Pretend Friend is an Americana band born on the endless horizon of the plains. With roots in Wichita, Kansas, Pretend Friend's high-energy performances meld elements of classic rock, folk, bluegrass, and jam band music. Tradition is honored; convention is cast aside. Pretend Friend's innovative approach to roots music has inspired consistent musical evolution since 2015.

Pretend Friend has played festivals such as Blue Ox, Walnut Valley Festival, Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival, Kaw River Roots Festival, Lake Erie Folk Fest, Hillberry, Ozark Mountain Soul Fest, Parkstomp, Weston Roots Fest, Smoky Hill River Fest, Mcawesomefest, and more.

"Pretend Friend respects tradition and its musical heritage while consistently breaking new ground. The combination of expert writing and outstanding musicianship places the band in rarified company—one of those bands that wows fellow musicians with its acumen and leaves everyone tapping their toes and singing along to songs that seem to have always been."

Jedd Beaudoin | Host/Producer of Strange Currency
KMUW (NPR), Wichita, KS