In Layman Terms is a Rockin Blues Duo living in Williamsburg, Virginia.  They have a passion for the blues and classic rock. Cole, 15, started playing guitar when he was five years-old, and took lessons to help strengthen his weak fingers as part of physical therapy.  Music quickly became his passion.  His sister Logan,12, started taking bass lessons when she was seven years-old so that she could spend more time with her big brother.  She loves playing bass and singing.  They both play piano and foot percussion as well. 

Their mother, Sandy Layman, sometimes joins them on drums at their non-acoustic shows.  Sandy, Cole, and Logan rehearse and play regularly in their home and collaborate on writing original songs.   Music connects them in a way that cannot be expressed with words.  They love any opportunity to share their joy with others. 

Cole and Logan Layman also play with local youth in a band with their best friends, The UnXpected.  To find out more about The UnXpected, visit their website at www.theunxpectedband.com. 

Cole is a freshman at Warhill High School. He is passionate about guitar, serving others, and helping those in need. Cole's music mentor is Ron Lowder, of Yorktown, and he studies piano and music theory with Vicki Robbins, of Williamsburg. Cole loves the blues. He looks up to legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa, Derik Trucks, Buddy Guy, and many others. He is also greatly influenced by many local greats that have supported his musical journey such as Anthony Rosano and JD Silvia. Cole enjoys nature and likes to camp, hike, and spend time outdoors observing wildlife. Cole was the first inaugural Youth Ambassador for GenerationOn, a youth service organization. He was honored at Radio City Music Hall and awarded the title of “Action Hero” by Hasbro Toy Company for his service efforts.

Logan is in the 7th grade at Toano Middle School in Williamsburg. Some of Logan’s (vocal) influences are Janis Joplin, KoKo Taylor and Shemekia Copeland. Victor Wooten is her favorite bass player. She admires and looks up to Bobby BlackHat as her “stage craft” mentor! Logan studies piano and music theory with Vicki Robbins, of Williamsburg. Ron Lowder is her all- around mentor teaching her bass, vocal skills, and discipline. Logan's chocolate lab, Capo, is the love of her life. She loves animals and looks for any opportunity to find projects that will benefit them. She likes to draw, paint, cook, ride mini-bikes and play video games with her brother and her dad. She enjoys riding on the back of her mom's Harley on their Sunday family rides.

Sandy Layman is a dedicated special education teacher and a United States Coast Guard Veteran. She loves the outdoors and likes to go camping, kayaking, rafting, hiking, and bike riding with her family.  Sandy also enjoys the arts in many forms.  She paints, creates, write songs, and is always working on a project.  She is nuts about her lab, Capo, and looks forward to their daily walks.  Sandy rides a Harley and enjoys getting out and riding with her husband, Doug, who is the band's roadie and their biggest fan.  Her motto, a quote from Thomas Jefferson-  "Pursue happiness, live passionately." 

What people are saying...



“You guys were the hit of the festival! People have been coming up to us asking who you are and wanting to know more about you. Someday, when you are famous we are going to say, they played at Stockley!”

--- Anne Knox-Entertainment Director Stockley Gardens Arts Festival



“The positive responses we have received about your performance from our event staff as well as our fair-goers has been tremendous. We were truly blessed to have you all as part of our event. It was a absolute pleasure meeting all of you and we hope to have you back to fill multiple time slots!”

--- Kelly Herbert- Recreation Program Coordinator Williamsburg James-City County