/Some extraordinary stories in Soul Music can begin in the most ordinary of places. I (Charisa, a.k.a. the ViolinDiva) began my musical journey in a little public school program at the tender age of four, and so began a lifelong love-affair with music. Born and raised in Maryland, all of my earliest musical influences - from traditional gospel to Washington DC’s gogo, and le hot jazz to classical symphonic training, all blend to create an innovative and jazz-infused take on contemporary soul. I’ve been blessed enough to collaborate with some of the most illustrious artists across the musical borders, on some of the most prestigious stages (including with Wynton Marsalis, Ashanti, Claudia Acuna, Common, Doc Severinson and Mos Def – to name a few). It has truly been great. But that's not all. I FINALLY have my TWO (that’s right, I said TWO) first albums simultaneously in production right now. (Woo-hoo!) ‘Stories’ in the soul genre and ‘This Journey Home’ in the gospel genre are both set to release in fall 2009. There are also many different shows and showcases of my own that I’m working on around town, so keep checking in to see what’s coming up next. I’m more excited than words can say about the big things happening in my life, and I invite you to journey with me in the next chapter in soul . . . Welcome to the Evolution.[Charisa D. (aka the ViolinDiva) is available for events, session work, group and feature performances, musician contracting, commerical work, arranging, songwriting, loops, beats, and touring in all genres - specializing in classical, hiphop, soul, R and B, gospel, and jazz.]