is an evolution of Carmina Piranha with a heightened sense of mystery and a dark, beautiful repertoire consisting of re-worked Carmina gems, new originals, traditional Renaissance music and obscure covers; vocal-heavy arrangements are supported by acoustic guitar and offset by cello, percussion and occasional flute.

Carmina Piranha (1995 - 2002) – the now defunct, highly regarded, all-female Portland band whose most notable achievement was a collaboration with Oregon Ballet Theatre in April of 1998; Carmina Piranha performed extensively and released two recordings, Revenge Poems (soundtrack to the original ballet choreographed by OBT Artistic Director James Canfield) and Lucid (seven-song EP released in conjunction with the band’s farewell show in August of 2002. Original members were Lisa Stringfield (vocals), Lara Michell (acoustic guitar, vocals), Coley Smith (electric guitar), Kristin Converse (bass) and Kirsten Swanson (drums, vocals). In 1999, Smith and Converse amicably split from the group and the remaining members added Nancy Hess (bass, vocals) and proceeded as a quartet until Hess moved to NYC in autumn of 2002.

Lisa Stringfield – “As a baby, she was whistling little tunes even before she could say her first words,” says Lisa’s full-blooded Italian mother. Carmina Piranha’s lead singer and principal lyricist, Lisa’s vocals have been likened to a dynamic blend of the throaty stylings of Chrissie Hynde and PJ Harvey, with exotic colorings of Lisa Gerrard’s ephemeral approach. Armed with an amazingly strong and sensual stage presence, Lisa has sung for a number of live bands, including a brief stint with Pink Martini in 1998. She also sang backing vocals on the latest CD from Portland goth/industrial band Written in Ashes, Epiphany.

Lara Michell – Carmina Piranha’s flamenco-inspired acoustic guitarist and principal music composer, Lara spent the last seven years developing her solo career alongside that of the band. Her most recent solo release, Somniloquy, was met with unanimous critical acclaim throughout the region. A frequently sought-after collaborator in both live and studio settings, she has worked with numerous Portland musicians including Little Sue, Ashleigh Flynn, McKinley and James Low.

Jen Bernard – Jen sings and plays flute, piano and fingerstyle guitar. She is an avid organizer of groups and events (including Portland’s Annual MURDER BALLAD Night) and can’t seem to get away from the choral arrangements inexorably etched into her psyche from an early age. Jen earns a living teaching kids how to play music, and by playing Classical schlock at weddings.

Skip Von Kuske – For the past several years, Skip has worked in the background of the Portland music scene, composing and performing string arrangements and improvising cello parts with a multitude of artists. His work appears on albums by Pink Martini, Stephanie Schneiderman, Sattie Clark, Nicole Campbell, Little Sue, Julie Larson, Lara Michell, Terra, Richmond Fontaine, The Standard and others too numerous to list. Skip’s cello work in Carmina Luna straddles the dimension between upright bass and violin, at times anchoring, at others soaring.
 

For more information, contact Lara Michell at 503-282-6790 or elfpunch@aol.com.