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Founding member of The Elders, the Kansas City-based six-piece Celtic rock band; singer, fiddler, songwriter, and key figure in KC’s Irish Americana and folk rock scene.

Biography

Early life

Brent Evans Hoad was born in 1952 (age 73 at death) in Overland Park, Kansas, part of the Kansas City metro area. He grew up in the KC region with a passion for music.

Arrival in / connection to Kansas City

Born and raised in the KC area (Overland Park), Hoad was deeply embedded in the local music community throughout his life. He remained a Kansas City area resident.

Career / contribution

Hoad was a founding member of The Elders, a six-piece, internationally touring American folk rock / Celtic rock band formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1998.1 He played fiddle, vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass, and keyboards. He was a talented vocalist and gifted songwriter.

The band blends Celtic and Americana influences. Hoad contributed to their discography starting with the self-titled album in 2000 and “Pass It on Down” in 2002, among others.

He was also involved in other bands like The Secrets*. His work helped establish The Elders as a notable act in the KC music scene and beyond, performing Irish Americana and folk rock.

Later years

Hoad continued his musical contributions until his passing, leaving a legacy of song in Kansas City.

Death + memorial

Brent Evans Hoad passed away on January 20, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 73. He lived in Overland Park, KS.2

Defining contributions to Kansas City

  1. Co-founding and performing with The Elders, a signature KC Celtic rock band that gained international recognition while rooted in the local scene.
  2. Songwriting, vocals, and multi-instrumental work (fiddle, etc.) that enriched KC’s Irish Americana and folk rock traditions.
  3. Being a beloved figure in the Kansas City music community, known for his talent and contributions to live performances and recordings.

Cultural legacy

Hoad is remembered for his legacy of song in Kansas City. Tributes highlight his role in The Elders and his impact on the regional music scene. The band and local musicians continue to honor his memory.

Contemporaries + collaborators

  • Members of The Elders band.
  • Other KC musicians in the Celtic/folk rock scene.

Sites in KC associated with this person

  • Kansas City music venues where The Elders performed.
  • Overland Park and greater KC area (his home and base).

Source materials

  • Wikipedia page for The Elders.
  • Local news (FOX4KC, Kansas City Star).
  • Obituaries and band statements.
  • KC music community posts.

Controversies + complexity

None noted; focus on his musical contributions and community impact.

Sources

Footnotes

  1. The Elders (band) Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elders_(band) (confirms formation in KC, Hoad’s roles, discography) ↩

  2. Brent Evans Hoad Obituary. Legacy.com. https://www.legacy.com/legacy/brent-hoad (confirms death Jan. 20, 2026, age 73, Overland Park, KS) ↩

See also

  • The-Elders
Categories
  • Concept
  • Person
  • Modern

On the record — ks.city/wiki/people/brent-hoad