Duane Bartels Band & Ballastella at The Merry Widow!

The Duane Bartels Band was created during the summer of 2016 – back when life seemed simple. Singer/songwriter Matthew Duane Bartels took his unique brand of songwriting across the States, from California to New Orleans, where he met drummer Matthieu. The two of them went right to work, in tight, dingy practice spaces, to create the debut record The Ballad of Johnny Loveless, an almost campy, Americana effort that incorporated elements of blues, country and jazz.

By 2018, this release had led them deep into the New Orleans music scene. Playing all over the French Quarter, from local dives to world-famous Frenchmen Street. Holding down a regular spot at The House of Blues New Orleans helped the band develop their live chops while absorbing the sounds of the Quarter. Upon establishing a name for themselves within city limits, the band spread its wings, performing live in Memphis, Little Rock, and towns along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi Delta.

Their sophomore release Electric Baby Carriage will be their first recorded with producer Justin Armstrong (Death Cab For Cutie, The Deftones, Dave Matthew Band) at Marigny Studios in New Orleans. Two songs from their original session with him will be released as two separate singles. “Messin…” and “Wildfires” both demonstrate the growth of the band and the formation of their own distinct sound. The rest of the record will be completed during fall and winter 2020, as the band considers what the future holds.

https://www.duanebartelsband.com

Ballastella, formed out of Compass Rhythm, performs covers and originals, bringing new tunes and old favorites to stage. Members: Ty Reed (vocals), Liam Roberts (guitar), Ben Haste (bass), and JD Faralli (drums).

https://www.facebook.com/BallastellaMusic