BRANDEN & JAMES with Effie Passero LIVE

BRANDEN & JAMES bring the soulful timbre of James on his cello combined with Branden's emotional and powerful vocals, creating a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. They have “become a brand-name in the classical-crossover music world alongside the likes of Josh Groban, The Piano Guys, and Jackie Evancho”. The Bay Area Reporter         

"Hardly a supporting player, but, rather, a true co-creator and co-star" (Robert Windeler, NY Times Music Correspondent) Australian cellist James, began creating arrangements of familiar tunes that make you listen as you've never heard them before. Branden, a former finalist on America’s Got Talent & resident tenor at The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Los Angeles Opera; recently penned a memoir entitled, Lyrics of My Life which entered Amazon Books new releases at #9. It was published by Simon & Schuster in September, 2020.

Since forming a duo, they’ve been touring around the world with their innovative, classically inspired pop songs, and their undeniable charm and wit. In 2021-2022, they launched a 60-city US tour called The Chasing Dreams Tour to promote their recently released debut album aptly named Chasing Dreams. Shortly after its release, BRANDEN & JAMES were named best unsigned artists in North America by Music Connection magazine. In 2021, BRANDEN & JAMES released their first Christmas Album, "A Christmas Gift" which they recently recorded in Mexico.

Joining their performance is Effie Passero who was a contestant on Season 16 of American Idol.  Her astounding voice that took her to the top 20 that season.  She was asked what her ultimate stage fantasy would be.  To that her response was - "I would love to perform at Wembley Stadium, perform in a stadium and make everybody cry and to get back to humanity. Music today is so robotic, and there’s not a lot of feeling happening anymore."  We are thrilled to have her June 22nd on the Mansion Stage with Branden & James.

Branden spent the beginnings of his career singing in residence at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Los Angeles Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Having appeared in concert at The Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center and Trafalgar Square in London, his travels have also honored him with a personal performance for Pope Benedict XVI and the Nelson Mandela family in South Africa. He has kicked off games for The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Cubs, Whitesox with his own passionate rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” James has also hit the Las Vegas strip, headlining "Spirit of The Dance" In television, he has served as co-host for the wildly popular Afterbuzz TV network and has been a guest on TV shows in The US and around the globe in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa, Romania, The UK, France, Italy, China, New Zealand, and Australia. He spends much of his time playing in pop-vocal and cello duo, BRANDEN & JAMES. Michael Orland, Music Director of American Idol says of the duo, “It’s always a pleasure working with Branden & James. Not only are they talented and fantastic performers, but they are also incredible musicians. The velvet sound of James on the cello, mixed with Branden’s compelling vocal talent creates a unique duo that leaves everyone mesmerized. I guarantee we’ll be hearing much more from them in their careers.”