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Allison Steiner
(58)
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Springfield, MO -
Strolling Violinist
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81 Verified Bookings
Becky S. said “Allison was great! She is so professional and handled everything for us!”
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Caleb Caviness - World Fiddle Player
- Independence, MO
- Violinist
- Travels up to 120 miles
- Contact for rates
Overview
I'm Caleb, a classically trained multi-instrumentalist specializing in violin, erhu, morin khuur, and dulcimer. With over 20 years of experience, I bring a unique blend of world folk and contemporary sounds to weddings, parties, and events. My performances offer a journey through diverse musical traditions, while also bringing life to familiar favorites and popular hits. Based in Kansas City, I'm available for solo or ensemble performances and willing to travel. Let's make your event a memorable musical adventure.
1 Review
Michelle E. •
December 2, 2023
Caleb played the violin at my nephew's wedding, and it was everything we had hoped for - beautiful, emotional, and perfectly executed. He was extremely professional and easy to work with, in addition to his obvious musical talent. After having such a great experience working with Caleb, I would highly recommend him for any future events.
Hired as:
Violinist
Violinist
Booking Info
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 30 - 120 minutes
Languages: English
What to Expect
If you're looking to add a special touch to your event, my performance is designed to do just that. I bring a blend of global sounds, perfectly tailored to suit the mood of your gathering. Whether it's a wedding with the classic elements of pre-service music, processionals, ceremony songs, and recessionals, or a more casual setting like a reception or a Christmas party, I'm happy to suggest songs and take requests.
I engage with audiences, sharing insights into the music and instruments, creating a more interactive experience. As a professional musician, I prioritize a smooth, hassle-free experience for every event. With me, you get more than music; you get a memorable and unique addition to your event.
My setup, which includes my own music stand, ensures clear, quality sound and can be ready in as little as five minutes, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience. I'm adaptable, easily integrating with your venue's system, and my performance is as interactive as you'd like it to be, with engaging stories about the music and instruments.
If you're unsure about incorporating violin or other instruments into your event, feel free to ask, and we can design a perfect experience for you!
About
I am a classically trained multi-instrumentalist with a rich background in classical music, encompassing solo performances, ensembles, and orchestras. My journey began in the world of classical violin, which laid a strong foundation before I embarked on exploring diverse musical landscapes.
My childhood was serenaded by the melodies of fiddle playing and bluegrass, nurturing a deep affection for these genres. This early exposure sparked my curiosity in foreign folk fiddles and the broader field of ethnomusicology.
Over time, I have honed my skills in playing the erhu, morin khuur, and Appalachian mountain dulcimer. My musical adventures have taken me across the globe, where I've had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed musicians and gaining international recognition. In the summer of 2024, I will be showcasing my talent at the world competition in Mongolia.
Having devoted half of my life to music, I am eager to share an extraordinary musical experience with you.
About the Instruments I play:
Violin: My roots in classical training blend seamlessly with my love for Scottish/Irish fiddle playing, which is where my heart truly lies with this instrument. Yet, the violin’s versatility extends far beyond these genres.
Erhu: This Chinese two-stringed spike fiddle resonates with a timbre akin to a theremin or human voice, offering an expressive and noble sound. Its repertoire is unique, capable of adding an ethereal tranquility to any composition.
Morin Khuur: The Mongolian horsehead fiddle, one of the most ancient bowed instruments, produces a spiritual and grounded sound. It is a cultural emblem, often accompanying throat singing, with music that evokes the essence of nature, from the gallop of horses to the flow of rivers.
Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer: This instrument is a hidden gem in the tapestry of American musical heritage, offering a sweet and mellow sound that resonates deeply at intimate events. Traditionally accompanying hymns and American folk music, the dulcimer provides a charming and soulful alternative to guitar music. Its unique character, often likened to a stringed bagpipe, comes from the distinctive technique of playing a continuous drone string alongside the strummed melody, creating a rich, harmonic texture that is both rustic and enchanting.
I'm active in the Kansas City and Chicago music scenes and have extensive experience in musicals, weddings, church services, funerals, concerts, and festivals. I am open to performing in any setting you desire.
Let me know the setting, mood/vibe, desired instruments, and genre, and we can tailor a perfect musical accompaniment. From bluegrass to jazz to throat singing - if it involves a fiddle, I'm your guy!
I look forward to working with you!
Additional Booking Notes
I come prepared with my own sound equipment, including microphones, pickups, and a pedalboard, which allows me to adapt to different acoustic environments easily. This means I can ensure high-quality sound for my performance, whether it's in a small room or a larger venue.
If the venue has its own speaker system, that's great! I can easily connect my equipment to the existing setup for a smooth and hassle-free sound experience. I want the music to always sounds its best, regardless of the venue.
I aim to deliver a clear and enjoyable listening experience for every performance, making sure that the unique qualities of each instrument are heard and appreciated.
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| December 16, 2023 • 2:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
Set List
Depending on the gig, I can offer a huge variety of music. Here's some very common songs based on genre. I'm definitely open to requests, and any of these songs can be arranged for any instrument I play.
Pop:
"A Thousand Years" (Christina Perri)
"Shape of You" (Ed Sheeran)
"Viva la Vida" (Coldplay)
"All of Me" (John Legend)
"Thinking Out Loud" (Ed Sheeran)
"Despacito" (Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee)
"Love Story" (Taylor Swift)
"Perfect" (Ed Sheeran)
"Can't Stop the Feeling!" (Justin Timberlake)
"Someone Like You" (Adele)
Rock:
"Sweet Child o' Mine" (Guns N' Roses)
"Hotel California" (Eagles)
"Don't Stop Believin'" (Journey)
"Livin' on a Prayer" (Bon Jovi)
"Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen)
"November Rain" (Guns N' Roses)
"Stairway to Heaven" (Led Zeppelin)
"Paint It Black" (The Rolling Stones)
"Highway to Hell" (AC/DC)
"Wonderwall" (Oasis)
Classical:
J.S. Bach - "Air on the G String"
Pachelbel - "Canon in D"
Mozart - "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
Beethoven - "Ode to Joy"
Vivaldi - "The Four Seasons"
Tchaikovsky - "Swan Lake"
Grieg - "In the Hall of the Mountain King"
Debussy - "Clair de Lune"
Brahms - "Hungarian Dance No. 5"
Mendelssohn - "Wedding March"
Fiddle/Bluegrass:
"Oh Death" (Traditional American)
An old Appalachian song that deals with mortality, offering a haunting and contemplative melody.
"Wayfaring Stranger" (Traditional American)
A deeply emotive folk tune that tells the tale of a solitary traveler.
"The Blackest Crow" (Traditional American)
A poignant song full of longing and unrequited love, its melody is often hauntingly beautiful on string instruments.
"Man of Constant Sorrow" (Traditional American)
A classic American folk song that has been popularized in Bluegrass music, known for its melancholy narrative.
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" (Charlie Daniels Band)
A fast-paced, high-energy song that showcases the agility and versatility of fiddle playing.
"Cripple Creek" (Traditional American)
This is a lively and upbeat bluegrass standard, often used to showcase banjo techniques but equally engaging on the fiddle.
"Ashokan Farewell" (Jay Ungar)
This wistful and evocative piece, often associated with American Civil War imagery, showcases the emotional range of the fiddle.
Scottish/Irish:
"Loch Lomond" / "Red Is the Rose" (Traditional Scottish / Irish)
A heartfelt Scottish song that can be combined with the Irish variant, showcasing the beauty of love and loss.
"Wild Mountain Thyme" / "Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go" (Traditional Scottish / Irish)
These timeless melodies celebrate the allure of nature and love, representing the folk traditions of both Scotland and Ireland.
"The Parting Glass" (Traditional Irish)
A poignant Irish farewell song often performed at the end of gatherings, evoking deep emotions and reflection.
"Galway Girl" (Steve Earle)
A contemporary folk-pop song popularized by Steve Earle, blending elements of Irish music with a modern twist.
"Star of the County Down" (Traditional Irish)
A lively and beloved Irish ballad that tells the story of a captivating woman from County Down.
"Danny Boy" (Traditional Irish)
An iconic Irish ballad that embodies both longing and beauty, often performed as a tribute to loved ones.
"Whiskey in the Jar" (Traditional Irish)
A rollicking Irish folk song that recounts the adventures of a highwayman and his love for whiskey.
"Morrison's Jig" (Traditional Irish)
A spirited Irish jig that showcases the energy and rhythmic intricacies of traditional Irish music.
Erhu:
"Moonlight Over the Spring River" (Traditional Chinese)
A classical piece that embodies the rich culture of China, performed on the erhu, showcasing its distinct, soulful tones.
"Horse Racing" (Traditional Chinese)
This is a lively piece that captures the excitement and tension of a high-stakes horse race, displaying the erhu's versatility.
"River of Sorrow" (Traditional Chinese)
Known for its melancholic melody, it's an evocative piece that beautifully demonstrates the erhu's ability to express deep emotion.
"Butterfly Lovers" (Traditional Chinese)
This is one of the most famous Chinese orchestral compositions, often dubbed the Chinese "Romeo and Juliet." It's a beautiful and emotional piece that is well loved by erhu enthusiasts.
Morin Khuur:
"Saruul Tal" (Traditional Mongolian)
A traditional Mongolian urtiin duu (long song) tune passed down through many years of oral tradition.
"Tengriin Salkhi" (Traditional Mongolian)
This piece, whose title translates to "Wind of the Sky," is evocative of the vast, open steppes of Mongolia.
"Jonon Hariin Yavdal" (Traditional Mongolian)
This energetic tune depicts a scene of horses galloping freely across the steppes, showcasing the lively and rhythmic aspect of morin khuur music.
"Jaran Tsagaan Aduu" (Traditional Mongolian)
A song depicting a tragic loss of many soldiers during a war.
Setup Requirements
Chair
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