Bradenton Musicians Trevor Bystrom and Nora Bear to host dual album release party

Local musician and songwriter Trevor Bystrom and his 12-year-old stepdaughter Nora Bear are each releasing brand-new self-produced albums this month. A combined album release party will be held at Motorworks Brewing on Sunday, May 31, at 5:00 PM.

The story behind the two albums began six years ago, when Trevor first met Nora. From the beginning, Trevor says Nora showed a natural gift for singing and performing, though she was initially too shy to sing in front of what she called a “famous musician.”

That didn't last too long, though.  Trevor said he eventually placed a ukulele in her lap, taught her a few chords, and that was it.  He helped nurture the creative spark that was already there, and she didn't move from that spot until she had those chords down!

Fast forward to 2026: Trevor has built a recording studio for himself and his now step-daughter in the backyard of their Bradenton home, and to “break-in” the new studio, both artists have recorded brand-new projects side-by-side.

For Nora, it marks the release of her very first album. For Trevor, it is his first solo release in nine years since his acclaimed album Water.

Trevor's new album, Slideshow, centers around the Hawaiian Weissenborn lap steel slide guitar. Drawing inspiration from Americana, folk, blues, and world music, he says the album explores themes of enduring love, family, resilience, and personal growth. Trevor’s music can be found at TrevorBystrom.com.

Meanwhile, Nora Bear’s debut EP, Bear Tracks, introduces audiences to a thoughtful young songwriter with an old soul and a captivating stage presence far beyond her years. The stripped-down recordings feature only Nora’s voice and her guitar, with a little of her violin in songs about growing up, navigating challenges, and appreciating life’s bright moments. Nora’s music can be found at https://linktr.ee/NoraBearMusic.

The event will feature live performances from both Trevor Bystrom, his band, and Nora Bear, celebrating not only two new records, but the musical journey of a family creating together.