Press

Elby Brass is Virginia's best street brass band—specializing in hard-hitting funk, sizzling soul, and shout-along favorites. Homegrown in Fredericksburg, they feature trumpets, trombones, saxophones, sousaphones, drums, and an undeniable energy. Don't expect anything but brash, raw horn jams and definitely don't expect to stand still. Killer in the club and fantastic at festivals—when you need the party to start right now, you need Elby Brass.

Released in May 2026, their latest single One More Shot is a song in search of redemption. With its slow burn Southern Soul pacing, Mariachi-inspired trumpet lines, and a little friendly barroom chaos, this track is for when you've hit rock bottom, but know you're going to get up again.

History

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.

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 excitement of this new group. A few months later in July 2009, they performed their first impromptu house party. Ever since then, Elby Brass has been marching to the beat of their own drums. The question is, are you ready to take it to the streets?

Articles

• Bringing the funk to Fredericksburg
  Fredericksburg Free Press - April 29, 2026
• Elby Brass, an unlikely musical institution in Fredericskburg
  The Free-Lance Star - July 24, 2019
• Fredericksburg's Elby Brass trucks in musical lawlessness
  The Daily Progress - December 30, 2015
• Bruce Hornsby, Elby Brass play Celebrate Virginia Live in Fredericksburg
  The Free-Lance Star - July 26, 2014
• Destination, Charlottesville
  Save The Bay Magazine - Summer 2013
• Fredericksburg Readers' Choice Winners 2012
  Elby Brass voted as Best Local Band - Fredericksburg Patch
• Elby rubs elbows with Richmonders
  RVA News - June 15, 2010
• Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Christmas parade winners - Band 1st Place: Elby Brass
  The Free-Lance Star - December 12, 2012
• Battle Of The Brass means music for the ears at The Otter House
  The Free-Lance Star - February 17, 2011
• Elby Brass performing FAA's 100th show
  The Free-Lance Star - January 15, 2011
• Brass group's catalyst was a Craigslist advertisement for marching band uniforms
  The Free-Lance Star - November 19, 2009