Beaux Mondes is a sultry, NOLA-soaked speakeasy jazz band dripping in fabulousness, conjuring the glamour and vibe of a bygone era while sounding deliciously alive in the now. Blending upbeat swing, blues, Americana, with a mischievous New Orleans pulse, the band delivers originals and finely curated covers with style to spare. It's vintage sophistication with a wink—and it is unapologetically fabulous.
At the center is Sallie Scharding, creative force and magnetic chanteuse whose presence commands the room before a single note is played. Fusing old-world glamour with modern fire, Sallie sings with a voice that is bold, expressive, and steeped in vintage allure—intimate one moment, fearless the next. Her rhythm guitar playing is equally unapologetic: confident, muscular, and deeply musical, driving the band with sharp accents, and a commanding beat that cut clean through the haze. As a songwriter, she spins melodic and lovely little dittys defining the Beaux Mondes fabulousness.
The band’s signature sound is completed by a trio of exceptional musicians who elevate every moment. Stephen Cowles brings saxophone, flute, and musical saw into the mix, adding layers that are vibrante, playful, and tourching in turn. A sought-after instrumentalist , Stephen is a member of the Shoaldiggers, Jimmy Ray Swagger, Huzzah!, Curtis Ellers American Circus, Bulltown Strutters, and many more, his genre-spanning artistry brings unexpected color and theatrical flair to every
Nat Smith, is the elegant backbone on upright bass who grounds the band with unshakable swing, precision, and poise. Equally at home in jazz and bluegrass—performing with The Guilty Pleasures and Morgan Creek—his earthy groove keeps everything cool, grounded, and endlessly stylish.
Rounding out the sound is Rick Keena, whose exceptional mastery of electric and classical guitar adds polish, depth, and irresistible flair. Fluent from rock to jazz, Rick delivers lush harmonic textures and confident melodic leads with effortless control, shaped by his work with Mr. Wonderful, Southern Routes, and numerous theater productions.
Together, they create an immersive, glamorous experience that is timeless, stylish, and gloriously alive. Beaux Mondes isn’t just a band—it’s a fabulous statement, wrapped in swing, swagger, and undeniable fabulousness everyone of every age loves!
Sallie Scharding is the creative force and chanteuse of Beaux Mondes, commanding the stage with a bold, speakeasy-era sensibility that fuses vintage glamour with modern fire. Her voice—strong, expressive, and steeped in old-world allure—channels the intimacy of clandestine jazz clubs while delivering stories that feel immediate, fearless, and alive.
Sallie’s powerful, unapologetic guitar playing, confident and muscular yet deeply musical—driving the band with commanding rhythm, sharp accents, and melodic lines that cut straight through the velvet haze. As a songwriter, she pairs that bold musicianship with vivid storytelling, crafting songs rich with longing, grit, romance, and edge.
Beaux Mondes is more than a band—it’s a fabulous statement.
Stephen Cowles is a defining voice in Beaux Mondes, bringing exceptional artistry on saxophone, flute, and musical saw. His playing is evocative and versatile—by turns smoky, playful, and haunting—adding rich texture and unexpected color to the band’s sound. Each instrument becomes a character in the music, deepening its mood and emotional reach.
An in-demand collaborator, Stephen has performed with Shoaldiggers, Jimmy Ray Swagger, Huzzah!, Bulltown Strutters, and many others. His deep fluency across jazz, swing, folk, and roots traditions allows him to move seamlessly between styles while elevating every project he touches
Rick Keena exceptional mastery of electric and classical guitar brings depth, versatility, and elegance to Beaux Mondes. Fluent across genres from rock to jazz, his playing is both expressive and refined, delivering everything from lush harmonic textures to confident, melodic leads with effortless control.
Rick peraorms locally with a wide range of ensembles and productions, including Mr. Wonderful, Southern Routes, and numerous theatre and live stage shows. His adaptability and musical instincts have made him a trusted collaborator in virtually any setting.
Rick’s tone and stylistic range add polish and sophistication, enriching the band’s glamorous, vintage-leaning sound. His contributions help create the fabulous, immersive atmosphere that defines Beaux Mondes—timeless, stylish, and alive.
Nat Smith is the steady backbone of Beaux Mondes, anchoring the band with confident, unshakable upright bass lines that give the music its pulse and poise. A veteran musician, Nat plays with precision and feel, locking in the groove while adding subtle nuance and swing that lets the band breathe and soar. His presence is both grounding and elegant, providing the foundation that allows the rest of the ensemble to shine.
Equally at home in jazz and bluegrass, Nat brings a rare stylistic breadth to the band. He performs with bluegrass groups The Guilty Pleasures and Morgan Creek, and that cross-genre fluency informs his distinctive sound—earthy, rhythmic, and deeply musical. His approach is unmistakably Beaux Mondes: timeless, stylish, and effortlessly cool, blending vintage sophistication with roots-driven authenticity.
