Riding in on the high desert of Santa Fe, Half Broke Horses plays a danceable blend of Honky Tonk and Americana. Wrangling songs from both traditional country and alt-country, they craft a fresh take on the classics and newer tunes, drawing inspiration from 3 chords and the truth. Each member brings a wealth of influences and talent to the stage. Whether playing up-tempo, toe-tappin’ tunes or harmonizing on a soul searching ballad, Half Broke Horses draws you in. Immerse yourself in the honk-tonk and heart-infused Americana of Half Broke Horses.

Influences:
Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Hank Williams, Sr., Patsy Cline, Kasey Chambers, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Gillian Welch, Steve Earle, and Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Band:

Tasha Curtis
Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Tasha grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where she was heavily influenced by her father’s vast record collection, paving her path to musical expression. Tasha brings deep and earthy tones to songs, making them come to life in a deeply personal way. Her influences include Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams and Patsy Cline. Tasha has made Santa Fe her home for more than 20 years – and her cat, Macy Gray, is a favorite muse. 

Ryan Little
Lap Steel Guitar
Growing up in the heart of Appalachian Virginia, Ryan was surrounded by the sounds of his father pickin’ Doc Watson tunes and his mother playing old time hymns on piano. He picked up his first guitar at age 12, and it was love at first strum. Over decades, Ryan’s musical passion led him to his career as a music teacher, composer, and performer. When a hand injury forced him to put down the 6 string guitar, he found a 1960’s Fender lap steel and never looked back. With Fender in hand, Ryan headed west, where you can hear him tearin’ it up on old school country, the western swing of Bob Wills, and the hot jazz of Django Reinhardt.

Suzanne Birrell
Bassist & Harmony Vocals
Suzanne was born with music in her soul. She started out as an oboe player, took up the guitar, and played drums while also performing on alto sax, flute, and trumpet along the way. When she got hold of a bass she found her true love.  Suzanne has performed from coast to coast, Mexico, and Thailand with a variety of bands and styles from bluegrass to country, Cajun, rock and jazz in clubs, festivals, and once on the Austin City Limits. A thrill was winning the Battle of the Bands in LA. Recently she played with Out of Nowhere in Taos.

Arne Bey
Drums
Arne began playing at age seven when his big brother brought home a red sparkly set of Slingerland Drums. Self-taught, by age 13 Arne became the youngest member in the history of the local Musician’s Union. Arne’s earliest influences were traditional, bebop and cool jazz followed by the sounds of everything from the Everly Brothers, Otis Redding to The Rolling Stones and The Beatles of his teen years. In addition to touring and numerous recording dates, Arne has performed on a PBS Special and also at the nationally acclaimed Merlefest in North Carolina.

Half Broke Horses performs at well-loved venues & festivals, with each member bringing a wealth of influences and talent to the stage.

Homepage photo credit: Kim Bey
Logo design: Ditta Khalsa