Cygan Groove Group Bio
Cygan Groove is a melange of consummate musicians whose combined experience traverses jazz, classical, contemporary and world music styles.
Fronted by the classic combination of guitar and violin, this frenetic four-piece is sure to dazzle and delight. Allow yourself to be transported back to the old-world glamour of the 1940s whilst still enjoying the contemporary flair of the modern world.
Be astounded by their versatility as they present an engaging range of atmospheric colours, perfect for easy listening… through to jaw-dropping show pieces that will leave you wanting more.
Anthea
Born in South Africa, Anthea started playing the violin at age 4. The violin has given her the freedom to explore endless boundaries of creativity in a range of styles.
Anthea has performed, toured and recorded with artists including Jimmy Barnes, The Victor Valdes Mariachi Band, Rob E.G, Jackie Dee, David Jones, Darren Coggan, Katie Noonan, Shane Nicholson, Daniel Johns, and Piet Botha. Anthea has performed at various music festivals including the Kiama and Newcastle Jazz Festivals, and the Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 2019 she represented Australia with Victor Valdes and Jimmy Barnes at the international Mariachi Convention in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Anthea performs regularly with her classical string quartet Sydney Ensemble, and her Gypsy jazz band Cygan Groove. In her own time, she enjoys composing and performing her own original works.
Pana
Damien (aka Pana) has performed with international recording artists as well as members of Sydney Symphony orchestra in prestigious venues such as Sydney’s The Basement, Twin towns, Byron Bay Hotel, and various festivals.
As well as teaching at the Newcastle Conservatorium, he has had the honour of filling in as a tutor for the legendary Don Andrews at the Central Coast Conservatorium.
Studying extensively with Australian jazz legend George Golla (who helped him acquire some guitars still used to this day), he is based in the Newcastle region and engagements have included. Performing/touring with bands as a guitarist; taking on the musical directors duties for in-house bands; arranging for studio projects; studio sessions; fill-in guitarist; front-man for contemporary and jazz bands; unplugged solo gigs with and without singing; guitar tuition(currently at Newcastle Conservatorium & home); and studio production.
In addition, Pana’s guitar work has received national and regional airplay and is on numerous albums and iTunes.
Brett
Brett began playing guitar at age 8. Since moving to Newcastle in 2007 he’s played and performed in various incarnations, from solo fingerstyle guitar to duos, trios and larger bands and ensembles. Outside of music he love to travel, read great books and eat great food!
Jeremy
Hailing from Melbourne Jeremy cut his teeth as a freelance jazz and classical double bass player, performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and numerous jazz bands in bars clubs and functions. In 2010 he relocated to Sydney and joined the Sydney New South Wales Police Band, where he held down the Bass chair for a year and a half.
After leaving the band he maintained a busy freelance working schedule primarily performing In jazz trios. Since relocating to Newcastle he has worked with some of the best jazz musicians in the city, including Andy Firth’s Nova Swing and Damian Cotton’s Swing Kings.