Learn about the band here!

Shawn Smith (aka Big Smitty) has been performing for over 30 years from church hymes to special sit-ins with Smith Bros. In the late 80's Smitty toured the nation with Panco Entertainment Productions playing in some 20 states including Canadian borders. Smitty has had some long standing bands such as Smith Bros, Big Smitty, Jeda Soul, One Man's Fate, and omany others. Influences include The Beatles, Eagles, ACDC, Bad Company, Queen, and many others. Big Smitty Band is currently working on their 3rd orginal cd. Thank you for all your support.

Jon Banta has been burning the necks of guitars since he was 15. While in the beginning he actually used fire to do so, now at the tender age of almost old he uses his finely tuned speed and skills. He has played in a wide variety of cover and original bands over the years. You may remember seeing him grace the stages with such local greats as Poolhouse, Jeda Soul, and Inspector Fuzz. Jon's stylings can be heard on cd's recorded by original bands Seventh Seal and Fuse 22. He uses a long list of incredible gear to get his sound. If you would like to see what he uses please click here

Kevin, much like Smitty refuses to do interviews. So we will assume that he likes to be dark and mysterious. This reporter does know for a fact that Mr. Allen plays some sort of keyed instrument for the band...along with the tambourine and shaker.

As the most recent addition to the Big Smitty Band, Tony provides a unique musical styling to this Joplin tradition. A long time musician in the midwest, Tony, adds his own twist to the long list of classic songs played by Smitty and the gang.

Chase Hunter has made his live music bebut as the bass player for Joplin's Big Smitty. Chas was incluenced early in life by a musically cultured family. His enthusiasm for music has since evolved from bouncing to the music at six months old to a natural talent of playing bass, drums, and guitar. His musical career started with high school then college jazz band playing the drums. Chase's change in instrument was then influenced by Stevie Ray Vaugn's energized interpretations of blues music and style, inspiring Chase to play guitar. his interest was then peaked and driven to play bass guitar by the sounds of the renowned horn driven funk group "Tower of Power".

The universe was blessed, in 1972, when Rusty came screaming to life, rocking to the classics. After a time in the music scene in Lawrence, KS, he moved to Joplin and joined Big Smitty. rusty plays the guitar and yes he's left handed, but can play just about anything, including himself.