The Robert Hynes Band is an talented group of Chicago musicians led by Chicago songwriter Robert Hynes. The band blends crafty original songs, infectious rhythms, and retro influences in a wide variety of musical styles. They play floor stomping barn-burners to 30’s style Hawaiian slide guitar, blues to rock, and jazz to country.
Robert Hynes was born into a music loving family in the suburbs of Chicago. As a young child he began playing music on the household piano, learned viola through school, and discovered Dad’s guitar in the front closet. Robert had piano lessons from a neighbor, friend and musical mentor named George Krajecki. Robert studied music at the College of DuPage, and under many great guitarists including the highly versatile Tom Sanchez (formerly of Liquid Soul), jazz-fusion guitarist Steve Ramsdell, classical guitarist Scott Johnston. Robert currently teaches guitar, bass, banjo, ukulele, and instructs a Rock Band course at Music Makers of Western Springs.
In 1996 the band Dragonfly took flight. The group featured a large line-up including horn section, percussionist, organist, 2 guitars, drums and bass. A huge mix of styles was always present, including Latin jazz, funk influenced grooves and rockabilly. Robert has collaborated with many of Chicago’s top acts, and over the past 20 years has performed extensively in the Chicagoland area.
Robert Hynes Band is a 4 piece group, featuring long time collaborator Fred Mundinger on guitar and vocals, Kevin Becker on bass, and Mike Bruno on drums. The band’s performances include bottle-neck blues, Gypsy jazz, New Orleans funk and good ole’ house-rockers! Vintage instruments, cigar box guitars, home-made Leslie amps and other musical curiosities can also be seen as a regular part of the show, as are guest appearances from Chicago’s finest musicians.
The Robert Hynes Band has performed extensively around the Chicagoland area including stops at the House of Blues, Montrose Room, Arcada Theatre and Park West. They’ve also been fortunate to share the stage with Buckwheat Zydeco, Coco Montoya, Rusted Root and more.