Projects
Although I am a classically trained music, listening to other kinds of music is a source of inspiration. Throughout high school I was heavily into techno and rave, where rhythm layering was my obsession and foundation. I was also into Broadway musicals and Asian pop, where the melodies and text opened up a new world of expression for me. All that changed when I met my husband and bassist Randy Wong who taught me jazz and the interesting aspects of hip hop and R&B. Basically I am willing to listen to anything except heavy metal and hard rock (they’re hard on my eyes and head!). Violinistically, I’m also trying to bone up on my jazz violin skills by watching Youtube videos of Grappelli and others. Grappelli is my super musical hero!!
Other side projects include performing as Miss Helenini, WAITIKI’s very own violinyitarist ever, recording Cape Verdean pop songs with sax player Tim Mayer, and playing the occasional Christmas tune with The H.A.R.X.
Being an accomplished pianist, I also play keyboards and synth for Robert Drasnin and Don Tiki, another exotica band based in Hawaii.