EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS
Known for their powerful sound and captivating performances, Asheville's Empire Strikes Brass never fails to bring a massive party with their dynamic BrassFunkRock.
Formed in 2012 by a group of friends passionate about New Orleans-inspired second-line and funk music, ESB has evolved into a collective of talented musicians, songwriters, and producers—seamlessly blending diverse influences while staying true to their roots. Their music features a thumping rhythm section and rich horn arrangements that add depth to both original compositions and compelling covers that range from The Meters to Metallica, showcasing the band's range and originality.
Packed with a lineup that rivals any band east of The Rockies, ESB features Grammy Award winners, and they've shared the stage with folks like Shpongle, Umphrey's McGee and Papadosio to name a few. A festival favorite, you might just see them snaking a second-line parade through the crowd on their way to burning down the stage.
The band's debut album, Theme For A Celebration, was acclaimed by WNCW 88.7 radio as one of the top 100 releases of 2017, followed by the fan favorite Brassterpiece Theatre in 2019. Both albums are available on all major streaming platforms. With their third studio album in the works, Empire Strikes Brass continues to captivate audiences with their unmatched energy and musical ingenuity.
“Their shows are high energy and driven – powerful affairs that carry the audience through a full-range of emotions and often force the fans to look inward throughout – while still filling the building with love, acceptance, and hope."
-Caleb Calhoun, Ashvegas.com
Music
Band Members
Pauly Juhl (saxophone) / Sean Donnelly (keys, aux percussion, vocals) / Debrissa McKinney (saxophone, vocals) / Nik Hope (drums) / Chris Porter (guitar, vocals) / JP Furnas (bass) / Lenny Pettinelli (keys, vocals) / Tim Morgan (trumpet) / Jacob Bruner (trombone) / Alex Bradley (trumpet)
For Whom The Bells Toll (Live Cover)
Changes by Ozzy Osbourne (Live Cover by ESB ft. Datrian Johnson) at Salvage Station
I’ll Fly Away from Echo Sessions 27
Book Empire Strikes Brass
Don’t Miss Their Dynamic Brass-funk-rock
For booking, please reach out to agent Bailey Faulkner at bailey@rockwoodbooking.com.