Feature article
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Hunt Family brings high-stepping show to NPAC
By Carmen Musick
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What do you get when you cross world-ranked step dancing with champion fiddling and a family of nine?
The answer is the Hunt Family — and the whole gang is coming to Greeneville’s Niswonger Performing Arts Center for what promises to be one of the most high-powered, fun-filled experiences to ever hit the stage.
“When I was in New York last year at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, I saw the Hunt family, and they were very energetic, highly talented and presented an entertaining show for every member of the family,” NPAC Executive Director Darrell Bryan explained.
NPAC is so excited about the event, Bryan pointed out, that it’s offering special family pricing. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and only $8 for students, while children 5 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult.
Clint and Sandy Hunt along with their seven children perform original, Celtic, bluegrass, inspirational and popular tunes — offering a uniquely diverse show filled with family fun.
“People love seeing the family dynamic. To see each person’s personality and their own original songwriting, and how it all comes together, it’s just kind of interesting to watch it unfold,” matriarch Sandy Hunt said during a recent phone interview.
The music started simply enough for the Hunts. Clint and Sandy met in college. Once they were married, they started performing together in small settings, like weddings and receptions. Eventually, their twins — Jessi and Jennifer — decided they’d like to join them on stage.
“It all grew. It just snowballed over time. The twin girls were so popular. People love seeing young kids perform, and then the other boys got interested and started joining us, and we were slowly adding one after the other until it got to the nine of us now,” Sandy explained. “Then, playing one venue led to another venue which led to another venue and so on.”
Eventually, the family landed at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. — not far from the Chesapeake area they call home — where an agent saw the show and recognized the family’s talent and potential. They started touring together and have been doing so ever since.
“It’s a different way of living. When we left our house, it was a big adjustment. Here we are, all nine of us in the RV. You have to figure out a different way to live. Where do you put nine sets of shoes in the RV?” Sandy said. “It was a challenge at first — to find everyone their little cubby holes. We get along real well, though, so we’ve learned how to iron out the kinks. Respecting each person and valuing them can go a long way.”
Each of the Hunts brings their own unique gifts to the stage and to the family.
Clint, the patriarch, sets up and runs sound, as well as plays guitar, for the family show. It’s his job to make sure the family gets to each gig on time.
Sandy, an only child herself, home-schools the four youngest children and was largely responsible for getting the family involved in step dancing (more later on that). She has published two books, “101 Sizzling Tips for Excellence on the Violin,” and “Fiddle Book,” both of which are sold nationally.
Identical twins Jessica and Jennifer, 20, are songwriters, champion fiddlers and preliminary championship Irish dancers. In addition to touring with the family, both are enrolled in college courses. Jessi is studying music at Old Dominion University, while Jennifer is studying graphic design at Tidewater Community College.
Joshua, 18, is a world-ranked Irish step dancer who competed at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. He loves spending time on his seven acres of land and splitting firewood for extra cash.
Jonathan, 16, is a composer and a four-time world-ranked Irish step dancer. He has competed in Belfast and Ennis, Ireland, and in Glasgow, Scotland. He has recently written several new songs, including “Lost Harmony” and “Crazy Fingers,” both of which are featured on the group’s latest CD, “Hearts Held High.”
Jordan, 14, (a.k.a. Mr. Energy) is a 2005 regional champion for Irish step dancing and plays drums in the show.
Justin, 13, is a gifted fiddler and the featured vocalist on “Hearts Held High.” He also plays the drums and accordion, and dances in the family show.
Jamison, or J.J., 11, is the youngest in the clan and is currently ranked second in the region for Irish step dancing. He also fiddles, dances and plays drums in the show.
“If there is a show for all ages, it’s ours,” Sandy said. “We just got an e-mail from a family who’d come to one of the shows that said the grandparents were there, they were there and 10 kids of all different ages were there and we made all of them happy.
“We’ve got somebody for everyone.”
If the singing, songwriting and fiddle playing aren’t enough to wow audiences, then the step dancing would most likely win over any holdouts.
“When we step up and do the step dancing, it just blows people away,” Sandy said.
Not part of the original touring show, the family took up step dancing as part of a deal Sandy brokered with an Irish dance teacher. The teacher wanted members of the family to play fiddle for her group.
“We said if you teach us how to step dance, we’ll play for you,” Sandy explained.
Obviously, they agreed, and the family has never looked back. In addition to their five albums and success at singing contests around the world, The Hunt Family has won numerous awards in fiddle and Irish dance.
They made their national television debut on “The Tony Danza Show,” and performed at Virginia’s Royal Welcoming for Queen Elizabeth in Richmond.
The Hunt Family takes part in numerous school and educational outreach programs throughout the year, and host its own summer camp for young musicians each year offering lessons in fiddle, violin, orchestra training, acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, mandolin, singing and, of course, Irish dance.
“We really do take an interest in other people. It’s a blessing to be able to teach other kids, and we really enjoy mixing education with fun in an environment that’s healthy and happy and structured around family,” Sandy said.
Still, they find time for “normal” family things.
“Along the tour, there’s a lot of driving hours when they can do their reading and their schooling. Then, when we get back home, the boys play basketball and we like to spend time with family and friends. We have lots of cousins there, and our church is there,” she said. “But they’ve been raised performing on the stage and they have a passion for it. And we look forward to coming there next week and sharing it.”
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is located adjacent to Greeneville High School at 212 Tusculum Blvd., in Greeneville.
For ticket information, call the box office at at 423-638-1679 or visit greenevillenpac.com. Box office hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weekdays.
--------GoTriCities--------
The Hunt Family
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 5
WHERE: Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville
COST: Adults, $22.50; students, $8; children under 5, free.
CONTACT: 423-638-1679
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