The Dameans were a group of Catholic musicians who rose to prominence in the folk music era of the 1970s. They began as seminarians at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, having formed circa 1967.
The group was composed mainly of Darryl Ducote, Mike Balhoff, Dave Baker, Buddy Ceasar, and Gary Ault. Two other seminarians participated in The Dameans early-on: Bobby Morgan and Charles Monzelun. Bobby and Charles were part of the Notre Dame Seminary Trio, formed by Gary Ault. Darryl Ducote joined the group as their lead singer. Mike Balhoff joined as their bassist. Through a closure and combining of seminaries in Louisiana, Gary, Darryl, and Mike asked the others to join them and The Dameans were founded. After Bobby Morgan and Charles Monzelun left the seminary, the other five members chose to continue on. Gary Ault had previously worked with Carey Landry, a liturgical singer and songwriter as well. They billed themselves as "Gary and Carey".
For several years, The Dameans traveled around the United States, doing concerts and workshops/presentations.