Kent State University at Stark Department of Music presents a concert of local original roots rock by The Ryan Humbert Band on Friday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Main Hall auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Ryan Humbert

Ryan Humbert is an indie singer-songwriter from Akron/Canton. He has played with Train, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Chris Isaak, Third Eye Blind, Matt Nathanson, Michelle Branch, Pete Yorn, Foreigner, The Zac Brown Band, Josh Ritter, Glass Harp, The Gin Blossoms and more.

In 2009, Humbert released "Old Souls, New Shoes," an independent, fan-funded pop/rock album recorded in Nashville, featuring members of Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows and Black Crowes.

Locally, Humbert has performed at numerous venues, including The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Canton Cabaret and Chrissie Hynde's Akron restaurant, VegiTerrenean. He also organizes acoustic fundraising shows that have donated more than $15,000 to local charities since 2009.

He is slated to begin recording his next album in April 2011 with musicians who have played with Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Robert Plant, John Mellencamp, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and more. To fund the album, Ryan hosted a private concert at singer Chrissie Hynde's home and raised more than $10,000 through fan support.

For the concert at Kent State Stark, Humbert will perform on guitar and lead vocals with the following band members: Ben Evans on keys; Emily Bates on guitar and backup vocals; Erin Vaughn on lead guitar; Jared Lees on bass; Matt Middleton on drums; and Michael Houff on violin.

For more information on Kent State Stark's music programs, call 330-499-9600.