About Us

The Hankers are a group of 5 professional musicians that have performed and toured all over the world in places such as Paris, Germany, for our troops in Japan and South Korea, and even backed up the most recognized names at the Academy of Country Music awards.  They have also opened for artist such as Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Brooks and Dunn, Charlie Daniels, Kid Rock, and many many more. The Hankers are a high energy group that incorporates outlaw country, southern rock, blues, and bluegrass into their unique sound. Husband and Wife lead performers, Julie and Keith Niehenke, have been playing violin and singing together since they were just 5 years old. Their stage chemistry, personalities, and long standing musical experience sets them apart and has earned them many awards including being named the Inland Northwest Country Music Association BAND OF THE YEAR two years in a row!   Amongst the multi instrumental accolades, Keith is a nationally acclaimed fiddle champion, an award winning guitarist, and Julie was named the IN-CMA female vocalist of the year.