Forest began his music career as a radio host, where he shared his passion for fast-paced metal music with new audiences. He discovered a love of bluegrass music, drawn to the fast rhythms, strong community, and technical challenge of the genre. In 2020, Forest joined Honey Buckets bluegrass band as a guitarist and vocalist, playing at bluegrass festivals across the Southwest. In addition to performing on stage, Forest is often hired by music festivals to lead evening jams because of his large repertoire, high energy picking, and gregarious personality.

In 2025 he formed Forest Thurman & Friends, leading a rotating lineup of top notch players going on to win that years Pickin' in the Pines band contest. Forest also plays solo shows and is a highly sought after pick up performer for other bands due to his versatility, high energy, and charismatic stage presence. He performs primarily in California and Arizona, though he has traveled further afield to universities and other iconic venues with The Apocalypse Roadshow.

Forest is available for solo or band performances and is available to sit in with bands as a guitarist and vocalist or bassist. He is also available to teach workshops on rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and jamming technique and etiquette.

Forest Thurman & Friends is high-energy band led by Forest Thurman, a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a talent for bringing together musicians who can shred - bringing skillful and intricate musicianship to hard drivin' Bluegrass, Country, and Americana. Formed in 2025, they have already played festivals through the Southwest, Universities, Theaters and won 1st place in the Pickin' in the Pines band contest. With diverse musical influences, Forest Thurman & Friends bring the party energy to every show, riveting audiences with syncopated rhythms, tight harmonies, rockin’ solos and foot-stompin’ fun.

Forest Thurman is the guitarist and a vocalist for Honey Buckets, playing festivals, music venues and special events throughout the Western United States. Along with Devin Wilcox on mandolin, Mike Stern on banjo and Brian Dragoman on bass, Honey Buckets are a high-tempo, energetic bluegrass band raised on heavy metal and Southern California smog.