San Fermin

“Translating conservatory chops into…shimmy-worthy, utterly euphoric pop.”—Pitchfork

Fans of Dirty Projectors and Sufjan Stevens will also go for the music of San Fermin, a band spearheaded by the classically trained Ellis Ludwig-Leone, a close collaborator with rising-star composer Nico Muhly. Taking the band’s name from Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and its scenes from the famous Pamplona festival where they hold the running of the bulls, Ludwig-Leone fashions baroquely detailed chamber-pop songs centered on the complexities of being young and in love. With songs replete with unexpected hooks, gorgeous melodies, and vocal harmonies, plus sections of melancholy orchestral drones and lyrical twists, San Fermin are widely tapped to be a band on the rise. Sway to their intricately layered music, which reveals fresh rewards for discerning listeners. Opening the show is composer, producer, and performer Son Lux (aka Ryan Lott)—a past NPR “Best New Artist of the Year”—who is known in indie circles for his wide-ranging experimentalism, participation in his s/s/s project with Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti, and other collaborations across the artistic spectrum.

Note: this show standing room only.