About Us

Bob Bean: Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Raised by parents with college degrees in Music Education and Music Performance, Bob was taught an appreciation for all types of music from an early age, and started his musical journey by taking snare drum lessons from his father in the home. Outings to Jazz festivals and concerts remain some of his fondest childhood memories. Later, rock, country and folk influences molded his musical path. “I don’t know that I can point to any specific artists that influenced me”, he said…”I think it is more a confluence of various seductions, but the ‘Singer-Songwriter’ genre’ has always captivated me”. Primarily a percussionist, Bob has performed in various bands over the years, representing a variety of genre’s, including rock, 50’s hits, jazz, and blues. Bob began playing guitar while in college and songwriting was a natural extension that followed quickly. He quips that “the guitar is just another percussion instrument to me”, and strives for rhythmic variations in his songwriting that engage the listener.

Skeet Sirmons: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Skeet was born into a musical family and began singing old gospel and country songs as soon as he was able to put more than two words together. His mother didn't read a bit of music but learned to play piano and guitar by ear and so the home was constantly filled with music. He began his musical journey on guitar when he was around eight or nine and it wasn't long before he had written his first song. He plays a number of instruments including banjo, which the band prefers he keep to himself, but guitar is his primary instrument. "I am an amalgamation of many musical genres." says Skeet. "A musical mutt if you will, I love it all."

Jim Bales: Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Jim has been a part of the music scene in Kansas for many years. He loves to play and is quick to invite other musicians of any level to sit in and jam a little while. Jim says, "Music brings people together in a way that nothing else can do." It's not unusual to find Jim with a group of folks singing and playing of an evening during the First Friday Art Walk or on a Saturday morning at the Farm and Art Market in Wellington, KS. Jim says he is a homogenization of an abundance of musical motifs. His powerful vocals and musicianship round out the trio we call Kitty Hawk Krash.