I'm a vocalist and violinist/fiddle player who enjoys playing with many different groups, any style, since I play "by ear". I have a master's degree in music performance from Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music, where I learned composition and stage presence/acting. Put myself through college by singing solo and for bands (jazz, country, rock, contemporary Christian). I can play violin and sing in Celtic, folk, jazz, classical, country, or rock styles. Basically, I provide the notes that a group is missing or invent a descant, or if needed, I will sing the melody in the style required. Bought my first house with the money I earned as a strolling violinist (taking requests for hours at local restaurants/pubs).
I'm not a band, I'm a Band-Aide! (sorry)
I started gigging when I was 9. I've been performing onstage ever since.
I am featured on a collaborative CD "Music for the Manger", both on vocals and violin, which was recorded live at Albright College for a charity benefit I and some other musicians did for Lifeline of Berks County...and I've done some other recording work as a backup musician, professionally. LOVE IT.
YES, I currently play/sing solo and with a couple bands. My favorite of these is "Cookie and the Cutters". I'm their vocalist and backup violin/fiddle player. I've won a lot of fiddle competitions playing Irish stuff.
I don't limit myself to one style, so this is a real melting pot: Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Wynona Judd, Ella Fitgerald, Pink, Annie Lennox, Natalie Mac Master!!! Enya, Linda Eder, John Lennon, Katie Melua!!!, and many more.
I have a violin made in Germany which is a good Strad copy, dated 1725, and a bow made in Brazil by Helio Cirillo...and a fit pair of vocal cords.
Does anyone else out there think the word "gig" is kinda goofy?? (snicker)
I was featured on NPR radio as a guest and played a violin solo during my interview on the Motley Fool show broadcast.