Samuel John Band 'Minnesota Goodbye' EP Release with Aaron Simmons, Adam Brandt and Cole Diamond at 7th Street Entry
The Samuel John Band is a country rock group rooted in the heart of Minnesota. In 2024, they released their debut singles "Set Me Free" and "Enjoy the Show". 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 country rock sound.
Aaron Simmons, now 26, has established himself as an infectious performer, an authentic and storytelling songwriter, and one of the hardest-working musicians in the midwest, driving an average of over 3,000 miles a month on top of being a traveling videographer to help keep the lights on.
Adam Brandt is the St. Paul base country music alias of Adam James Hildebrandt. Nominated in 2022 by the Midwest Country Music Organization “New Artist of the Year” after the successful release the debut EP, Red Lights. The Adam Brandt Band currently performs as a 4-piece at venues around the Twin Cities and Midwest.
Mixing up an unlikely concoction of vintage rock & roll and outlaw country, Cole Diamond is, depending on when you ask, either the stage name for singer-songwriter Ryan Otte or the collective handle for Otte and his Band. For years, Otte spent most weekends behind a drum kit playing with too many bands to list. The idea for Cole Diamond came about as a way for Otte to step out from behind the drums and try his hand at the front of the stage. In the years since “Cole Diamond” was conceived, he has released an EP, a string of singles, received airplay on 89.3 The Current, and opened for national acts such as Corb Lund. Drawing on influences that range from Waylon and Willie to Brooks & Dunn, Cole Diamond delivers a modern take on a classic sound.