Photo by Nino Fernandez
A branch of the illustrious Jazz Mafia, COSA NOSTRA STRINGS specializes in original Hybrid Crossover music. This five-piece powerhouse crew features conservatory trained classical musicians who bring a provocative, precise, punk-rock personality to a highly distinguished multi-style sound, utilizing their unique instrumentation of cello, viola, violin, trombone, bass, and percussion to the fullest extent. Spanning centuries of genres, you’ll hear diverse influences from around the world: funk infusion, folk, western chamber music, jazz, and most certainly 80’s rock ballads (because a set wouldn’t be quite complete without them)!
Cosa’s successful 2019 season included feature performances at SFJAZZ - where they were named young artists to look out for - Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, Blue Note Napa, Point Richmond Jazz, Yoshi’s, UnderCover Presents, The Soiled Dove, and concluded with a performance at Kennedy Center with GRAMMY-winning composer Mason Bates. In July 2019, Cosa performed with acclaimed dancers Lil Buck & Jon Boogz for a sold out crowd of 10,000 people for Despertares in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Recent releases include collaborations with Lilan Kane, Otis McDonald, The T Sisters, and founding violinist Shaina E. Cosa is currently working on their own debut album of original works to be released in 2020.
“Cosa Nostra was incredible to work with. They performed in collaboration with choreographers/dancers Lil Buck and Jon Boogz in front of a crowd of 8,000+ people at Auditorio Telmex in Guadalajara, Mexico. Great communication from start to finish; and creative execution was on point. I look forward to working with them again in the near future.”
“Cosa Nostra Strings has blown the doors off many shows I’ve produced, with their unique fusion of classical chops, high-energy village rhythms, and exotic modes. They know how to engage an audience with both surface and substance, and are fine colleagues all around.”
“Having Cosa Nostra at Despertares was an incredible experience. They are wonderful artists and human beings that performed for nine thousand people in the second biggest massive arena in Mexico. Memorable night! Fantastic energy and world class talent! If you have a chance to watch them on stage, don’t miss them!”
