Eleventh Ward

Eleventh Ward is a soulful, acoustic rock band based out of the NYC/NJ area. Eleventh Wards sound ranges from pure emotional vulnerability to the good time feelings associated with a night out on the town with close friends. In addition, Eleventh Wards live shows are unmatched in the bands ability to connect with the audience and bring it along for the ride. From Chris introspective lyrics and Gregs meticulously crafted guitar leads to Ben's expressive bass lines and Marks compelling percussive style, Eleventh Ward brings a refreshing and cathartic sound to the New York City music scene.

The story of Eleventh Wards formation is one of fortuitous circumstances. It all started back in early 2009 with Chris Saunders and his acoustic guitar. Having a lifelong passion and appreciation for music, Chris toiled away writing songs and quickly came to the realization that his emotions and ideas flowed like wine through his voice and fingertips. He immediately hit the New York City music scene in July of 2009, and after a few small outings, Chris played his first big gig at Don Hills in New Yorks West Village. Despite his initial nerves, he put together a stirring performance and surprised many long-time friends who, until then, were unaware of his passion for playing and performing.

After playing a few dozen solo gigs, Chris met Scott Gawrych during the spring of 2011. At that time, Scott was the lead singer of a Pearl Jam tribute band and before that had played in various original and cover bands in and around the NYC/NJ area. Luckily for Chris, Scott was chomping at the bit to play in an original project again, and took home a copy of Chris demo. After hearing Chris solo work, Scott spent the next few days and nights adding bass lines and vocal harmonies to the mix. By mid-April 2011, playing as a two piece, Chris and Scott performed in a Battle of the Bands at Bar East in New Yorks Upper East Side. The duo beat out 16 full bands to take home the top prize and subsequently felt as though they were at the beginning of something special.

In June of 2011, mutual friend Greg Llewellyn joined the revelry. A talented and accomplished guitarist, Greg layered his intricate, melodic leads over the bands previously composed songs, adding a new dimension to the music. Beginning his musical career at the ripe age of 14, Greg was involved in a number of solo and collaborative projects, most notably with an experimental/indie rock band that performed at legendary New York venues such as CBGBs. The addition of Greg led to an inspiring performance by the newly formed trio at Bar East.

A chance encounter at Connollys NYC in November 2011 led to the introduction of drummer Mark Bell into the band. Cultivating his drumming skills from an early age in the gospel music scene, Mark went on to build a repertoire ranging from jazz to rock, reaching a broad television audience with his 2011 appearance on Good Day New York and performing at large venues, including the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Grammy-nominated gospel artist B. Slade has best described Marks playing with the single word, amazing. In July of 2012, Mark went on a European tour with dancehall sensation, Sean Paul.

What was once a solo journey has now burgeoned into a soulful acoustic rock band, playing and packing many iconic music venues and festivals across New York City including: The Bitter End, Bar East, Alphabet Lounge, Fontanas and the Williamsburg International Film Festival to name a few. Chris, Scott, Greg and Mark mix rock, R&B and alternative genres to create a sound that they hope will appeal to fans of every musical taste and leave them humming along to the songs on the subway/cab ride home.