On Empathy

“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. - Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird

For ten years I have had the pleasure of serving as principal second violinist with the University City Symphony Orchestra. I always know exactly how long I’ve been with the orchestra, because Dr. Leon Burke called me on the exact day my first son, Will was born. It was…

December is here! Please join me, Steve Shaw, and others for a special evening of music at The Wolf on Saturday, December 16th from 7:00pm-10:00pm.

This fall began with whirlwind adventure with a cross-country tour with The Go Set, including headline spots at both the Dublin Irish Music Festival in Dublin, OH and the Get Shamrocked Festival outside of Los Angeles, CA. Check out some of the photos below and stay tuned for the The Go Set 2018 tour information.

University City Symphony Orchestra is rolling…

Summer Thanks!

Our thoughts are with those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. For information on how to assist and donate go to the American Red Cross. 

It has been a terrific summer in St. Louis and beyond. Thanks to everyone who made it out to a Wide River show, Music in the Park, the Gateway Festival Orchestra season, and to see The Go Set over the past few months.

Special thanks to Gary Bolen for snapping some great photos of the evening of music at The Wolf featuring myself, Steve Shaw…

Gateway Festival Orchestra 2017

The summer season has begun with the Gateway Festival Orchestra. Don’t miss Sunday evening concerts at the Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University and an additional concert at Chesterfield Amphitheater.

JULY 16

Parisian Romance

Sun 7:10 PM · by Gateway Festival Orchestra

Washington University-Brookings Quadrangle

University City

JULY 20

Parisian Romance

Thu 7:10 PM · by Gateway Festival Orchestra

Chesterfield Amphitheater

Chesterfield

JULY 23

…

I’m taking a page from Lola Toben and releasing a Spotify Playlist to kick off summer titled “From Gateway City.”

Part of the fun in making the new album Brian Elder & The Wide River, Volume One, was getting a chance to work with and be inspired by so many great musicians and professionals here in St. Louis. These are friends, former band mates, and folks I have met through the connected fibers of the music scene.

I want to go beyond simply a credit note and feature some of their music and work…

From the Confluence: Live at Gaslight St. Louis

"Gypsy Reunion" featuring Brian Elder, Sean Elder, Ben Reece, Nate Hirning, Chris Voelker of Dizzy Atmosphere, and other guest artists.

Wednesday, November 23rd from 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

Come enjoy the third installment of this unique music performance and recording session at the Gaslight St. Louis. From the Confluence is a collaborative music making experience featuring a wide array of musicians and songwriters from the region and hosted by local musician…

As Americans wrapped up in the contentious battles of this election we may forget that our way of government, our country itself, was founded on debate and vigorous discourse. Our Constitution was written during a summer of heated arguments and hard fought compromise. Some walked away, some refused to sign the final document, some were not even included in the debate because of race and gender, and some moved forward with an imperfect union that took flight towards an ideal of self-government and…

2016 Fall Update:

It is autumn in St. Louis and there is some great music coming your way. 

From the Confluence:

I am excited to be launching a new series of events at Gaslight St. Louis. “From the Confluence” is a collaborative live music recording experience showcasing musicians and artists in St. Louis. It offers an inside look at the music they love and the art of bringing their sounds alive. Recorded and produced at Gaslight, this one of a kind venue gives audiences the ambiance and comfort of a…

There is some pain that is beyond belief. This morning, it seems every morning lately, we are waking up to tragedy and despair. It hits close to home. It hits across the ocean. Losses that resonate deep to the bone. I cannot help but think of all that has been, and all that is yet to be. 

Several years ago I was looking for a way to confront despair and pain through music. I witnessed a family member, a child, overcoming a severe injury. I witnessed close friends dealing with the loss of a child. I…

Summer Update 2016

It's summer and there is plenty of good music in the Gateway City. Here are a few more events to add to your calendar. Hope to see you there. 

- Brian

Justin Keenan from The Go Set

Justin is back in the area from Australia doing a few acoustic shows in anticipation of a U.S. tour later in the year. I’ll be accompanying on violin/mandolin/guitar.

June 25th @ Rocheport Distilling Company - 7:00-10:00 p.m.

June 28th @ Faust Park - 5:00 p.m.

Gateway Festival Orchestra 

Another exciting…