by Rachel Hunter
The Amish Outlaws electrified the 2025 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair on Thursday, July 31, unleashing an unforgettable performance that had the crowd cheering and the fairgrounds buzzing long after the final encore.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the Amish Outlaws are a high-octane cover band with a backstory as compelling as their performances. Formed in 2002, the group began when three young men—Ezekiel, Amos Def, and Hezekiah X—left their Amish communities during Rumspringa, the period when Amish youth explore the outside world before deciding whether to commit to the faith. After discovering modern music, they were captivated by its energy and expression, and decided to form a band that would blend their heritage with their newfound passion. Dressed in traditional Amish garb, they began performing covers of rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and metal hits, quickly gaining a reputation for their electrifying shows. The band is made up of six members: three raised Amish and three “honorary Amish” musicians who joined for their talent and chemistry. Brother Amos Def plays keyboard and sings; Brother Eazy Ezekiel handles bass and vocals; and Brother Hezekiah X is one of the lead vocalists. Joining them are Brother Big Daddy Abel, a charismatic lead vocalist with a background in acting and music; Brother Snoop Job on guitar and vocals; and Brother Jakob the Pipe Player on drums. Their concerts are joyful rebellions, where tradition meets rock and roll in the most unexpected and entertaining way.
After years on a waiting list, the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association secured the return of the Amish Outlaws for the 2025 Fair. Their previous shows in 2018 and 2019 had already become the stuff of legend on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds, and anticipation ran high. When word of their comeback broke, the North Country responded in force. As the sun dipped below the fairground horizon last Thursday, the crowd at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair erupted with exuberance, greeting the arrival of The Amish Outlaws with a wave of infectious energy. Cheers and laughter mingled in the summer air, as families and friends pressed closer to the stage, swept up in the anticipation of a performance that promised both spectacle and surprise—proof that in the North Country, a joyful welcome knows no bounds.
The Amish Outlaws demonstrated that they are a powerhouse of vocal talent that defies expectations. Raised in the strict confines of Amish tradition, several members had no exposure to modern music until their Rumspringa, when they discovered a world of sound that had been forbidden to them. That delayed awakening seems to have ignited something extraordinary: their vocals are not only technically strong but emotionally charged, as if making up for lost time. Lead singers Brother Hezekiah X and Big Daddy Abel bring a dynamic range to the stage, effortlessly shifting from soulful ballads to gritty rock anthems and high-energy hip-hop. Abel’s theatrical background adds a layer of charisma and precision to his delivery, while Hezekiah’s voice carries a raw, joyful intensity. Their harmonies are tight, their transitions seamless, and their ability to adapt to any genre (from country twang to reggae rhythms) speaks to a deep musical intuition. The Amish Outlaws prove that vocal talent can thrive even in the most unexpected places.
North Country residents are still talking about the moment when the Amish Outlaws exploded onto the grandstand stage with an energy that was anything but reserved. The Amish Outlaws’ physicality transforms their concerts into interactive experiences. The audience doesn’t just watch; they move with them, swept up in the contagious rhythm. Whether they’re covering hip-hop, rock, or country, the band’s choreography is spontaneous and exaggerated, often parodying the original artists while adding their own twist. The dancing truly breaks down walls, inviting everyone to let loose and laugh. The result is a show that feels more like a barn-raising party than a concert—equal parts satire, celebration, and sheer physical joy.
The Amish Outlaws left an indelible mark on the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, delighting the North Country with their exuberant performance. There is great hope that the Amish Outlaws will return soon to the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. For more information about the Fair, visit www.gouverneurfair.net.