Stella Mira

Stella Mira is an ambitious rock band based in Washington, DC, and is ready to make their mark with a genuinely original sound. Comprised of an eclectic mix of melodic modern rock, Stella Mira combines solid collective song writing with crisp, dynamic vocals. Front and center, the multi-talented Joe Ciani-Dausch sings with passion, precision, and soul. To the left and right of him are two seasoned ax-men, Mark Cookson and Sean Cranford, who combine the delivery of distinct rhythmic grooves with hook-crafted melodies.

On the side, Brian Rauer further enhances the sextet with piano and tasteful keyboard textures. Last but not least, bassist Steve Citarella and drummer Nathan Cartier hold the back-line and lock in the rhythm. Stella Mira fans have compared their style to U2, Radiohead, Coldplay, Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, and Maroon 5, and at a show, fans will occasionally hear a cover or two from these and other similar artists. Gavin Dunaway, front-man of Washington DC's The Alphabetical Order put it best: "Stella Mira has a lead singer with a golden voice and perfect stage presence, dueling guitarists who both rip out killer riffs, elegantly layered keyboards, and a tight rhythm section."

Stella Mira recorded their debut EP "Ambient" in October 2003 with Producer Ray Tilkens, and released their first full-length CD "Between Now and Never" in 2006, produced and engineered by Mark Sarisky at American University and Texas Treefort Studios in Austin, TX. Mark Sarisky's previous credits include Blues Traveler, Korn, Tori Amos, Annie Lennox, Paula Cole, The Disco Biscuits, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Stella Mira's follow-up album, tentatively titled "Icons", is currently in pre-production. Their new material is currently performed live and featured online.

Stella Mira has performed at many notable showcase venues such as Washington, DC's notorious 9:30 Club, the intimate Velvet Lounge, Iota Club and Grill, and New York City's famed Continental. Special event performances have included the Baltimore Chili Cook-Off, the 2006 Arlington Six Points Music Festival, the international Emergenza Festival, and Fox 5's televised Stuff-a-Truck benefit in December 2006 for the Capital Area Food Bank. Airplay has included XM Radio's unsigned band channel, DC 101's "Local Lix" and the now defunct Z-104's "Capital Scene".

In January 2007, Stella Mira completed a USO Armed Forces Entertainment tour to Honduras and the Bahamas, and plans to re-enter the circuit in 2008. Also in January 2007, the band was nominated for a "Wammie" award for Best Modern Rock group by the Washington Area Music Association.

You can usually catch Stella Mira shows in and around the Washington Beltway, with an occasional venture into Columbia, Maryland for a mind-blowing concert at the pristine Nottingham's Tavern. So whether in the D.C. club scene, other cities, or abroad, keep your eyes peeled for a Stella Mira show near you!