Ari Herstand

Artist Information

Biography

Grabbing the attention of virtually every University of Minnesota student through grass roots promotion and a hot buzz generated from live performances, Ari Herstand had gained a loyal campus following and nearly sold out the historic Varsity Theater in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota before ever releasing an album.

His full length, debut album Baby Eyes has already been added to over 250 college radio stations and is currently being featured on MTV's The Real World. After returning from playing the 2006 South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas and Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the music world has begun to take notice of this rising star.

Ari's unforgettable live shows, blending genres from acoustic pop/rock, folk, hip-hop and jazz, display his talents on the guitar, piano and trumpet. Fusing them with his vocal percussion and beautiful vocals - with the help of his loop station - Ari stuns every person that has the opportunity to catch his performance.

Instrumentation

Ari Herstand: Acoustic guitar, Keyboard, Trumpet, Vocals, Vocal Percussion

With a band:
Drums, Bass, Electric Guitar, Trumpet, Cello

Discography

Baby Eyes LP, 2005
* Radio play - added to over 250 radio stations nationwide
* MTV play

Live Album LP, 2007

Official Website

http://www.ariherstand.com

Audio

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• The Wake [+ Show ]
  

  "...An acoustic pop/rock genre bending treat from one man, one guitar, one trumpet, one piano, and o..."...An acoustic pop/rock genre bending treat from one man, one guitar, one trumpet, one piano, and one loop station. His fusion of folk, hip-hop and jazz breathes much-needed warmth and verve into the acoustic rock formula...."

• Wisconsin State Journal [+ Show ]
  

  "...The album intimately blends emotional lyrics ranging from the familial to the political... an ec..."...The album intimately blends emotional lyrics ranging from the familial to the political... an eclectic new genre known as 'folk/hop.'..."

• Kevin Bowe [+ Show ]
  

  "The positive, intimate nature of Ari's writing and singing bring to mind artists such as Cat Steven..."The positive, intimate nature of Ari's writing and singing bring to mind artists such as Cat Stevens, but his style is current enough to sound right at home on the radio"

• The Isthmus [+ Show ]
  

  "Twenty-one year-old Ari Herstand supported Zox and Tally Hall at the High Noon Saloon as a one-man ..."Twenty-one year-old Ari Herstand supported Zox and Tally Hall at the High Noon Saloon as a one-man band of vox, acoustic guitar, trumpet, beat box, and loops. At first glance, this "Poster Boy Celebrity" looked like just another folk act, but quickly pleased with a voice similar in texture to Ron Sexsmith, and songs filled with catchy hooks and intricate layers..."

• Manitou Messenger [+ Show ]
  

  "...Adding to the complexity and uniqueness of their sound was Herstand's loop station, with which h..."...Adding to the complexity and uniqueness of their sound was Herstand's loop station, with which he created impressive vocal percussion and instrumental back beats. These additions made the band sound huge, which the audience appreciated..."

• The Dink [+ Show ]
  

  "...His lyrics further separate Ari from the pack, defined by a sense of realness and a propensity f..."...His lyrics further separate Ari from the pack, defined by a sense of realness and a propensity for discussing actual people, relationships and issues...In the music of today, it is hard to find an artist who has the daring to uncompromisingly tell real stories without resorting to empty cliches, gimmicks and conventions..."

• Capital Times [+ Show ]
  

  "...upbeat melodies similar to those heard in songs by The Dave Matthews Band, and a unique style th..."...upbeat melodies similar to those heard in songs by The Dave Matthews Band, and a unique style that combines the subtle charm of Ben Folds and the articulate frankness of Sage Francis..."

• The Onion
  

  "This Minneapolis artist specializes...in feel-good, acoustic pop..."

• Minnesota Daily
  

  "...It's clear he is good enough to play on the same stage as any of his idols..."

Setlist

Up to 2.5 hour performances.

Mostly original sets

Recent covers include: Coldplay, Damien Rice, Eminem, Nelly, Jamie Cullum, DMB, Phish, anything upon request

Basic Requirements

Calendar