Pretend Friend

Pretend Friend is a nationally touring progressive jamgrass band based in Wichita, Kansas. Focused on creating original music, Pretend Friend melds captivating lyrics and soulful melodies into timeless songs. The blending of traditional familiarity with improvised jams, driving bluegrass, vocal harmonies, and anthemic choruses only begins to encompass the soundscape created by the genre-bending acoustic group. Founded in 2015 by songwriter, vocalist and guitarist, Grant Boesen, Pretend Friend is an ever-evolving fusion of musical influence featuring Evan Ogborn on mandolin, Caleb Drummond on upright bass, and Rami Stucky on drum set.

"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