The Story
On April 15, 2009, Lake Braddock Secondary School posted an ad on Craigslist. They had several hundred of their old marching band uniforms available, completely free for the taking. With one catch.
You must take at least 50.
Lake Braddock alumnus Seth Casana, never being one to pass up a deal, responded the next day. He spent a weekend hauling 150 back to his home in Fredericksburg, hats and all. He also gladly acquired a battered but solid sousaphone from the LBSS music director, Roy Holder. Armed with these new resources, a project that had merely been an idea suddenly became reality.
Fellow Fredericksburg musicians Lars Holmstrom and Chris Park had been scheming with Casana to create the ultimate street brass band. The concept was clear: all brass and percussion, all acoustic, all mobile. This would allow them the freedom to perform anywhere, anytime, all at a moment's notice.
In the following months, local musicians flocked to the newly formed band, some old friends, some new acquaintances. All had prior performance experience and each shared in the sheer excitment of this new group. Horn players in particular are often treated as an afterthought being called upon at the last minute for high-profile gigs or recording sessions. Here was a chance for the marginalized to step up and shine in all their glory.
Ever since then, ELBY BRASS has been bringing it to the streets. The heavy horn funk might catch you in the club or in your own backyard. All the world's a stage and ELBY is front and center, just look for the purple and gold.
Articles
- Fredericksburg's Elby Brass trucks in musical lawlessness
The Daily Progress - December 30, 2015 - Destination, Charlottesville
Save The Bay Magazine - Summer 2013 - Don't Mind If I Do: Spaghettifest X Stays Hot, Sept. 21-23
Syracuse New Times - September 26, 2012 - Fredericksburg Readers' Choice Winners 2012
Elby Brass voted "Best Local Band" - Fredericksburg Patch - The Best of Fredericksburg 2012
Elby Brass voted "Best Local Band" - The Free-Lance Star - Bruce Hornsby, Elby Brass play Celebrate Virginia Live in Fredericksburg
The Free-Lance Star - July 26, 2012 - Listening Back: Elby Brass @ The Camel
RVA News - March 12, 2011
Our whole set from this show is available to stream. - Bringing the Band Back Home: Elby Brass live at Fat Tuesday's
Fairfax Station Patch - January 5, 2011
Several videos are available from this show. - Fox 5 Visits Downtown
The Free-Lance Star - July 20, 2010 - Elby rubs elbows with Richmonders
RVA News - June 15, 2010 - Fredericksburg All Ages Presents: Elby Brass
Magazine33 - March 1, 2010 - SafetySuit and Elby Brass Show At Great Hall This Friday Night
The Bullet - February 4, 2010 - OK Go-Elby Brass connection, recent venue changes and Jack Rose memorial
Tuned In @ Fredericksburg.com Blogs - January 13, 2010 - Downtown playground
City Beat @ Fredericksburg.com Blogs - December 19, 2009 - Brass Group's Catalyst Was A Craigslist Advertisement For Marching Band Uniforms
The Free-Lance Star - November 11, 2009