About High Standards
Music has always been about connection. The songs people remember most are the ones tied to experiences — late nights with friends, packed dance floors, mountain town sunsets, weddings, celebrations, and moments that bring people together. That spirit is at the heart of High Standards.
Based in Flagstaff, High Standards is a collective of experienced musicians dedicated to creating energetic, engaging live performances rooted in musicianship, atmosphere, and authentic connection with audiences. Drawing inspiration from jam bands, Americana, classic rock, folk traditions, improvisation, and crowd-favorite covers, the band blends tight musicianship with the freedom and spontaneity of live performance.
A Northern Arizona Sound
Set against the backdrop of Northern Arizona’s mountains, forests, breweries, festivals, and live music culture, High Standards was formed with a simple philosophy:
👉 Play great music, create memorable experiences, and bring people together.
The band features a rich and dynamic instrumentation that includes guitars, mandolin, keyboards, stand-up bass, percussion, and layered vocals, allowing performances to move naturally between high-energy crowd favorites, soulful acoustic moments, and improvisational jams.
Meet The Band
Steve Elowson
Multi Instrumentalist/Vocals
Steve’s been a songwriter my whole life and live in Flagstaff Arizona now at 7,000 feet! My songs tend to look toward the spiritual side of life.
Justin Covey Wallace
Bassist
With roots in blues, rock, acoustic performance, and live improvisation, Justin brings decades of musical experience and versatility to High Standards. From southern Alabama jam bands to Arizona weddings and live events, his dynamic bass playing helps drive the energy and connection behind every performance.
Matt Root
Guitarist
Matt’s style has evolved over the years, blending influences from classical, jazz, fusion, and rock. I studied performance at Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University.
Conrad Valdini
Drummer
Originally from Milan Italy studied Drums at the Westchester Conservatory of music; Jazz with Jeff Hershfield.
More Than Just a Cover Band
High Standards approaches live music differently than a typical cover band. While the group performs recognizable songs audiences love, every performance is shaped by the energy of the room and the people in it.
Some nights lean into extended improvisation and jam-inspired arrangements. Other nights become packed dance-floor celebrations filled with singalongs and nonstop energy. The goal is always the same:
👉 Create an experience people remember.
Whether performing at local venues, outdoor concerts, breweries, private events, weddings, or community gatherings, the band focuses on professionalism, adaptability, and audience connection from the first note to the final encore.
Rooted in Community
Flagstaff has a strong culture of live music, outdoor festivals, local breweries, and community events, making it the perfect home for a band built around live performance and audience interaction. High Standards is proud to be part of that growing Northern Arizona music community.
The band has appeared in community concert promotions including the City of Flagstaff’s “Concerts in the Park” series, bringing live music to local audiences in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
