Brian Elder
Born in Columbia, Missouri, Brian Elder has been performing and writing music professionally for nearly fifteen years. His diverse style of performance and songwriting has been called “folky, jazz-inflected funk” by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Brian performs on vocals, violin, mandolin, and guitar with his latest creation, The Side Door String Band. He also serves as the Principal Second Violinist of the University City Symphony Orchestra, Violinist with the Gateway Festival Orchestra and performs regularly with various ensembles in the St. Louis Metro area.
After graduating from the University of Missouri with degrees in Music and Political Science, Brian spent five years with his band E. M. Grueve (Groove) releasing three records and traveling extensively throughout the Midwest. In 2006 Brian released his first solo album entitled “Preservation Hall” and debuted the project with a benefit concert for the St. Louis Arc and New Orleans Musician’s Relief Fund. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International and the American Federation of Musician’s.
Brian’s recent performances include a featured set at Variety’s Night of the Rising Stars and guest violin appearances with Barry Manilow, the Peter Mayer Group, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. His various ensembles have also opened for Pat Benatar, The Doobie Brothers, The Neville Brothers, Sister Hazel, Canned Heat, .38 Special, Little Feat, Leftover Salmon, and the Atomic Fireballs. Brian and his wife Robyne live in St. Louis City and are the proud new parents of their first son Will.