The Spellbinder Orchestra is a melodious fit for our xenodochial mult-genre show.
In the thirty years during which we’ve been putting together music festivals, we’ve seldom had a band as euphonically optimized while simultaneously so culturally disparate. ..they also just plain sound amazing.
The Spellbinder Orchestra, based in San Francisco, California, is known for its unique blend of indie folk music with influences from classical, Americana, Eastern European, and swing styles. This ensemble, which can range from a trio to an octet, specializes in vintage music from the 1800s to the 1940s, making it a popular choice for themed events like speakeasy and 1920s parties. Their parent group, Brother Spellbinder, is primarily folk-based, offering a crossover with classical and Americana music. The orchestra includes a variety of instruments like ukulele, guitar, fiddle, cello, percussion, mandolin, harmonica, with both female and male lead vocals.
They have performed at notable venues and events such as the Edwardian Ball, SF Free Folk Fest, and Burning Man Decompression, showcasing their versatility and appeal to diverse audiences. Their music selection includes both covers and originals, tailored to the event’s theme, with past performances earning praise for setting an authentic, engaging atmosphere. The musicians are described as professional, easy to work with, and delivering performances filled with energy and fun, making the Spellbinder Orchestra a cherished part of San Francisco’s eclectic music scene.
The Spellbinder Orchestra has made a notable appearance in New York, particularly within the folk and vintage music circuits. They’ve performed in Woodstock, New York, where they were actively seeking additional musicians to join their ensemble, showcasing their interest in expanding their unique sound to the East Coast. This move reflects their ambition to bring their eclectic mix of folk, Americana, and swing to broader audiences, suggesting they’ve left a mark in New York’s vibrant music scene, much like their influence in San Francisco. Their performances often include improvisation, adding a fresh and dynamic element to their shows, making them memorable in settings that appreciate creative musical expressions.
Spellbinder Orchestra East
Primarily based in Woodstock, NY now, Alzara plays with cellist Cornelia Logan, a Hudson Valley native, who has played with Mamalama, Earth Opera and Free River band. Core members also include upright bassist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Joe Pierog of The Library band and songwriter Chris O’Driscol on acoustic guitar. You may catch rotating violinist Kate Hudson of Big Brother & the Holding casting spells with electric violin. Spellbinder East members are known for their strong vocals and delicious harmonies.