start their musical collaboration with their brother Ian Byers and Sister in-law Jill Martin Byers. He currently lives in Winston Salem

Francois Byers (Piano/Keys)
Francois began his musical pursuits at eight years old acquiring an immediate affinity for improvisation. In his teenage years he began formal training with multiple piano teachers throughout Winston Salem including local music educators Jeanie Carter, Robert Rocco, and Clifton Mathews.He later continued studies at Berea College, KY under Robert J. Lewis and Javier Clavere. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music with concentration in piano performance. Francois received the Marjory J. Flynt scholarship two years in a row awarded to students who demonstrate excellency in a musical instrument. Francois has accompanied choirs/vocal students, written scores for short films, and performed public piano recitals. With a classical training background and an affinity for improvisation Francois unites both skills in the family friendly and family contained B.Kin Band.

Jill Erin Martin-Byers (vocals, mandolin, percussion, bells)  

Married into the Byers family to husband Ian Byers (Percussion). Current Event Director and Talent Booking for (non-profit) Downtown Winston Salem Partnership始s Summer Music Series for 7 years, concentrating on Summer on Trade more recently. Background in Stage Production, specializing in Lighting, Stage Management, Festival Management and Band Management with abilities in Sound, Production Co-ordination, Event Planning and Tour Management/Booking. Current member of THE. B. KIN BAND, W-S, NC family band (playing mandolin, bells, tambourine, floor tom and vocals...also booking, poster making, candle buying and lighting). *Post co-Front woman (lead vocals, acoustic guitar) for the WS, NC band, The Red Lipstick Society (8 years+) opening for such acts as Junior Brown, Dwight Yoakum, and The Dhuks. Hails from Surry County in 2000. Married Winston native Ian Byers & have two children, Samuel Daye (6) & Vera Louise Ezzell (3). Board member of The Olio (glassblowing studio) and Volunteers at The Farm at The Children始s Home... Enjoys Making Music, Hanging with Family, Painting, Great Friends, Good Food, Creating, Canoeing, Design, Culture, Up-cycling, Learning, and encouraging Everything that Makes us Artists!

Ian Samuel Byers (Drums/Percussion)

Ian is a native of Winston-Salem. For the past 10 years, Ian has worked as a designer and project leader for John Newman Garden Design. He draws inspiration for his work from natural landscapes of the Northwest Piedmont. His work can be seen all around our community... (William G. White YMCA garden, Arbor Acres, & neighborhoods all around town). He is married to Jill Martin-Byers and they have two children Samuel Daye (6) and Vera(3), as well as a cairn terrier named Ruby. Having grown up in a musically influenced family, Ian eased perfectly into the role as percussionist/drummer for the band and continues to find new ways to set a mood with a variety of tools. In addition to his love of making music, Ian also enjoys sports, good food, and the out-of-doors.