Mandolinist | Educator | Cultural Diplomat
Jake Howard is a dynamic mandolinist whose inventive playing, deep curiosity, and passion for musical connection have taken him from sticky-floored bar gigs to stages around the world. Based in Chicago, Jake tours extensively as a member of both the Henhouse Prowlers and Westbound Situation. His experience touring internationally with the Henhouse Prowlers has deepened his interest in cultural diplomacy, using music as a global language to connect.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a B.A. in Performance and a minor in American Roots Music, Jake draws inspiration from mentors like Joe K. Walsh and formative experiences at programs such as the Savannah Acoustic Music Seminar with Mike Marshall, Julian Lage, and Casey Driessen. Originally self-taught, Jake remains deeply grateful to the mandolin community that helped shape his path—and he’s made it a mission to give back. Through his Patreon, he creates free mandolin resources designed for players at every level, sharing materials he wishes he’d had when he was starting out.
As an educator, Jake has taught at programs including the Savannah Music Festival’s Musical Explorers (in partnership with Carnegie Hall), Bluegrass Ambassadors, Ossipee Valley Music Camp, Berklee's Five-Week Program, and more in addition to teaching private lessons. Whether on stage or in the classroom, he approaches music as a lifelong student and passionate teacher, always looking to share, connect, and grow.
You can hear Jake’s playing and writing on the Henhouse Prowlers’ latest Dark Shadow Recordings release, Unravel (2025), as well as on Westbound Situation’s newest album, Accord.
Projects
Henhouse Prowlers
Newest Release: Unravel
With two decades proudly under their belts, the Prowlers' sight remains fixed on the future. Ever constant in the group's electric performances is their ability to showcase their passion for music and people. All four members possessing a knack for storytelling, compelling songwriting and intricate instrumentation, each offers the utmost artistic prowess, building on one another's magic night after night.
Rooted in tradition yet unafraid to venture into new musical territory, the Prowlers occupy a space that defies easy categorization; one that is consistently fresh, relevant, and captivating. To date, the band has toured 30 countries across five continents, collaborating with the U.S. State Department and through their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors. These global experiences have not only shaped their worldview but also reinforced their mission: to build bridges between cultures through music. For the Henhouse Prowlers, the work extends far beyond the stage—they are deeply committed to using their art in the service of a more connected and compassionate world.
Westbound situation
Newest Release: Accord
Westbound Situation blends the precision of classical chamber music, the rhythmic drive of bluegrass, and the colorful expression of jazz into a new style of chamber music—chambergrass. The quartet—comprised of Grant Flick on violin, Jake Howard on mandolin, Zach Brown on cello, and Jacob Warren on bass—mixes composition and improvisation seamlessly into their entirely memorized arrangements.
Westbound Situation has a strong commitment to music education. The group’s combined experience give students the chance to make their own music and, through this process, valuable lessons in creativity, listening, and leadership are achieved. Each member of the group maintains a private studio and lead workshops and masterclasses across the country.
Westbound Situation’s exciting concerts feature a set of original repertoire colored with recognizable standards from many genres. With bluegrass, classical chamber music, and jazz all coming together, a Westbound Situation concert is dazzling musical journey not soon forgotten.