Crystal City is fronted by Dave Helmer and Sam Drella. Helmer is a Midwestern singer/songwriter from central Iowa with blue-collar roots. Heavily influenced by Paul Westerberg, Tom Petty, John Prine, and Townes Van Zandt, Helmer’s songs are approachable and relatable, touching on themes of love and loss, being good to each other, and celebrating life.

In 2009, Crystal City formed as a duo, recording their self-titled acoustic EP just three months after meeting. In the years to follow, the duo grew into a full band. In 2014, their full-length album “Change” was released and was met with positive reviews from around the country due to its blend of rock and acoustic songs.

Following the successful reception of “Change”, the band spent the next few years doing multiple tours around the country, sharing the stage with national acts such as Charlie Parr (and Devil’s Flying Machine), Lucy Dacus, The Cactus Blossoms, Adia Victoria, The Whigs, The Good Life, HoneyHoney, Matthew Logan Vasquez and The Ike Reilly Assassination.

Crystal City’s most recent release “Bartenderly” is an album born from life in the bar scene, from the joy of a night out with loved ones, to a cold one keeping you company during the tough times we’ve all experienced. “Bartenderly” is the working person’s watering hole album. Everyone can feel comfort from these songs. The band plans to release their third full-length “Three-Dimensionality” to vinyl in 2019.

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