They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and that is certainly what lead to the formation of the new acoustic duo, Sorting Hat. Michelle Akin & Dennis V. O'Connor IV recently put together a full band known as Stephen LeBand that was deep in early rehearsals when they were offered a slot at Rocktoberfeast in Atlantic Hignlands. When a scheduling conflict ruled out the full leband, Michele & Dennis put together Sorting Hat.

Michelle & Dennis are active members of the Jersey Shore business community who met out on the networking circuit. Michelle's a former comedian and youtuber from back in the day whose unfulfilled life lead her to pursue a career in coaching with Accomplishment Coaching, where she helps creatives and business leaders maximize their lives. When not shredding waves or shaping boards, Dennis runs Greenmount Insurance where he helps people protect their checks by using insurance to plan for the unexpected.

In this band debut performance, the hat rips through Fiona Apple's Criminal, and the Soccer Mommy arrangement of Springsteen's I'm on Fire. Catch Sorting Hat's festival debut at Rocktoberfeast on 10/12 at Harborside Grill and look for Michelle at a stadium near you soon! Follow @michelleakin21 @docleelau & @sortinghatband for additional info.