Violinist KERSTEN STEVENS is one of the most electrifying, expressive, & contemporary new artists of our time! Being blessed with a unique and soulful gift as a jazz, gospel and hip hop violinist, her magnificent talent has propelled her from a local star to a national buzzworthy artist! Currently a senior at Yale University in the class of 2006 and originally from Stratford, CT, Ms. Stevens began classical study of the violin at the age of three, and has since been the opening act for the late Ray Charles, performed with world-renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter, made a 2004 appearance for the National Boys and Girls Clubs at the request by Denzel Washington, appeared in 2005 as a featured soloist with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and took Showtime at the Apollo by storm, winning competitions in 2003 and 1999! Ms. Stevens' stirring violin improvisational skills have also received a number of awards and recognitions. She was crowned the Hal Jackson's Talented Teen Miss Connecticut 2000 and International 1st runner up and in 2002 was the Gold Medal winner of the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics in the Music/Instrumental Contemporary category. Also in 2002, she received awards from the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Youth Orchestra for musical excellence and from Vivian Ayers-Allen and Phylicia Ayers-Allen Rischad for her musical accomplishments. Recently, she was awarded for artistic excellence by the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale University. In both jazz and classical performance, Ms. Stevens has had extensive experience in many ensembles. Presently, she is the violinist in Sage, a sassy, funky all African American female jazz sextet out of New York. Her previous ensembles include the Yale Symphony Orchestra, Greater Bridgeport Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Neighborhood Music School Premier Jazz Ensemble. Kersten's greatest personal achievements have been her recording projects. Her debut album, entitled "The Beginning" was released independently in October 2002. This album was an electrifying introduction to Kersten's incredibly unique jazz talent, and was the culmination of her inspiring experiences with Ray Charles, Bill Cosby and Hal Jackson in the months prior. The album features Gerard D'Angelo (piano), Miriam Sullivan (bass) and Bernice "Boom Boom" Brooks (drums). In September 2005, Ms. Stevens celebrated the highly anticipated release of her sophomore album, "Walks of Faith," what has indeed proved to be one of the most expressive, engaging and soulful contemporary gospel/jazz fusions of our time! Among the many featured artists are Lonnie Plaxico (bass), Aziza Miller (piano), Tyrone Patrick (piano), Joe Scott (bass), Jonathan Berryman (piano), William Acosta (keys), Melvin Riley (piano) and James Jones (drums). Presently, Ms. Stevens is completing her senior year at Yale University, fostering her talent through a double major in music and African American Studies. In the future, she plans to write, produce her music and collaborate and tour with notable artists and musicians. Look to hear much much more from this thrilling young jazz violinist!