The Violin Summit
Schedule
Sat, 07 Mar, 2026 at 08:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
3116 Main St, Duluth, GA, United States, Georgia 30096 | Duluth, GA
Eddie Owen Presents: The Violin Summit
Saturday March 7, 2026 at 8 pm
Live at Red Clay
Tickets: https://eddieowenpresents.freshtix.com/events/violinsummit
"One night at a party at my house (Ivan), Leah Calvert and I had the idea to figure out a way we could play a gig together. We’d been jamming together for a few years but never played with each other on stage. What came out of that meeting was an opportunity for four of the most sought after fiddle players in Athens to combine their talents in a way that had not been seen before in Athens.
We’ve called the group the Violin Summit Project.
Back in 1966, four of the greatest jazz violinists got together in Switzerland for a concert that changed the trajectory of the fiddle. Those violinists were Stephane Grappelli, Svend Asmussen, Stuff Smith and a 19-year-old Jean-Luc Ponty. The recording of the concert was entitled “The Violin Summit”. We have tried to recreate that music and that vibe along with our own spin and added some other tunes that you may recognize as well given the opportunity that having four fiddle players and a great rhythm section affords us."(IVAN STRUNIN)
The band consists of:
Ivan Strunin (fiddle)
Ivan Strunin is a versatile fiddler and vocalist whose musical journey spans over four decades and traverses multiple continents. Currently based in Athens, Georgia, Strunin has immersed himself in the local music scene, collaborating with various artists and contributing to the city’s rich musical tapestry. 
Strunin’s musical odyssey began in Chicago during the 1980s, where he honed his skills in honky-tonk country bars. His adaptability led him to explore diverse genres, including blues, western swing, bluegrass, and rock. His career has seen him perform in various locations worldwide, with a notable stint in Hong Kong before settling in Athens. 
In Athens, Strunin has become an integral part of several musical groups. He collaborates with Susan Staley and Maggie Mason Hunter in “The Humdingers,” a trio known for offering a fresh take on classic tunes.  Additionally, he leads “The Bones of St. Michael,” a band dedicated to Jazz Manouche, inspired by the legendary Hot Club of France. In early 2024, Strunin released his debut solo album, “The First Day of December.” Produced by Dirk Powell and featuring collaborations with Michael Doucet, the album reflects the music that has influenced him throughout his life.
Leah Calvert: (fiddle)
Leah Calvert is many things, among them a singer-songwriter and in-demand Atlanta-area fiddler and vocalist. Over the years, she has shared the stage with award-winning artists including Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Kristian Bush (Sugarland) and renowned songwriter Radney Foster. In addition to her work as a solo artist, she is a member of Atlanta acts The Dappled Grays and John Driskell Hopkins Band (Grammy winner and founding/current member of Zac Brown Band).
Calvert’s work with The Dappled Grays has spanned over a decade, during which time the group has found an audience in the United States and beyond. In 2012, they penned music for and appeared in Clint Eastwood’s film Trouble with the Curve, and their album Doin’ My Job received critical acclaim and heavy rotation worldwide, charting on both Sirius and XM.
With her record, Satellite, Calvert moves into uncharted territory, articulating a sound that is wholly her own. Though the compositions and vocal stylings offer a humble nod to her acoustic bluegrass roots, the record is musically a departure from this sound. With co-producers Marlon Patton and Rick Lollar (of Atlanta rock outfit Weisshund) providing a refined rock backdrop, Calvert deftly maneuvers through forms and styles ranging from traditional ballads to blues. With the aptly named Satellite, Calvert launches the listener directly into space; the record soars, it orbits, transmitting complex information in a palatable form. And above all, it gets shit done.
Adam Poulin (fiddle)
Adam Poulin is a gun for hire! Sawing on the fiddle and playing it hot, Adam is equally as accomplished as a guitar player and classical violinist. Adam is one of the brightest new talents in Athens and currently sits in with more bands than we can list in this page. He started playing violin at age 9. A few years later, at age 15, he began studying guitar. By age 24 after moving to Athens, hard work and talent turned him into one of the most sought-after professional musicians around, including as a studio player. Adam’s high on-stage energy and musicianship makes him worth any admission price to watch and hear.
Keiko Ishibashi (fiddle)
Keiko Ishibashi teaches violin and performs with creative artists.
Originally from Tokyo, Japan, she picked up the violin at age 5, she discovered a love for music that she has dedicated her life to. She received her diploma in Jazz Performance, Berklee College of Music; B.M in Violin Performance, Musashino Music Conservatory, Tokyo, Japan.
As a performer, she has performed with Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Christian McBride, Cee-Lo and Matisyahu and has appeared alongside the Black Eyed Peas, The Roots and Robert Randolph. She is also an arranger for CMH Records which releases string chamber music in the style of Jazz, Rock and Electronic music. You might hear her group’s music on several video games including Madden 08’.
She now makes Athens, GA her homebase.
Zoe Guiggeno (bass)
Zoe Guigueno (GIG-an-oh) is a Canadian bassist & songwriter living in New York City and Atlanta GA. Her music has been described as having “the smartness and delivery of early Suzanne Vega with the structure and musicality of Elvis Costello” (Melissa Farrick). Zoe studied jazz at Humber College in Toronto & has been touring internationally for 20 years in a variety of acoustic projects. Bragging rights include playing on Broadway, working with Steve Martin & Martin Short, playing with the Mountain Goats, appearing on the Grand Ol’ Opry, performing spontaneously with Jane Siberry, and having a two-second cameo in the Paul Motian documentary with banjo player Taylor Ashton.
Both as a performer and a teacher, Zoe is a highly sought after member of the Atlanta music community.
Greg Satterthwaite (piano)
Jamaican born jazz pianist Greg Satterthwaite is an artist whose work is multifaceted, melodic, soulful and sophisticated. Bringing an energy and touch to the piano that has become his signature sound, Satterthwaite creates music that infuses his Afro-Caribbean roots with the jazz tradition.
Crossing Lines is the 3rd album from Satterthwaite and is a continuation of his musical offerings and scope. The previously released album, Savannah Blue (2023), is proof of Satterthwaite’s ability to infuse the rhythms of the African diaspora with his creativity and ingenuity. “His playing here shows many insights into his mindset. It is stylistic and cerebral, yet imaginative, which considering his academic background is not surprising.” All About Jazz quote regarding the track Take The “A” Train from the album review, Savannah Blue.
Jeff Reilly (drums)
Jeff was born in New Jersey and started playing trombone in the 7th grade, that didn’t last very long. I was very drawn to the drums and percussion. I have been a working professional since age 18.
He spent a lot of time going into New York City when he was in his late teens. Being exposed to so much great music at a young age really shaped my approach to music. Jeff played in New York and New Jersey with a lot of different rock, funk, jazz and blues bands, doing national tours with many of them.
Jeff moved to Athens, GA in September of 98’ He spends most of his time doing recording sessions, teaching, and playing gigs around Athens and Atlanta.
Where is it happening?
3116 Main St, Duluth, GA, United States, Georgia 30096
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