Christina Zippy Z

About me:

My real name is Christina Zaenker, but friends and acquaintances call me Zippy (I like to Zip around, and Zippy Z has a nice ring to it).

I am a cellist and singer who loves to add bass, rythmn and texture to songs with my cello. I love recording and playing with original music.
I have recorded vocals and cello on close to 3 dozen songs from all genres- country to hip-hop, soundtracks to commercials.

I've toured Western & Central Canada several times, from Haida Gwaii to Montreal. I've played in bars, theatres, homes, cafes, at outdoor festivals and swank gala showcases. My cello goes everywhere.

I also take pride in creating events for and with other people, and am proud to have helped transform Vancouver from "No-Fun City", to one where creative artistic events & awesome house parties are the norm. My friends and I created the "Living Closet" arts community from 1998-2001 which gave artists, musicians and spoken word performers intimate venues across the city in which to bare and develop their raw talents. It inspired everyone who performed and attended to reach further with their creative pursuits, and the results continue to show in todays world of the performing and visual arts in Vancouver, BC and Canada. Such artists that emerged from Vancouver during this period include C.R. Avery, Shayne Koyczan, Rae Spoon, Jenny Galt, Yael Wand, T-Paul Ste. Marie, and so many more. I'm proud to have helped organize some of the spaces and times wherein these amazing people got to share their talent.

Now I am a co-producer of an AWARD-WINNING INDIE ARTS & MUSIC festival in Wells, BC- ARTSWELLS FESTIVAL OF ALL THINGS ART. This festival brings together musicians, artists, stilt-walkers, poets, jugglers, fire-eaters, dreamers, families, RVs, tourists and travellers from all walks of life, to the mountain hamlet of WELLS & historic mining town of BARKERVILLE over the First Weekend of August... Bring your warm woolies for this northern alpine music festival, and feel the amazing synergy of community and creativity! www.artswells.com

My roster of bands/people I've played with includes-

*Yael Wand - my musical partner/ friend/ bandmate of many many years: her music and voice is original and inspiring. You'll see me on tour with her most often, as a duo or trio. HER NEW ALBUM is out in JUNE 2009!

*the Joey Only Outlaw Band- the kickass country punk rockabilly band, led by the only JOEY ONLY. We toured Western Canada repeatedly from 2006-2008, and had a fun rise to modest fame (or infamy!) From big shows like New Years Eve at the Cambie Pub in Vancouver, to the wild nights with locals in a small town bar, we always had fun. Check out Joey as he continues to tour with the Outlaws or others.

*Kevin Kane- of Grapes of Wrath- his songwriting & music remains a compelling part of Canada's emotive soundscape. Check him on TOUR in SPRING 09!

*Leela Gilday- JUNO for best Aboriginal Album of 2007! Amazing singer & woman from Yellowknife, now a natonal sweetheart. Her 5 piece band is all-star. We'll all have to go visit her in Yellowknife now that she's moved home!

*Rae Spoon- awesome and unique alt-country singer. His new album "SuperiorYouAreInferior" came out in Fall 2008 (I'm on 3 songs). Catch Rae across Europe and Canada.

*Raghu Lokanathan- Prince George's loss was Victoria's gain. There is nothing typical about this story-telling, banjo & accordion playin' bluegrass- folk singer of Indo-Canadian roots! His songs are addictive, simply styled yet cleverly written, and his voice & performance is authentic and fun! I'm on 5 songs on his new and fabulous album "Blue Girl", produced by Corwin Fox. Catch him on tour SPRING AND SUMMER 09, now that the album is hitting the airwaves!

*Joel Kroeker- an awesome Canadian songwriter with two successful albums out. I recorded a tune with him for Neil Young's tribute cd on EMI records.

*Tamara Nile/ T-NILE- banjo funk bluegrass diva, with awesome new album out JUNE 09 (I'm on 2 songs)

*Jenny Galt, of Army of Jennys- MTV show Rockstar Supernova in July 2006, now launching her pop-electronica album (I'm on it too). A superstar ever rising.

*Wayne Lavallee- Rock 'n Roll Indian Cowboy, award-winning national star, new album SPRING 09 on a label in France. (I'm on one song)

*Art of Dying- alt-rock band, touring UK and US with big bands like Seether. I recorded on "Inside it's Raining" for their debut album.

*David Roy Parsons- a great songwriter and musician who continues to amaze us with his talents. He wrote "Super Happy Fun Jamboree" which is a favourite sing-along for many BC musicians!

*** *** My list of people I play with is growing daily, and I would love to add to your music too:) I love to record...

Christina wants you to check out a photo on MySpace in the Prince George album..
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseacti...

Singin' duets like June and Johnny- except "we're going to Jasper!" is our song... See, I don't just play cello, I sing too! Check out more pix on Joey's site.

ArtsWells Festival 2008 Here We Come!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZeyjLzwmPo

A great video & slideshow of ArtsWells 2007 (our fourth annual). See our friends & favourite performers to get a taste of all the amazing talent, activities & friendships that emerge within Wells & Barkerville during the best indie arts festival in Canada! Every August Long Weekend- the first & holiday weekend. Music by Mamaguroove.

Artswells Festival of All Things Art, Wells, BC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlKgXumInPA

A wicked slideshow of the 2nd annual ArtsWells festival... back in the early days. That year the evening mainstage was at the old BallDiamond, outside in the cold & wet Wells weather.. but the bonfire raged & the dancing continued! I am mc (who put me in charge?), famous line: Stay warm, Stay cool. Don't drink & drive. Good times!