“She smiles while she cries as she prays.”
— Kellen Van Allen from “Life As It Happens”
BIO
The Van Allen Twins
Hailing from the sun-drenched hills of Ojai, CA, The Van Allen Twins fuse the raw soul of blues with the storytelling tradition of bluegrass to create their signature sound: 'Blues Grass.'
Siblings Kellen and Dréa Van Allen lead the band with heartfelt harmonies, masterful songwriting, and a deep-rooted passion for American roots music, blending influences from blues, country, folk, and honky-tonk with a contemporary twist.
Originally from Ventura, CA, they were both solo artists and when Dréa moved back to Ojai, CA the duo began their musical journey in 2021, performing intimate acoustic sets. By 2022, upright bassist Johnathon Maxson joined, and in 2024, drummer Greg Weiser completed the lineup, bringing a dynamic rhythm that elevated their sound. Together, they craft an engaging and innovative blend of rich tradition and fresh creativity.
Beyond the core group, the Van Allen Twins frequently collaborate with a talented roster of soloists, including TD Lind and Al Weener on piano, Josh Jenkins on fiddle and mandolin, and Johnathan Sheldon on fiddle. These collaborations add layers of depth to their performances and recordings, making each show a unique experience.
A pivotal moment for the band came when an unexpected opportunity to record their debut album arose from a brief management relationship. This experience reinforced their commitment to independence, driving them to pour their hearts into music that speaks to authenticity and raw emotion.
Dréa Van Allen leads with soulful vocals, harmonica, rhythm guitar, and compelling songwriting, while Kellen Van Allen’s shares the lead with expressive vocals, lead guitar, banjo, and songwriting talents add a distinctive edge to their sound. Their original music is equally written by both siblings, drawing inspiration from artists such as Paul Butterfield, John Mayall, Gillian Welch, The Band, Doc Watson, and Townes Van Zandt. Notably, Dréa was featured on the cover of Harmonica World Magazine.
Their highly anticipated debut album, Blues Grass, was recorded at Love Street Sound—Robby Krieger’s studio of The Doors—and produced by two-time Grammy-nominated Eric Corne. Featuring 12 original tracks, Blues Grass is set for release early 2026, with the first single dropping in June 2025. As fully independent artists, they are dedicated to promoting their album and launching their LLC.
With a wave of new content, including photos, videos, and promotions, The Van Allen Twins are preparing to take their music nationwide. Their upcoming U.S. tour will feature regional performances throughout California and neighboring states leading up to the full tour. In the meantime, they continue to captivate audiences at festivals, private events, and local venues.
Stay connected with The Van Allen Twins on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and subscribe to their mailing list to stay updated on their latest music and video releases.
Tip Jar ... Help us keep going
We’re fully independent—writing, recording, filming, touring, promoting, and doing it all ourselves. Every tip helps us fund vinyl, pay off our debut album, promote it far and wide, make merch, hit the road, and keep creating. Thank you for supporting the music and the mission.
Dréa Van Allen
BLENDING BLUES’ RAW SOUL, FOLK’S HEARTFELT STORYTELLING, AND BLUEGRASS’ HIGH-ENERGY DRIVE, DRÉA VAN ALLEN IS REDEFINING ROOTS MUSIC WITH HER GENRE, “BLUES GRASS.”
Based in Ojai, CA, Dréa’s bluesy, soulful voice, top-tier harmonica skills, and high-energy, charming stage presence captivate audiences, leaving entire rooms spellbound. Known for pushing the limits and redefining ideas of the harmonica, Dréa draws inspiration from legends like Sonny Terry and Gillian Welch, crafting songs that transform life’s struggles into beauty.
Highlights of Dréa’s career include gracing the cover of Harmonica World Magazine UK, competing in the International Blues Competition, and opening for Sundy Best. A U.S. Air Force veteran turned musician, Dréa overcame personal challenges, finding her calling through harmonica, blues and bluegrass music. Now, as an educator, performer, and Lone Wolf Blues Co. endorser, she’s set to release Blues Grass in Fall 2025. Resilient and authentic, Dréa Van Allen proves music is a transformative force and music. From the depths of heartache to the heights of artistic achievement, Dréa Van Allen embodies resilience and authenticity, proving that music is not just a career but a calling.
Kellen Van Allen
KELLEN VAN ALLEN IS A SINGER-SONGWRITER BASED ON THE WEST COAST IN THE PICTURESQUE TOWN OF OJAI, CALIFORNIA.
Blending his early love of poetry with masterful fingerstyle guitar, Kellen has cultivated a lifelong passion for the timeless art of balladeering. His voice—captivating, raw, and fearless—delivers every song with a compelling mix of explosive energy and playful charm.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Levon Helm, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Doc Watson, Kurt Cobain, and Johnny Cash, Kellen has forged a style uniquely his own. A self-taught virtuoso on both guitar and banjo, his musicianship is matched only by his charismatic stage presence. Known for his humor and showmanship, Kellen turns every performance into an unforgettable experience.
Listening to Kellen’s songs is like reconnecting with an old friend for the very first time—familiar, comforting, and full of surprises.
Joshua Jenkins
JOSHUA JENKINS IS A MUSICIAN NATIVE TO THE SANTA BARBARA AREA.
A member of several musical projects, including Pocket Fox and the Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara, Joshua joined the Van Allen Twins in October of 2024. With a background in blues, rock, jazz and various folk-music styles, he brings mandolin and fiddle to the table, adding some additional sparkle to the Van Allen Twins’ already powerful musical style. A firm believer that the magic of music can bring people together, Joshua is honored and excited to be part of the Van Allen Twins experience.
