Formed in July of 1996, Straight Shooter has performed at local clubs and restaurants in the Oklahoma City area and put on shows at multiple festivals all over Oklahoma. They have also played at political rallies and take special interest in performing for private parties. One of the greatest gigs was when the band played at the Oklahoma Country Music Association. Bud Kurtz, who plays lead guitar as well as covering lead vocals, started writing songs and playing them at all of their gigs, with great response. Bud Kurtz is joined by Mike Duggins, who shares lead vocals plays guitars and keyboards, Jim Duggins shares the duty of lead guitar and backup vocals, Tom Lindenstruth is found on bass and backup vocals, and rounding out the group is David Ingram on drums. Straight Shooter decided to start a recording project which they finished in December 1999, Have You Heard Straight Shooter ?? They have and continue to receive airplay from the CD all over Europe, Australia, and the United States. Straight Shooter was awarded Best Country Band in Oklahoma for the year 2000 by the Oklahoma Country Music Association. They have been nominated for many awards, including the Online Country Music Award in October 2000. They have also been nominated by Indie Tracker Magazine for Best Country Band/Group of the year 2000, as well as Best Album of the Year. Bud Kurtz was nominated for Best Male Vocalist of the year 2000. Straight Shooter incorporates many influences into their music, but they believe that their music is original and most importantly, fun. The "Beer Song" from Have You Heard Straight Shooter ?? seems to be the most-requested song from their repertoire. It is also the song that fans wanted in a recorded format the most. The band had three separate individuals offer to pay all expenses for recording of the CD, just to get a copy of the "Beer Song." ~ Larry Belanger