Van & The Free Candies
REGIONAL COUNTRY ARTIST
Van & The Free Candies is a beloved alternative folk and Americana band based in Ely, Minnesota, known for their signature up-north acoustic charm and roots-driven sound. Centered on the driving, rhythmic banjo work of Van Conrad, the tight-knit four-piece also features the acoustic interplay of Heidi Schiltz (guitar), Nick Allen (guitar/fiddle), and Ellen Root (bass). A premier live fixture across the Upper Midwest, the band has earned a dedicated following performing at regional hotspots like Tom’s Burned Down Cafe on Madeline Island and local residencies on the patio deck at Zaverl’s Bar. Boasting a rich, storytelling discography spanning original studio projects like their self-titled album and After Life, Van & The Free Candies deliver a captivating live show packed with spirited picking, soulful folk melodies, and foot-stomping rhythms.