Andrea Hoag Solo and Ensemble Performances

Solo & Ensemble Performances

In Andrea's solo concerts, traditional and original tunes are linked into universal themes with captivating verbal imagery, song and story. She "is one of those few performers who can bring together diverse music and audiences into experiences of brilliant unity" (Franklin Taggart, The Takoma Voice). Andrea is also available for programs of Swedish traditional music.

Cabaret Sauvignon

Four all-star musicians, nationally and internationally known in diverse genres, come together in the powerful new ensemble Cabaret Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape, although originally French, produces its finest wines on American soil. Similarly, the band has its roots in European traditions, but has developed a new, original bouquet. In concert, you'll be treated to romantic Parisian waltzes, smoky cabaret specials, Flemish baroque-era jigs and minuets, and graceful English country dance tunes. In the band's many original pieces you'll notice influences from jazz, Latin, Celtic, Swedish, and classical traditions. Andrea is joined in Cabaret Sauvignon by

Dave Wiesler, piano, guitar, and vocals. Dave composes much of the original material the band performs. His playing combines rhythmic integrity, masterful improvisation, and a rare breadth of expertise in traditional and classical musical forms. Dave's new recording "Cracks & Shadows" showcases his composing and arranging talents and was called "an enchanting mosaic of melody and rhythm... [exhibiting] abundant charm and vitality" by the Washington Post.

Karen Ashbrook, hammered dulcimer and wooden flute. Karen has an enviable reputation for "playing the hammered dulcimer in the Irish tradition" (the name of her book on Oak Publications), but the Cabs allow her to show off unexpected facets of her playing. Karen and Paul's new CD on the Maggies Music label, Celtic Cafe, is described by the Washington Post as "a series of wonderfully energetic and exquisitely arranged collaborations."

Paul Oorts, mandolin, bouzouki, tenor and five-string banjo, guitar, and accordion. Paul contributes a lot of the eclectic repertoire that gives the band its flavor. From an early background as a swing player in Belgium, he has branched out to become a highly sought-out accompanist in many styles. Paul performs regularly with dulcimists Steve Schneider and Maggie Sansone and with the French band Tympanon. With a previous ensemble, Paul was selected to represent Belgium in the Euro Country Music Masters' competition. His music is "...as good as it gets." (Dulcimer Players' News)

Andrea Hoag & Loretta Kelley

Andrea joins with Loretta, the premiere North American performer on Norwegian hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle) to present a brilliant array of traditional Swedish and Norwegian music. From the complex rhythmic structure of springar and west-Swedish polskor, to lyrical melodies with rich harmonic variation, to amusing or tender traditional songs, the duo's concerts are full of surprises and magic.

Emerald Glen

Emerald Glen , with Barbara Heitz and Jody Marshall, plays rousing Celtic reels, exquisite classical themes, and ancient Renaissance dances. Flute, hammered dulcimer, and violin combine in a sparkling mosaic of sound that is both contemporary and timeless.

Andrea Hoag & Tom Espinola

Andrea's duo performances with Tom Espinola feature originals and music of the South -- old time Appalachian fiddle tunes and songs, blues, jazz-influenced jams, waltzes, and gospel hymns. Hot playing on mandolin, guitar, and fiddle, smooth vocal harmonies, and an indefinable chemistry create memorable performances.

Performer and composer Tom Espinola is experienced in traditional, bluegrass, jazz, classical and avant garde music. He has taught mandolin, guitar and music theory for over twenty five years and has performed in many ensembles including New Morning String Band, and Nothin' Doin'. Espinola has performed and recorded with Bruce Hornsby, Stephen Bennett, Peter Rowan, Mac Wiseman, Jethro Burns and has done workshops with Bill Monroe. He has written for chamber orchestra, theater, and dance groups, and one of his multi-media pieces was featured in "New Music America" festival in Washington D.C. He was commissioned to arrange for the Paul Winter Consort and for Trapezoid, who recorded his arrangements on Cool of the Day, Another Country, and Now and Then. Tom's own music can be heard on Feather River and Which Way Waltz.

Check the Calendar for a listing of Andrea's scheduled performances

send e-mail to Andrea Hoag

Azalea City Recordings