Baton Rouge-based eclectic chamber folk band, Minos the Saint, will celebrate the release of their debut full-length recording Awake and Dream, with their first trip to Atlanta. Join us at Red Light Café, in Atlanta, on Saturday, July 30th. The band’s unique sound is an acoustic blend of guitar-based songwriting mixed with symphonic brass along with accordion and a funky bottom end. The band guarantees you'll love the music!
Minos the Saint features leader Ben Herrington on accordion, keyboards, and trombone, Songwriter Peter Simon on vocals and guitar, Micah Blouin on percussion and vocals, Joel Willson on violin and mandolin, Jessica Ottaviano on trombone, and Arisia Gilmore on French horn.
Atlanta's own The Ormewoods — Grammy winning producer/engineer/musician Don McCollister and Atlanta Intown Songwriter founder and independent radio favorite Claire Pearson — open the show at 8pm.
$10 Adv – $12 Door
Doors @ 7 PM
All ticket sales are final. No refunds.
Minos the Saint is an eclectic chamber folk band from Baton Rouge, LA. The band’s sound is a blend of acoustic folk and symphonic brass, and features accordion, danceable rhythms, and improvisation.
Band members include:
— Peter Simon on vocals and guitar
— Micah Blouin on percussion and vocals
— Ben Herrington on accordion, keyboards, and trombone
— Joel Willson on violin and mandolin
— Jessica Ottaviano on trombone
— Arisia Gilmore on French horn
Each band member has a diverse musical background, and the result is a fresh brand of experimental-yet-accessible folk rock that uniquely represents Louisiana, and the world.
Since the band began playing in 2013, it has shared bills with Phosphorescent, Wild Child, Brass Bed, Cardinal Sons, The Brad Walker Quintet, Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands, Mississippi Rail Co., Prom Date, England in 1819, Belle Adair, The Mercy Brothers, and Rareluth.
The band has performed at numerous festivals across South Louisiana including French Quarter Fest, North Gate Fest, Fest For All, Sunday in the Park; and venues such as The Varsity Theatre, The Spanish Moon, Gasa Gasa, Artmosphere, The House of Blues, Republic New Orleans, Chickie Wah Wah, Red Dragon Listening Room, Chelsea’s Cafe, The Marigny Opera House, The Allways Lounge, The Hi-Ho, and Cafe Istanbul.
Front man and guitarist Simon grew up singing and playing several instruments. He found his creative voice during an extended stay in Spain. His musical calling cards include his first-person lyrical style; his urgent, soulful voice; and the driving yet calculated guitar chops that power the band’s songs.
Multi-instrumentalist Ben Herrington lends fullness to the band with his energy and versatility. He uses the keyboard as both a rhythm and lead instrument, and fills the role usually reserved for bass guitar in more conventional rock bands. He also adds a considerable amount of texture on the accordion and trombone – sometimes while simultaneously sustaining a bass line with nearby foot pedals.
Joel Willson’s violin floats over the entire band as a lead guitarist might, descending at intervals to add flourishes of excitement, anxiety or lament.
Percussionist Micah Blouin provides a strong rhythmic foundation, with the ability to interact with and elaborate on the many styles the other members throw at him.
The most recent additions to the band are a symphonic style brass section comprised of Jessica Ottaviano, Arisia Gilmore. These middle-register brass instruments adds an entirely new set of colors to the palette, bringing warmth to the band’s arrangements.
What the critics are saying:
“…their collaboration creatively blends their fluencies in regional, roots, jazz, blues and classical music in a way that is easily digested by many types of music fans.” — Jan Rasmey, OffBeat Magazine
“The arrangements and progressions Simon generates contain an understated sophistication that lends itself well to his experimental folk. They are at once appealing and unique, engaging listeners with their variety.” — Amanda Wicks, 225 Magazine
“Watching him do his thing, you need not wonder whether he could play all three instruments simultaneously… if he only had six hands.” — Justin McGowan, 225 Magazine, on Ben Herrington
Minos the Saint Official Site
Minos the Saint on Facebook
Minos the Saint on Bandcamp
Brand new duo The Ormewoods are Grammy winning producer/engineer/musician Don McCollister and Atlanta Intown Songwriter founder and independent radio favorite Claire Pearson.
Their song "Year of Mercy" (which hasn't been released yet) was named a Runner Up in 2016 #songoftheyear international songwriting competition.
Their music is described as "sexy folk pop country" and their first album "The Bedroom Sessions" is currently in production. The project is a result of songs Claire wrote detailing the first 90 days of their reconnection. They decided the best way to capture the intimate nature of the songs was to turn Claire's bedroom into a recording studio. Don set up his recording gear and the album was recorded over a series of "bedroom sessions". #heybabe can be heard here on ReverbNation.
They are passionate about supporting local causes with music, building and strengthening the Atlanta music community, and both continue to collaborate with other artists. Don plays bass and produces the Smokin' Novas and Claire writes and performs as #thedaffodils with longtime co-writer and former Nashville recording artist Heidi Higgins. While each has an active fan base individually, they are beginning to build one as a duo.
The Ormewoods Official Site
The Ormewoods on Facebook
The Ormewoods on Apple Music