Violinist Sara Parkins is stylistically versatile, with experience ranging from classical to jazz that incorporates world music, or 20th century music, influences. The latter can be heard in her recordings with NYC's downtown avant jazz players such as Guy Klucevsek (she performs in his Bantam Orchestra). She performed with cousin Zeena Parkins & Gangsterband Parkins -- which included members of EasSide Percussion -- at the 1999 Moers Festival, and appears on several of Zeena's recordings. Her experience in classical performance includes being a former member of the St. Louis Symphony and the Orchestra of St. Luke's, and continuing membership in the Angeles String Quartet. Originally from Michigan, Sara Parkins attended the Curtis Institute and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for her undergraduate studies, after which she went to the State University of New York at Stony Brook to earn her master's degree. Her principal teacher during these years was Isadore Tinkelman. Sara Parkins appears on various soundtracks, on several Tzadik releases (including Klucevsek's Stolen Memories) and on Steve Coleman's 1999 release on RCAVictor. ~ Joslyn Layne, Rovi