Frequently asked questions
Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, award-winning singer-songwriter and premier entertainer Eldraco employs music, dance, and artistic visuals to create dynamic and lively performance experiences. A Kranzberg Arts Foundation Artist in Residence (2024-2025) and 2-time recipient of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Stuck At Home Series Award (2020&2024), Eldraco and his band FreeNation have been the headlining act for many Festivals such as the historic Whitaker Music Festival where they performed to an audience of 13,000+ in 2023 or their mainstage appearance to a crowd of 17,000 at Music At The Intersection in 2025. Recently he had the honor of performing alongside legendary singer Patti Labelle.
Eldraco is a premiere entertainer and performer in the private events industry with prior contracts/appearance with noted event band: The Lustre Lights at: SLU's bicentennial celebration, The Festival of the Little Hills, STL 4th of July Celebration in Kiener Plaza, The Mayor Ball 2021, STL Zoo's Jungle Boogie and Zoo-A-Do's events(2018-2022), as well as hundreds of high-end weddings and parties since 2017. The Lustre Lights have been recognized as a leading event entertainment provider by several publications including The Knot Magazine.
Graduating with Honors from the Webster University Music Conservatory, Eldraco is trained in several music disciplines. He has been classically trained in the voice studios of prominent STL educators Diane Davenport and Debby Lennon. Studied under award winning composer and arranger Kim Portnoy and songwriter Melissa Bishop. In addition to this he is a frequent collaborator with award winning music producer and songwriter Daniel Mehrmann (Jettson Bloom).
As a composer and songwriter, Eldraco tackles subjects of societal ills and the human condition with a simultaneously direct yet eloquent voice; investigating modern subjects through the lens of his personal experience. Eldraco fuses genres to create music that defies category. He decidedly mixes elements of Funk, Rock, and soul with a Pop framework that combine to form a feel-good bombastic aura. Loving both electronic and live instrumentation Eldraco blends lush sounds with poignant lyricism and his unique 4 octaves voice making his music singular in its presence!
For 9 years Eldraco has worked towards his artistic mission to create music and art that inspires and moves! His attitude to that end: is that the most impactful art is that of the collaborator. Combining the artistic ideas and passions of fellow creatives garners truth and beauty that help bring joy to the masses.
BAND BIO:
Eldraco + FreeNation is a high-energy Pop-Funk/Glam Soul band infused with Rock and Dance elements, led by award-winning artist and four-octave vocalist Eldraco. Known for electrifying performances and genre-bending artistry, the group moves seamlessly between deep-pocket grooves and soaring, soulful melodies.
Twice recognized by the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition—in 2020 for Mallori (I See U) and again in 2024 for Butterflies, a standout from their 2025 album Glitter—Eldraco has also shared the stage with the legendary Patti LaBelle in 2025.
Since 2021, the band has been a featured favorite in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, reaching finalist status in 2024. Their dynamic live shows have lit up stages from intimate clubs to massive festivals, including a crowd of over 17,000 at Music at the Intersection (2025) and 13,000 at the Whitaker Music Festival (2023). Other highlights include sold-out theatre shows at .Zack (2024) and The Grandel Theatre (2025), headlining appearances at the St. Louis Art Fair (2024) and Artica Fest (2020–2025), as well as performances at Festival of Nations, Tower Grove Pride, St. Charles Pride, Jazz at the Bistro, WERQ Fest, Sofar Sounds Chicago, and numerous venues across the Midwest.
At the heart of FreeNation is a powerhouse ensemble of some of the region’s finest musicians: Greg Dallas on lead guitar brings searing riffs and soulful textures; Ben Stitzel on keys lays down rich harmonic layers; Josh Last drives the groove on bass with precision and funk; Benjamin Shafer, a versatile woodwind specialist, adds warmth and depth; and Tim Moore anchors the sound with dynamic, intricate drumming. The band’s vocal lineup adds another dimension, with the soaring soprano of Kelly Beekman, the rich alto tones of Dannie Fuller, and the resonant tenor voice of Cam Burns—together creating a lush, diverse choral blend that lifts every performance.
Eldraco + FreeNation craft a soundscape that’s as bold and eclectic as their name, inviting audiences to dance, feel, and celebrate.
Abridged:
Eldraco + FreeNation is a high-energy Pop-Funk/Glam Soul band led by award-winning, four-octave vocalist Eldraco. Twice honored by the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and finalists in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, the group has shared stages with legends like Patti LaBelle and performed for crowds of over 17,000 at Music at the Intersection. With powerhouse musicians Greg Dallas, Ben Stitzel, Josh Last, Benjamin Shafer, and Tim Moore, plus the soaring vocals of Kelly Beekman, Dannie Fuller, and Cam Burns, FreeNation delivers electrifying performances that blend funk, rock, and soul into a sound that’s bold, dynamic, and unforgettable.
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Frequently asked questions
Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, award-winning singer-songwriter and premier entertainer Eldraco employs music, dance, and artistic visuals to create dynamic and lively performance experiences. A Kranzberg Arts Foundation Artist in Residence (2024-2025) and 2-time recipient of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Stuck At Home Series Award (2020&2024), Eldraco and his band FreeNation have been the headlining act for many Festivals such as the historic Whitaker Music Festival where they performed to an audience of 13,000+ in 2023 or their mainstage appearance to a crowd of 17,000 at Music At The Intersection in 2025. Recently he had the honor of performing alongside legendary singer Patti Labelle.
Eldraco is a premiere entertainer and performer in the private events industry with prior contracts/appearance with noted event band: The Lustre Lights at: SLU's bicentennial celebration, The Festival of the Little Hills, STL 4th of July Celebration in Kiener Plaza, The Mayor Ball 2021, STL Zoo's Jungle Boogie and Zoo-A-Do's events(2018-2022), as well as hundreds of high-end weddings and parties since 2017. The Lustre Lights have been recognized as a leading event entertainment provider by several publications including The Knot Magazine.
Graduating with Honors from the Webster University Music Conservatory, Eldraco is trained in several music disciplines. He has been classically trained in the voice studios of prominent STL educators Diane Davenport and Debby Lennon. Studied under award winning composer and arranger Kim Portnoy and songwriter Melissa Bishop. In addition to this he is a frequent collaborator with award winning music producer and songwriter Daniel Mehrmann (Jettson Bloom).
As a composer and songwriter, Eldraco tackles subjects of societal ills and the human condition with a simultaneously direct yet eloquent voice; investigating modern subjects through the lens of his personal experience. Eldraco fuses genres to create music that defies category. He decidedly mixes elements of Funk, Rock, and soul with a Pop framework that combine to form a feel-good bombastic aura. Loving both electronic and live instrumentation Eldraco blends lush sounds with poignant lyricism and his unique 4 octaves voice making his music singular in its presence!
For 9 years Eldraco has worked towards his artistic mission to create music and art that inspires and moves! His attitude to that end: is that the most impactful art is that of the collaborator. Combining the artistic ideas and passions of fellow creatives garners truth and beauty that help bring joy to the masses.
BAND BIO:
Eldraco + FreeNation is a high-energy Pop-Funk/Glam Soul band infused with Rock and Dance elements, led by award-winning artist and four-octave vocalist Eldraco. Known for electrifying performances and genre-bending artistry, the group moves seamlessly between deep-pocket grooves and soaring, soulful melodies.
Twice recognized by the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition—in 2020 for Mallori (I See U) and again in 2024 for Butterflies, a standout from their 2025 album Glitter—Eldraco has also shared the stage with the legendary Patti LaBelle in 2025.
Since 2021, the band has been a featured favorite in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, reaching finalist status in 2024. Their dynamic live shows have lit up stages from intimate clubs to massive festivals, including a crowd of over 17,000 at Music at the Intersection (2025) and 13,000 at the Whitaker Music Festival (2023). Other highlights include sold-out theatre shows at .Zack (2024) and The Grandel Theatre (2025), headlining appearances at the St. Louis Art Fair (2024) and Artica Fest (2020–2025), as well as performances at Festival of Nations, Tower Grove Pride, St. Charles Pride, Jazz at the Bistro, WERQ Fest, Sofar Sounds Chicago, and numerous venues across the Midwest.
At the heart of FreeNation is a powerhouse ensemble of some of the region’s finest musicians: Greg Dallas on lead guitar brings searing riffs and soulful textures; Ben Stitzel on keys lays down rich harmonic layers; Josh Last drives the groove on bass with precision and funk; Benjamin Shafer, a versatile woodwind specialist, adds warmth and depth; and Tim Moore anchors the sound with dynamic, intricate drumming. The band’s vocal lineup adds another dimension, with the soaring soprano of Kelly Beekman, the rich alto tones of Dannie Fuller, and the resonant tenor voice of Cam Burns—together creating a lush, diverse choral blend that lifts every performance.
Eldraco + FreeNation craft a soundscape that’s as bold and eclectic as their name, inviting audiences to dance, feel, and celebrate.
Abridged:
Eldraco + FreeNation is a high-energy Pop-Funk/Glam Soul band led by award-winning, four-octave vocalist Eldraco. Twice honored by the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and finalists in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, the group has shared stages with legends like Patti LaBelle and performed for crowds of over 17,000 at Music at the Intersection. With powerhouse musicians Greg Dallas, Ben Stitzel, Josh Last, Benjamin Shafer, and Tim Moore, plus the soaring vocals of Kelly Beekman, Dannie Fuller, and Cam Burns, FreeNation delivers electrifying performances that blend funk, rock, and soul into a sound that’s bold, dynamic, and unforgettable.
Frequently asked questions
Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, award-winning singer-songwriter and premier entertainer Eldraco employs music, dance, and artistic visuals to create dynamic and lively performance experiences. A Kranzberg Arts Foundation Artist in Residence (2024-2025) and 2-time recipient of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Stuck At Home Series Award (2020&2024), Eldraco and his band FreeNation have been the headlining act for many Festivals such as the historic Whitaker Music Festival where they performed to an audience of 13,000+ in 2023 or their mainstage appearance to a crowd of 17,000 at Music At The Intersection in 2025. Recently he had the honor of performing alongside legendary singer Patti Labelle.
Eldraco is a premiere entertainer and performer in the private events industry with prior contracts/appearance with noted event band: The Lustre Lights at: SLU's bicentennial celebration, The Festival of the Little Hills, STL 4th of July Celebration in Kiener Plaza, The Mayor Ball 2021, STL Zoo's Jungle Boogie and Zoo-A-Do's events(2018-2022), as well as hundreds of high-end weddings and parties since 2017. The Lustre Lights have been recognized as a leading event entertainment provider by several publications including The Knot Magazine.
Graduating with Honors from the Webster University Music Conservatory, Eldraco is trained in several music disciplines. He has been classically trained in the voice studios of prominent STL educators Diane Davenport and Debby Lennon. Studied under award winning composer and arranger Kim Portnoy and songwriter Melissa Bishop. In addition to this he is a frequent collaborator with award winning music producer and songwriter Daniel Mehrmann (Jettson Bloom).
As a composer and songwriter, Eldraco tackles subjects of societal ills and the human condition with a simultaneously direct yet eloquent voice; investigating modern subjects through the lens of his personal experience. Eldraco fuses genres to create music that defies category. He decidedly mixes elements of Funk, Rock, and soul with a Pop framework that combine to form a feel-good bombastic aura. Loving both electronic and live instrumentation Eldraco blends lush sounds with poignant lyricism and his unique 4 octaves voice making his music singular in its presence!
For 9 years Eldraco has worked towards his artistic mission to create music and art that inspires and moves! His attitude to that end: is that the most impactful art is that of the collaborator. Combining the artistic ideas and passions of fellow creatives garners truth and beauty that help bring joy to the masses.
BAND BIO:
Eldraco + FreeNation is a high-energy Pop-Funk/Glam Soul band infused with Rock and Dance elements, led by award-winning artist and four-octave vocalist Eldraco. Known for electrifying performances and genre-bending artistry, the group moves seamlessly between deep-pocket grooves and soaring, soulful melodies.
Twice recognized by the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition—in 2020 for Mallori (I See U) and again in 2024 for Butterflies, a standout from their 2025 album Glitter—Eldraco has also shared the stage with the legendary Patti LaBelle in 2025.
Since 2021, the band has been a featured favorite in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, reaching finalist status in 2024. Their dynamic live shows have lit up stages from intimate clubs to massive festivals, including a crowd of over 17,000 at Music at the Intersection (2025) and 13,000 at the Whitaker Music Festival (2023). Other highlights include sold-out theatre shows at .Zack (2024) and The Grandel Theatre (2025), headlining appearances at the St. Louis Art Fair (2024) and Artica Fest (2020–2025), as well as performances at Festival of Nations, Tower Grove Pride, St. Charles Pride, Jazz at the Bistro, WERQ Fest, Sofar Sounds Chicago, and numerous venues across the Midwest.
At the heart of FreeNation is a powerhouse ensemble of some of the region’s finest musicians: Greg Dallas on lead guitar brings searing riffs and soulful textures; Ben Stitzel on keys lays down rich harmonic layers; Josh Last drives the groove on bass with precision and funk; Benjamin Shafer, a versatile woodwind specialist, adds warmth and depth; and Tim Moore anchors the sound with dynamic, intricate drumming. The band’s vocal lineup adds another dimension, with the soaring soprano of Kelly Beekman, the rich alto tones of Dannie Fuller, and the resonant tenor voice of Cam Burns—together creating a lush, diverse choral blend that lifts every performance.
Eldraco + FreeNation craft a soundscape that’s as bold and eclectic as their name, inviting audiences to dance, feel, and celebrate.
Abridged:
Eldraco + FreeNation is a high-energy Pop-Funk/Glam Soul band led by award-winning, four-octave vocalist Eldraco. Twice honored by the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and finalists in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, the group has shared stages with legends like Patti LaBelle and performed for crowds of over 17,000 at Music at the Intersection. With powerhouse musicians Greg Dallas, Ben Stitzel, Josh Last, Benjamin Shafer, and Tim Moore, plus the soaring vocals of Kelly Beekman, Dannie Fuller, and Cam Burns, FreeNation delivers electrifying performances that blend funk, rock, and soul into a sound that’s bold, dynamic, and unforgettable.
