Whether it's playing to a sold-out crowd at New York City's famous Knitting Factory, or entertaining Angelinos on the Santa Monica Promenade,Akiva's always up for a show. "I once played for group of Italian teenagers on an overnight boat to Greece, they were great!" Akiva got his start playing Counting Crows covers for classmates while studying neurobiology at UMASS. He pushed any ideas of a serious career in music out of his head as he traveled overseas to follow his original dream of becoming a brain surgeon. But one can't deny true passions, and soon Akiva found himself spending more time playing gigs in English Pubs and popping up on local radio than dissecting gray matter. Eventually settling back in New York, Akiva hit the local music scene with more enthusiasm than ever before, bringing his mellow soul to such sought-after venues as The Bitter End and the Tribeca Rock Club. Then, a chance encounter with producer Phil Jimenez (Wheatus) at a friend's backyard wedding led to his critically acclaimed debut release, "Bueno Y Sano". As one DJ put it, "it's one of those CDs you don't want to let your friend borrow. Laid back groove and Muy Caliente!" (UTA Radio). No longer just a well-known local fixture, the word continues to spread as radio stations from Santa Monica to Boston add gems from Bueno Y Sano to their playlists. Akiva has become a much sought after opener for acts like RUSTED ROOT, JOSH KELLEY, TOBY LIGHTMAN, RON SEXSMITH and has showcased at numerous conferences from Atlantis (Atlanta) to the Midwest Music Summit(Indianapolis). His music is also featured on various compilations from Sonicbids Listen Volume 1 to Decent Xposure and he was selected as a spotlight artist by ARIZONA JEANS.