“It’s safe to say that no one in indie music has the songwriting range of Ames Harding & the Mirage. You can’t hear this kind of music happening anywhere else right now. Maybe you can find a few artists with Latin and world influences, but can they write a New Orleans jazz song with an actual catchy hook? How about a western tune? You’d be hard pressed. Of course, he has help from his all-star band who fill these songs with as much life as a conservatory.” - Ross Weidman

Ames Harding & the Mirage is a 5-piece band that weaves together diverse world-influenced music into songs that are as nuanced as they are catchy. The band was started in 2021 by songwriter/producer Ames Harding, and is made up of Eli Weidman on drums, Mike Saunders on bass, AJ Arnett on percussion, and Lo Nakamura on keys & vocals. 

Their debut album, Dance of the Red Flower, was released independently in March 2022. Recorded live with horn backing in an abandoned church, this album demonstrates their range and technical ability. Their genre-bending songs are woven together by their rich sonic landscapes, non-traditional structures, and surreal lyrical motifs. 

2021

Jun 24 - Sleeping Octopus (Headline)

Jun 25 - Friday Night Festival by Imperfect

Jul 31 - Market Square by Mr. Smalls Presents

Aug 6 - Penn Ave Arts Crawl

Sept 18 - The Rothko House

Oct 2 - Squirrel Hill Night Market

Oct 16 Wilkinsburg Arts Festravaganza by Hosanna House

Nov 3 - Whisper Nest (Headline)

2022

Mar 19 - Trace Brewing (Headline)

Mar 22 - The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls

May 12 - Lodge at Spirit

May 28 - 3 Rivers Outdoor Concert (Headline)

Jun 3 - Get Down for Gardens Fundraiser at Brew Gentlemen

Jun 25 - Squirrel Hill Night Market

Jul 1 - Penn Ave Arts Crawl (Headline)

Jul 9 - Lawrenceville Art Crawl by Redfishbowl Studios

Jul 14 - Clube Cafe (Headline)

Oct 7 - Brillobox

Nov 11 - Club Cafe (Headline)

Upcoming

Dec 30 - Mr. Smalls (Main Stage) opening for The Commonheart

Jan 7 - DPIS Album Release Party

Jan 21 - The Deli

April 22 - Brillobox (Headline)