Soon enough, Hardesty, his dad, his sister and his best friend formed the band Bison.
They found a folding pump organ in a closet at their church and incorporated it into their indie folk sound.
Bloomington residents will be able to hear that indie folk sound at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the ?Bishop Bar.
Tickets for the show are available online for $10, and admission is open to those 18 years and older.
This isn’t the first time the group has performed in Bloomington, lead singer and guitarist Hardesty said.
“Last time we didn’t get as much time as I would have liked to explore,” he said. “However, we did walk a few blocks to eat dinner at an incredible burrito place. Right next to the restaurant was a vintage clothing store. We were in there for a good hour-plus, goofing off and trying on different outfits for fun. I’d definitely like to go back and try on old coats and hats again. It was a good time.”
The band was originally formed in 2010, and the members worked on their original songs in their living room and around bonfires.
They eventually met their violinist, Amos Houseworth, and their cellist, Theresa Totheroh.
Totheroh and Houseworth were performing in a youth choir at the time, and Hardesty liked their classical sound.
After meeting the new members and evolving their sound, the group changed its name to The ?Last Bison.
“We didn’t meet at college, or on Craigslist or anything like that,” Hardesty said. “We all grew up together or in similar circles, and when I decided I wanted to start a band, I gathered the people I loved around me to join. ?I feel that way to this day at shows, like it’s just a gathering of people I love.”
Performing is one of the most important parts of the band, Hardesty said.
He said it’s where the band gets its joy and purpose. It’s the reason for creating music.
“Seeing people smile and sing the words to the songs we’ve written is extremely satisfying,” he said. “I spend a lot of our shows with my eyes closed, just enjoying the atmosphere and playing music. However, when I do open them and look around, I love to make eye contact with people to connect with them and share the joy of joining together and experiencing music and community.”
Wednesday’s concert is part of a tour to promote the group’s newly released album, VA, pronounced ?Virginia.
The album coincides with the group’s new sound, which includes more drums and keys to bring a more dynamic energy, Hardesty said.
After this tour, the group plans to get back on the road early next year for a national tour, performing at venues around the nation.
“Playing music for me is a source of joy and purpose,” Hardesty said. “Music has a mysterious way of bringing different people together. People from different beliefs and walks of life gather under one roof for a night. If the majority of those people can experience the same thing and if that were something as powerful as joy and purpose, then that would be incredible.”
