Andrea

Andrea  is a classically trained violinist who began playing at the age of eight. She is not only capable of sight-reading, but is also highly skilled in improvisation and is affluent in many different styles; including, jazz, latin, classical, rock/popular, gypsy, tango, African, Brazilian, Turkish classical, and Middle Eastern. Based in San Francisco for 15 years, she pursued her Bachelor of Music degree at SF State University, studying under the Alexander String Quartet. She has performed professionally with various bands, dance troops, theater companies, and a wide variety of string ensembles – ranging from trios or quartets for weddings to symphonic orchestras. In other professional arenas, she has done many studio recordings, and has created original music for independent films.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, Andrea formed the rock band Tooth & Nail which toured for six years in the U.S. & Canada. They released four original records on their own label. She also performed in major U.S. theaters and art centers with the Pearl Ubungen Dancers and Musicians, a modern dance troop featuring original improvisational music. This group also participated in multicultural residency programs, teaching and working with local community. In a similar vein, Andrea has toured, performed, and instructed musical workshops in an interactive circus for kids. With the San Francisco Sinfonietta, a classical ensemble, she toured Europe and Mexico. As part of a music festival in Oaxaca for several summers, she taught local children & adults, as well as performing & touring with an international orchestra, and acting as translator, being fluent in both Spanish and French. Andrea also collaborated with SF band, Rosin Coven, who have released two CDs and toured in Europe. They have also written and performed an original opera to sold-out crowds in San Francisco.

Always drawn to the islands, Andrea decided to make Maui her new home. She has been playing professionally in the resorts, restaurants, and niteclubs, as well as for weddings on the beaches. Her love of music continues to grow and expand. Her introduction to African music began in the Bay area, studying with Dumi Maraire and playing violin with Marimba Pacifica. Now she is playing marimba with two different African bands and a couple jazz ensembles, as well as learning Mbira and percussion. Duende is a duo with guitar player Bo Shores, playing jazz, flamenco, latin, and Brazilian music. She can also be found playing gypsy music with Zingaro , Indian music , or Tango.


Andrea began studying Middle Eastern music after visiting Greece and Turkey fifteen years ago. She performed at the Renaissance Faire in SF and with a local ensemble at restaurants and parties. Her love of this music drew her to the Sufis. She has had the honor of touring, studying, and performing in the U.S. and Turkey with master Sufi musicians for the last six years as part of the ceremony of whirling dervishes with the Mevlei Order of America.