PEARL OAKES

Writing songs since she was a child, Pearl Oakes’ presence in the west river music scene only began less than 2 years ago after attending a Nashville songwriter’s workshop in Rapid City, SD. Sparked by family tragedy, Oakes’ drive to write and perform is fueled by a promise to her late brother, John. Her material – an ever-evolving ode to love and loss in search of the American Dream.

Currently, you can catch Pearl Oakes performing in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where she is joined by bassist, Louis Umbarger and drummer, Eric Boyd. (Formerly of the Sister Moon Band.) Pearl Oakes & Co. formed in the wake of Sister Moon, a project Oakes began with Zhevania Leib in early 2022 and dissolved in the spring of 2023.

Within the nearly 20 original numbers in her current set list, Pearl Oakes expresses a unique, approachable sound that stirs the soul – a carefully tuned blend of indie-rock/alternative with a singer-songwriter sensibility rooted in classic Americana.

On stage, Oakes presents catchy melodies supported by deep driving rhythms, a nod to the band’s eclectic, classic and modern influences. Oakes & Co’s set list features a number of cover tunes and original compositions, ranging from soaring, heartfelt ballads, sing-along singles, and high energy anthems – all designed to bring show-goers to their feet.