The chamber ensemble melds the worlds of hip-hop, jazz, & classical in this new collaboration iwth Richmond-based rapper Mani Draper.
Comprising a unique instrumentation of cello, viola, violin, trombone, bass, and percussion, the Cosa Nostra Strings are an offshoot of Adam Theis' omnivorous Jazz Mafia conglomeration, a quintet of conservatory-trained classical musicians performing an energetic mix of chamber music, funk, and jazz with an attitude rooted in punk rock. They have collaborated with members of The Roots, Blackalicious, Beats Antique, vocalist Lilan Kane, and many of the in-demand rap artists on the West Coast. Their multi-night residency showcases the diversity of this unconventional ensemble, featuring violinist Shaina Evoniuk, violist Keith Lawrence, cellist Lewis Pazner, percussionist Aaron Kierbel, and Jazz Mafia ringleader Adam Theis on trombone and bass.