The Gypsy Nomads Make Out

Recent news is that "The Gypsy Nomads" have changed their name to 'Frenchy And The Punk'. The two talented and much loved musicians are on the road spreading the magical gypsy punk vibe of their own original song list most of the year!  Just look on their facebook page to get updates about what part of the United States they are currently driving!
 

We first met up with hard working musical couple Samantha and Scott at 'Faerie Con' in Philly. Ben and I strolled into the colorful second floor bar in Philadelphia's famous 'Trocadero' and were immediately captured by the dynamic presence of 'The Gypsy Nomads' as they performed on the old vaudevillian burlesque stage. Wow!

An incredible energetic couple... they sang, danced and played their way into our hearts. We began spreading the word about this gem of a duo that belonged on the main stage of Faerie Con! Truthfully... I really wanted to 'be' Samantha pounding out those rhythms!

French born Brit Samantha Stephenson and Scott Helland of 'Frenchy and the Punk' have since become one our favorite acts on the festival circuit. The New York duo have created a unique musical style all their own that pulls you into their web of swirling rhythms! 

A unique mix of soul stirring tribal percussion, french cabaret singing, multi-layered acoustic guitar riffs, with a lot of Celtic spice, this gypsy flavored theatrical music takes you back in time.

Scott is the only other acoustic guitarist, besides Ben, that I have seen, who is able to use a looping pedal to it's full potential; playing, self recording, and creating on the spot multi-layered sound, making for a powerful richly textured musical experience. Scott also does his fair share of pounding on the drums and singing!

The mystical tribal beats of the 'Gypsy Nomads' percussion vibrate across the crowd. Musically and visually mesmerizing, Samantha and Scott encircle everyone with their rhythms.

Scott and Samantha playfully interact with each other spreading their joy and laughter into the audience. The duo's on-stage chemistry expresses their enthusiasm for their nomadic musical profession. Unable to take your eyes off of them, "Frenchy and the Punk" will charm you with their musical stories and move you to dance. 

 

This kinetic couple is a must see, if you find they are scheduled for a show in your area, go enjoy them live!  And for readers of this blog in other countries, "Look Out!" they are headed to Europe in April. Dates are already booked for France and England. 

We have enjoyed seeing them on stage in Pennsylvania at the awesome 'Spoutwood Fairy Festival', and every year at 'Faerie Con' and 'Mythic Faire' which are both now held in Maryland. Gypsy Nomads play a long list of creative festival events all across the country.

The Nomads are home for the holidays in New York this month, and the couple is running an auction every day on EBAY to raise funds. They are even going to write a song for someone! You can go to their facebook page to see the activity of that online event in which they post a quirky photo racing the next item to the post office.

If you do get out to a venue to see "Frenchy and the Punk" perform live, visit their merchandise booth where you will find items they have designed with Scott's own intricate graphic artwork. Their t-shirts and guitar shaped sticker designs are really very cool. 
When you talk with them you will find these Gypsy Nomads are quite friendly folk, and the kind of warm souls whom when talking with you, are totally in the moment. Truly kind joyful spirits.

Inspired by Samantha's chanteuse spirit and British/French roots,
I created this digital collage artwork of her channeling the old world muse. You can click on this image to view the details much larger. 

There is Ben with Samantha and Scott when we saw them at 'Renn Con/Mythic Faire' last year. We introduced their music to my daughter and she also immediately bought a CD and a guitar sticker at the merch booth. Our little granddaughter Aowyn was happily dancing to the rhythms... yes, we all were twirling in our skirts!  
Well not Ben. Twirling in his skirt I mean. Oh what a giveaway!

Visit the "Frenchy and the Punk" website for more information and to purchase their CD's. There are wonderful photographs of the vivacious duo on their website that are also well worth checking out! They just released a video of one of their original songs "Make Out" that you can enjoy below. Your toes will be tapping.
 


All Photos and Images Copyright 2011 Crystal Sherman, 
AKA The Painting Queen

Credits: Photography and Digital Backgrounds - The Painting Queen,  
Textures - Jerry of Shadowhouse Creations, and The Painting Queen, Ephemera - Marie's Freebies and The Graphics Fairy, Glass Negative - Christina Renee Designs