Garden Variety Local Music
Brian + Hannah
You might recognize them as our recent Best of the Best winners—now get ready to dive deeper into their story!
Hannah Stokes and Brian George, the dynamic duo who clinched the title of Best Local Band in our recent Reader’s Poll, first crossed paths at an exhilarating jazz jam at Austin’s Coffee in Winter Park. Hannah recalls, “The singer that Brian was working with at the time heard me singing and she was like, ‘You guys need to play together.’” Their initial band went on a temporary hiatus due to COVID, but their resonance was undeniable, leading them to reunite as a duo in autumn 2020. With Hannah’s musical journey weaving through alternative, folk, and soul influences, and Brian’s background blending rock with jazz studies, their covers bring a distinctive “improvisatory and jazz twist” to the table. Their performances are as entertaining as they are innovative. At one notable show, they performed a
playful rendition of “Baby Shark,” which prompted an audience member to offer $60 to make them stop—a fond memory that continues to make the pair chuckle. Brian cherishes a moment when someone commented on their connection, calling it “electric chemistry,” a compliment that has stuck with them. With their debut singles now officially out on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Hannah shares, “We’re excited to finally share our original music,” and Brian emphasizes, “We’re focused on developing songs that truly represent who we are.” As they celebrate the launch of their singles, Brian + Hannah are just getting started. With their striking synergy and commitment to their craft, this duo is sure to keep fans on the edges of their seats.
See them perform live at the Embassy
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The Local WI N TE R G AR DE N