The Violin Summit Project @ The Foundry at Hotel Abacus (Athens, GA)

Aubrey Entertainment presents...

• All Seated Show - All ages Show
• Doors @ 6pm, Show @ 7:30pm
• Tickets are $15 adv (+tax/fees), $20 door
• Limited reserved tables available on the mezzanine level of the venue
• Food and beverages service from the bar only (no table service at the venue)

Four Violins: Ivan Strunin, Leah Calvert, Adam Poulin and Keiko Ishibashi along with a rhythm section consisting of Jeff Reilly on drums, Keith Morris on bass and Greg Satterthwaite on keys. The Violin Summit Project will be recreating one of the seminal moments in Jazz Violin history, The Violin Summit concert which in 1966 was one of those events that changed the trajectory of Jazz Violin. The players on that concert in Switzerland included Jean Luc Ponty, Stephane Grappelli, Svend Assmussen and Stuff Smith.

You can listen to the original album here:

Join us for our 2nd show on January 24th at the Foundry in Athens, Georgia!

One night at a party at my house, Leah Calvert and I had the idea to figure 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 I came up with was a way for me to play with not only Leah, but also Keiko Ishibashi with whom I’ve also done a lot of jamming but had never done a gig, and finally I thought it would be a great way to finally get to play with Adam Poulin

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 Assmussen, 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.

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 is a reflection of 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 Matisuyahu 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.

Keith Morris (bass): bio coming shortly....

Greg Satterthwaite (piano): bio coming shortly....

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 different rock, funk, jazz and blues bands, dong 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.

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