Bandits

Bandits were founded by Ben Plasse and Ian Craft in the early 2000s Both having spent many years playing and touring in the Howlin Brothers the two have a rich history of making music together. The sound is country blues a dusty boot stomping on the back porch to a resonator guitar and harmonica while the chickens squawk around kinda energy. Covering classic country, bluegrass, folk, New Orleans flavors and soul. Bandits love to make you dance, the grooves are deep and the spirit is light. Plasse comes from a history of piano and guitar studying at Ithaca College with Pablo Cohen he earned a bachelors degree. Craft also studied at Ithaca college in percussion under Gordon stout a legend in the Percussion world. This is where the two originally met. Plasse had a very popular band in Ithaca called the Shanty Band anytime they would play it would be a huge turn out and a great vibe. Plasse asked Craft to join the Shanty Band on a few occasions playing percussion and steel pan with them. Developing a friendship that would last a lifetime. Years later the two still keep finding new music and new ways to explore the musical possibilities from their background in rock n roll, jazz, Latin, steel bands, reggae, soul, country, folk, blues new avenues and ideas are always finding their way into Bandits sound. There is a clear love for traditional music, heard in the songs they choose to play. Whether it’s Mississippi John Hurt, John Prine, or the coasters Bandits bring an authentic fresh take on every song they perform. It is with a great sense of honor and joy they bring their music to their crowds with love and respect.