Andrew has always loved playing in bands, arranging, and when time allows, producing. When forced, he will even sing, but only if the auto-tune button is firmly switched on. His latest musical adventure is teaching his kids to play various instruments, loudly and sometimes even tunefully.

Ed started playing guitar at the ripe young age of five and has barely improved since. After a brief stint managing bands and University, Ed finally gave up on the music industry to join the tech world in 2006 and hasn't looked back since... until now! A passionate, if underwhelming Blues guitarist, Ed's family is less than pleased having him playing guitar all day whilst he's meant to be working from home.

Jingyu began playing the violin at the young age of seven while living in China with very ambitious parents. As time passed, Jingyu began to realize the brilliance of the violin and the wide variety of beautiful pieces just waiting to be played. She continues to practice and play to this day because it’s quite badass to say her hobby is playing violin.

Justin began his singing career in elementary school when he earned his Cub Scouts Performer Badge by practicing and recording his dad’s favorite Neil Young song for a Christmas gift. Years later, to impress a girl, Justin sang the blues a cappella-style during an open mic night. His next career move included debuting with the Epi+Opti Encores!

Kirsten is an accomplished, critically acclaimed mezzo soprano recognized by The New York Times and National Public Radio, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Aspen Music Festival, to name a few. Growing up, she was surrounded by music, starting out in musical theater and eventually studying classical voice professionally in San Francisco, New York and Paris. While Kirsten is a Marketing and Communications leader, she sustains a career as a mezzo soprano concert artist and finds she is able to communicate most authentically while singing, and in a way, unable to achieve in words.

Luis started play drums in his late 20’s after years of playing classical piano. For as long as he can remember, Luis always has a sense of rhythm, groove and a love for the physical and mental challenges drumming presents. As one of the most important instruments of any band, playing drums has brought him great satisfaction and joy.

Nina started singing for the joy it brought her. She sang at Disney and attended the Mickey Mouse Club Bootcamp with her middle-school chorus group. Though she never pursued a career in the biz, Nina always has fun singing with her family and friends.

Peter started out as a drummer before picking up the bass, wanting to write songs like Geddy Lee, Sting and Duran Duran. Plus, he found out that every band need a bass player, so job security was guaranteed. Outside of working as a Senior Software Engineer, Peter plays bass for The Goodbars, a local Minneapolis, Minnesota rock band.

Tia was singing from day one and by seven she publicly sang Tomorrow from Annie. From that moment, becoming a singer was Tia’s dream. She began taking vocal lessons and majored in Vocal Performance, Opera. Tia continued to sing opera professionally for several years. You can now hear her perform daily around the house much to the dismay of her husband and fur-babies.

Julia Porter
Tonye Praught

All those at Epi + Opti who sang, danced, or clapped along