STARMENDER at BCAC Saturday Oct. 3

STARMENDER, an Indi-folk/Americana/Blues duo based out of Helena, Montana, playing at the Basin City Arts Center Saturday, October 3 from 6-7 p.m.  

Andrea Cross Guns and Bryan Wood are STARMENDER.  

Accented by vocal harmonies and guitar rhythm and lead, their sound is both nostalgic and contemporary with lyrical content. That is inspired by Montana landscapes, real-life experiences, and the desire to find true connection with their audiences!

In the late summer of 2023,  Cross Guns was hosting a karaoke night in downtown Helena, MT at the Western Bar when Wood walked in. 

The connection between them was immediate, and only a week later they got together again to play music. 

Discovering many things in common- including a deep interest in the cosmos, a love for music, and a shared interest in things from past eras- they haven’t left each other’s sides since. 

For the last three years they’ve cultivated a life together. Heavily drenched in music-making, art, curiosity, and an outdoor lifestyle that is a hallmark of Montana living. 

Both are Montana natives.  They’ve played shows together, solo, and with various bands for decades throughout Montana and the Northwest with the name 

The STARMENDER name is a coming together of combining the names of each of the duo’s former musical acts. Star Cocoon and Mender. 

When in Helena, they play with a four-piece band featuring drummer, Evin Mitchell, and bass player, Trevor Holt. 

This fall and winter they are taking their duo act (along with their sweet dog, Ruby) on the road touring Western and Southwestern states including Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Why choose Basin City Arts Center to perform at?  The answer is twofold. Cross Guns’ grandparents are Neil and Jennifer Miller. They live in Basin. 

Cross Guns explained “Grandma is on the board of BCAC and was played a part in it for years. We thought it would be a great way to honor that legacy while visiting our family. 

“The other reason for us to choose the BCAC as our preferred venue is that we support and believe in the power of the arts for all ages in all communities.” 

She added that “Original art by real people connects communities across divides and offers a language and a lens for understanding and learning about each other that is universal. A community arts center perfectly aligns with our vision and our values for healthy communities everywhere.”

You can find them on YouTube and Instagram @ STARMENDER Music. If you would like to hear their music and follow along with their adventures. 

You may check  out other music from their pasts by finding  STARMENDER’s album “Through the Veil” on all streaming platforms, live recordings from Andrea Cross Guns on YouTube or SoundCloud, and live recordings from Star Cocoon on SoundCloud. Contact for booking at starmender.wave@gmail.com

STARMENDER performs at the BCAC Saturday, Oct. 3 6-7 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30. Enjoy their unique sound! Free and open to our community. Donations appreciated!