Cosa Nostra Strings, featuring Shaina Evoniuk

Wednesday, March 28, 7:30pm at California Jazz Conservatory

Cosa Nostra Strings, a project the Jazz Mafia collective, specializes in original hybrid-crossover music. Ranging from acoustic heavy metal to power ballads and everything in between, they utilize their unique instrumentation of cello, viola, violin, trombone, bass, and percussion to the fullest extent.  Co-led by Jazz Mafia founder Adam Theis on trombone and violinist Shaina Evoniuk, the quintet is formed by violist Keith Lawrence, cellist Lewis Patzner, and drummer Aaron Kierbel. This powerhouse crew features conservatory-trained classical musicians who bring a provocative, precise, punk-rock personality to a highly distinguished multi-style sound.

Violinist Tessa Schwartz will be appearing as Jazz in the Neighborhood’s Emerging Artist. Although still in middle school, Miss Schwartz is already a recognized bluegrass fiddler with three CD credits, and she fronts an all-girl, all-teen bluegrass band called North Country Blue.  She has performed in Jazz School workshops, including Joe Bagale’s High School Funk Ensemble, for several years, and hopes to be part of the Berkeley High School jazz scene starting this Fall.

This event is a CD release for Hitwoman Honey, Evoniuk’s debut album as a solo artist, composer and band leader, which follows on the heels of her successful career as an in-demand string arranger and side woman.

Jazz in the Neighborhood presents its Wednesday night series at CJC with financial support from AFM Musicians Union Local 6.

Tickets available through the CJC box office or at the door.
$20 general admission / $10 full-time students

Rendon Hall in the Fiddler Annex, 2040 Addison St. Berkeley