Steve Huber, owner and builder of the popular Huber Banjo line, has stepped back from performing to focus his attention on banjo production, and just played his last show with The Kenny & Amanda Smith Band. Steve expressed a mix of emotions about this decision:

“I spent much of my life hoping for an opportunity to perform in a successful bluegrass band, touring and recording music at a high level while both challenging myself musically, and entertaining people at the same time. It was a great pleasure for me to achieve just this with Kenny & Amanda, and I thank them for allowing me to play a part in the development of their distinctive sound.

Of course I’m happy to see the success of Huber Banjos, and as demand for the banjos grows, it is that much more important for me to be in the shop as opposed to traveling with a band. My staff can ensure that production continues in my absence, but as the band has gotten busier, it seemed more and more clear that my first commitment needed to be in the shop.

On top of that, when my daughter Katie was born this summer, the lure of the road lost a good bit of its luster and I reached the decision that being at home with my two girls (Katie and my wife, Heidi) was more important than playing banjo with the band, and I offered my notice. I’m sure that they will find an able replacement and continue to perform and record top notch music. I wish them all the success they deserve.”

Steve said that he expects to do some playing around Nashville, and will be available as a sub banjo picker as needed, but has no plans to perform full time again in the near term.