Samuel John Band with Of The Orchard

Samuel John Band

The Samuel John Band is a dynamic country rock ensemble rooted in the heart of Minnesota. Hailing from the small town of Braham, MN, Samuel John found his musical calling through the inspiring performances of his mother, a pianist and vocalist, and witnessing his brother Ben drum for a touring country band. Samuel, also a frequent concert-goer, drew inspiration from watching his favorite songwriters in the independent country and rock scene. Joined by longtime friend Jake Abel on bass, whose experience spans multiple bands, and meeting Brandon Nelson, the lead guitarist, through spontaneous jams at the Monday night Terminal Bar open sessions in Minneapolis, the band found its core. John Wander, previously collaborating with Brandon, completed the lineup on drums. Together, they’re doing their best to create an authentic and original country rock sound.

Of the Orchard

Minneapolis-based pop-rock band Of The Orchard proudly defines themselves as “not, not a boy band.” Marked by a tinge of youthful angst, Of The Orchard pairs a nostalgic sound of 90s and early 2000s rock (Third Eye Blind, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World) with narrative, sentimental lyrics (Dawes, Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves). This combination gives listeners thoughtful lyricism supported with upbeat, hook-driven rock. Their songs tell stories familiar to anyone who’s ever endured the transition into adulthood: finding purpose, coming to terms with identities you’ve outgrown, and falling in and out of love.