For over two decades Sweet Potato Pie has performed at America’s top venues including the White House, Branson, Dollywood, Disney, Merlefest and the Best of Our State. They have teamed up with bluegrass all-star, Kevin Richardson to further evolve their acoustic folk repertoire into a musical masterpiece. Kevin's smooth velvety vocals are the perfect blend for the Pie's sweet harmonies. Using traditional folk instruments like the banjo, guitar and mandolin this group has crafted an amazing body of music. Radio and TV are well acquainted with their “angelic” vocals from appearances on PBS, the Food Network and worldwide radio broadcasts. Their show revolves around their beautiful harmonies, hard driving instrumentals and down home humor and story telling. With classic songs from the 70's, 80's and 90's mixed with their chart topping original songs, audiences are in for a sensational night of family entertainment. The Pie has 9 CD’s to their credit which includes a #1 Album on Bluegrass APD charts and #3 Album on the Holiday APD charts. This marks the 11th year of their Christmas performances!

The group is sponsored in part by the NC Sweet Potato Growers . Their relationship with the agricultural industry provides them with unique opportunities to promote agriculture as they sing their way around the country. Their music was selected in 2015 for use in elementary classrooms to teach students about North Carolina’s agricultural crops. Sweet Potato Pie’s performance style and music is featured in various high school music curriculum in the state.

After seeing the band perform, Bill Wilson, Director, COMMA Auditorium, Morganton, NC wrote: “Sweet Potato Pie should be on the plate of about any performing arts series that wants to serve up the tastiest concert on its menu. This homegrown, all female band dishes out a fresh and bountiful variety of music that is sure to please the palates of all who are willing to take a bite. Their music is rich both in blue and new-grass, coupled with a spirited southern heart and good clean fun for the entire family.”

Band members include: Sonya Stead-guitar, vocals (Cary, NC), Crystal Richardson –banjo, vocals (Seagrove, NC), Kevin Richardson -guitar, mandolin, vocals (Seagrove, NC) , Carrie Webster -fiddle (Faith, NC ) and   Tony Hunt -bass ,(Lexington, NC) 



Sonya Stead

2000

Sonya Stead is a co- founder of Sweet Potato Pie and last original band member. In 2000, she and two other women began playing and creating a musical style that drew attention to their vocals, original music and warm stage demeanor. Her drive and vision has moved the band from a local band to a national musical sensation. Sonya plays guitar and likes to sing the high harmonies.  While she loved the classic country sounds of Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, her music interest took a back seat to her athletics as she went on to become an award winning basketball player at UNCW. It was not until her early 30’s that she learned to play the guitar and began writing music. As a successful songwriter, Sonya has penned and recorded more than 25 original songs for the band. In addition she has written sacred hymns, jingles, songs for an original outdoor drama, and her own musical comedy.  A few of her recent band highlights have been performing at the White House, Merlefest and Dollywood.  

Crystal Richardson

2007

Crystal Richardson is an award winning banjo player, songwriter and one of best vocal stylist in the business. Crystal grew up on the sounds of southern gospel music. Her family traveled to bluegrass and gospel shows on the weekends and her dad , Bobby Franklin (DJ and MC), introduced her to many of the legends in the business. As a kid she was inspired to play the banjo by Little Roy Lewis and has been burning up the banjo strings ever since the age of 9. At 15, she took a break from playing and focused more on her singing. She sang locally and even did a short stint in Nashville before she married and started a family. After being away from her banjo roots for more than 15 years she returned to the music scene in 2005 with a solo project comprising her original songs. For the next two years she toured with her band, Risynfast, and attended school to earn an Associates Degree in Artist / Music Management where she graduated with honors. She contributed her vocals to the Daughters of American Bluegrass Vol. 1, which was nominated for Bluegrass Recorded Project of the Year. 

Kevin Richardson (Featured Artist) 

2022

Kevin Richardson makes his home in Seagrove, NC.   From an early age he has been a master of the acoustic guitar.  Patterning much of his picking style after the legendary  Tony Rice, Kevin has distinguished himself in the industry as one of the best. He has played professionally since 2000 with  the top bluegrass bands.like Lou Reid and Carolina, The Larry Stephenson Band, his own band, Kevin Richardson and Cuttin' Edge and most recently the Tim Raybon Band, formerly, Merle Monroe.  He has performed all over the globe from NC to Norway.  He has earned many awards and nominations over the years including Recorded Event of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Guitar Player of the Year. He had multiple #1 songs on the charts from his own group Kevin Richardson and Cutting Edge.   Kevin is one of the most humble people you will meet, but don't let that fool you, he is a powerhouse of a player!  

Tony Hunt (Bass)

2022

Tony is the quintessential utility man. He brings high energy and a bag full of instruments from drums to keyboards that he can add to any set when needed. He currently has taken the bass assignment and is doing a great job. Tony started playing the trash can with perfect timing at age 3 and got his first set of drums at 6. His dad had a bluegrass band and took Tony to his shows which exposed him to some of the best musicians in the area. Tony excelled and was quickly was picked up to play with national country bands like Jack Greene, Jeannie Seely, Jan Howard, Charlie Louvin and Candi Carpenter that took him all the way to the Grand Ole Opry. Tony has owned and operated a yard maintenance business for the last 25 years in the Lexington, NC area.