Biography
Bon Bon Vivant is a genre-blending band hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, known for their energetic live performances and unique fusion of indie, gypsy jazz, Americana, and dark ballads. The group was founded by songwriter and frontwoman Abigail Cosio and her husband, saxophonist and vocalist Jeremy Kelley, with Abigail’s sister Glori Cosio contributing signature harmonies. The band’s roots trace back to California, where the Cosio sisters grew up singing together, before Abigail and Jeremy met in Los Angeles in 2004 and began performing as a duo. In 2009, they relocated to New Orleans, where they joined forces with Glori and local musicians Ry D’Antonio, Ryan Brown, and Mike Robbins, officially forming Bon Bon Vivant.
Bon Bon Vivant quickly became a standout act in the vibrant New Orleans music scene, captivating audiences with their fearless blend of genres and emotionally charged storytelling. Their music pays homage to the city’s bawdy traditions while infusing indie rock grit and klezmer influences, creating a sound that is both jubilant and melancholic. Their debut EP, 'Evangeline,' and their 2016 full-length album, 'Paint & Pageantry,' established them as local favorites, and they have since been recognized as Best Emerging Artist of 2018 by OffBeat Magazine. The band’s performances at major festivals such as Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, and Bayou Boogaloo have further cemented their reputation for high-energy, communal shows that celebrate life’s contradictions.
At the heart of Bon Bon Vivant’s appeal is their commitment to storytelling and connection. Abigail Cosio’s songwriting is lauded for its wit, emotional depth, and occasional macabre edge, drawing comparisons to artists like Amy Winehouse and Florence and The Machine. The band’s music and philosophy reflect the spirit of New Orleans itself: a celebration of revelry, resilience, and the beauty found in life’s fleeting moments.
Fun Facts
- The name 'Bon Bon Vivant' is a playful twist on the French phrase 'bon vivant,' meaning someone who enjoys the good life and its pleasures.
- Abigail and Glori Cosio, the band's core vocalists, are sisters who began singing together as children in California.
- Bon Bon Vivant was awarded 'Best Emerging Artist' by OffBeat Magazine in 2018, a notable recognition in the New Orleans music scene.
- Their live shows are known for transforming venues into communal celebrations, often described as 'primitive instrument dance parties' that blend revelry with introspection.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- New Orleans music tradition - The band pays homage to the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, drawing inspiration from its classic jazz, swing, and bawdy storytelling. (All original material, especially live performances and albums like 'Paint & Pageantry') [2009–present]
Key Collaborators
- Abigail Cosio - Lead songwriter, vocalist, and co-founder; central to the band's creative direction. (All albums and live performances) [2009–present]
- Jeremy Kelley - Saxophonist, vocalist, co-founder, and Abigail's husband; key arranger and performer. (All albums and live performances) [2009–present]
- Glori Cosio - Vocal harmonies and sibling collaboration; contributes to the band's signature sound. (All albums and live performances) [2009–present]
- Ry D’Antonio - Band member; instrumentalist contributing to the group’s rhythmic and melodic foundation. (All albums and live performances) [2009–present]
- Ryan Brown - Accordion and piano; brings a dusky, New Orleans-inspired texture to the music. (All albums and live performances) [2009–present]
- Mike Robbins - Band member; rhythm section, contributing to the dynamic live sound. (All albums and live performances) [2009–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paint & Pageantry | 2016-09-30 | Album |
| Dancing in the Darkness | 2020-12-04 | Album |
| Live at the New Orleans Jazz Museum | 2018-01-12 | Album |
| Bon Bon Vivant: Live at the Circus | 2019-06-30 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sin Eater (Sin Eater)
- Lady Luck (Paint & Pageantry)
- Lost Soul (Paint & Pageantry)
- Ship Is Sinking (Dancing in the Darkness)
- Last Night's Glitter (Last Night's Glitter)
- Hard Way of Livin When Youre Dead (Paint & Pageantry)
- Rio Grande (Paint & Pageantry)
- Be Bayou (If Ever I Cease To Love)
- Casey Jones (Dancing in the Darkness)
- Dancing in the Darkness (Dancing in the Darkness)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
bon bon vivant has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28, 2025 | 12:26 | the bones | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Oct 17, 2025 | 12:41 | hell or high water | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk |