Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Celtic, Scandinavian, Middle Eastern, French, Breton, and other traditional world folk music, backing up singer-songwriters, improvisation
SONG DETAILS AND CREDITS: English Dance (Live): solo medieval vielle, performing 13th century melody.
Seaweed:written and performed by Maia Archote (vocals/guitar). Viola improvisations by Michelle Levy. copyright Maia Archote & Michelle Levy 2005.
Einini:Performed by Taberna music ensemble: Traditional Irish lullaby sung in Gaelic and performed on octave mandolin by Abby Green, bagpipes by EJ Jones, fiddle by Michelle Levy. Arrangement copyright Taberna music ensemble, 2007.
Safe With You: written and performed by Maia Archote (voice/guitar). Arranged and accompanied by Cantiga Music Ensemble (Martha Gay-harp, Bob Bielefeld-flute, Michelle Levy-viola, Charry Garcia-charango), copyright 2005.
***NEW LIVE MUSIC VIDEOS ON YOU-TUBE!*** Click HERE!
Michelle Levy studied classical viola with Consuelo Sherba and David Rubenstein as well as Old Timey fiddle/banjo with Professor Jeff Titon at Brown University. After receiving the McKasson scholarship to Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School, she fell in love with the spontaneity of folk music and began a career focused on accompanying vocalists, improvising, and performing ancient music. For two years she toured with improvisational world music ensemble Cantiga, which was accepted to the Special Events roster of Cirque du Soleil.
Michelle continues her musical studies in Medieval performance practice on vielle with Shira Kammen while performing throughout the country with an eclectic variety of ensembles and vocalists, including Abby Green, Istanpitta Early Music Ensemble, and Maia Archote (2007 Ozark Mountain Songwriter of the Year). She teaches private lessons at Music Sources Center for Historically Informed Performances in Berkeley and is on the faculty of Bay Area Academy of Music and Art & Soul Music Studios. Most recently she was awarded the Jude Biggs scholarship to study English country dancing & music at BACDS English Week in the Mendocino Woodlands. She especially loves to play for dancers and to teach!
When Michelle is not playing music, she is busy creating pet portraits: CLICK HERE TO VIEW PORTRAITS and teaches art and music in the San Francisco Bay area.
..
Excerpts from July issue of "NightFlying: The Entertainment Guide" ("Eureka!" by Karen Fitzpatrick):
[...]"The Basin Spring Park Bandshell, as well as the Art Colony on N. Main Street has free music in the afternoons for your enjoyment. I got to catch a wonderful performance by M.A.B. (Maia Archote Band) recently. Normally, M.A.B. is made up of singer/ songwriter Maia Archote on guitar, Melissa Carper- upright Bass, violinist Michelle Levy, and Johnny Arredondo on drums. They were missing Melissa that day, but were joined by Maia’s Dad, Steven Archote playing lap steel. Maia’s style is sweet, but strong and I love her original songs! All of M.A.B. are versatile veteran musicians currently living in Eureka Springs, and the group is fun to watch and easy on the eyes!'
[...]'And the award for “Most Exotic Entertainment in July” goes to The New Delhi for Umzimba, the belly dancing troupe accompanied by Michelle Levy on violin and Melissa Carper on dumkeb “bringing ancient movement and melodies to the Ozarks!”
Hey, honey-bunz!! I miss you, grrrl! I wish you could see our cute little place in Eureka!! Having a cup of coffee at my cute little table!! Hee, hee! I love ya! Be weell, and I'll ring ya soon, to let ya know of the plans! xoxoxoxoxoxox
Just wanted to say that I enjoyed your panel and your editorial about your panel and I especially enjoyed the controversy that ensued via small minded loud mouthed individuals. What is art if it doesn't stir something in someone? Maybe some people learned a thing!
Awww, honey-bun!! I miss you sooooooooo much! I hope I get to see you this year~ Do you think you'll come for a visit 2 Eureka anytime soon? Love, love, love~ xoxoxoxox
P.s. If you'll be my darlin', I'll be your darlin', too...
Thank you for the add. You are a talent my friend, I heard you thru Maia & MAB. Let me know next time ur playing in Eureka I live in Ar. Once again thanks for the music- Russ
I was at a shindig with Misty a week ago. She mentioned her dream of a band with You, Martha, Johanna and Herself. I thought it was such a glorious idea! Later that night she and I sang beautiful songs together. I think of you often, your laugh, your music and your beaming spirit. Much love to you! -Kat
hope your holidaze were grand and santa got u everything you wanted! may all your dreams and wisher be made real in 09, u deserve it! love ya, miss you much!
Funny thing, I'm driving on Route 9 in Mass, ten mins from NYS, when I stop for a bite at some random pizza place. And there, of all places, is a stack of cards advertising pet portraits by, you! HA!
