About the Band
The Long Farewells blend gorgeous harmonies, classic Americana instrumentation, and “pleasingly literate songs with stories to tell” (AmericanaUK) into a timeless sound that brings to light the beauty to be found in even our darkest moments. Their music will be enjoyed by fans of artists like Cowboy Junkies, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Patty Griffin, Plains, The Civil Wars, Esther Rose, and The Decemberists.
Founded by vocalist Gabrielle Schafer and multi-instrumentalist Aaron Rester, who had cut their teeth together in Chicago alt-country band The Lost Cartographers, the duo released the Long Farewells' debut album, Only the Stars, in 2019.
Their new single, "If It Ain't Christmas," the first official release since then, comes at the end of a busy year for the band. With a newly-solidified five-piece line-up, the band came out of their pandemic-induced hiatus with a vengeance in 2022, playing shows at a wide variety of venues throughout Chicagoland and even venturing out on their first East Coast tour. "If It Ain't Christmas" is a snapshot of a band finding its sound and hitting its stride.
Members
- Gabrielle Schafer: vocals, guitar
- Aaron Rester: guitar, harmonica, banjo
- Rick Veras: violin
- Nate Lindsey: bass
- Kate Krajci: backing vocals
Booked Venues Include:
- CODA, Cleveland OH
- Dogwood, Beacon NY
- Hi-Ho Lounge, New Orleans LA
- Montrose Saloon, Chicago IL
- Northman Riverwalk, Chicago IL
- Rockwood Music Hall, New York City
- SPACE, Evanston IL
- Sketchbook Brewing Co., Skokie IL
- Uncommon Ground, Chicago IL
