Where are you based?
I'm based in Brooklyn, New York.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the town of Katonah, which is in Westchester County, about an hour north of New York City.

Tell us a little about how you got interested in music and when you started writing/playing.
I've been singing and playing ever since I can remember. I come from a musical family and we were always singing and playing instruments during family get-togethers. My cousin is Felix Pappalardi (producer and bassist for Mountain, producer for Cream) and Michael Barbier who has engineered and produced for everyone from Cinderella to Blues Traveler. I started ukulele at 4, piano at 6, violin at 8 guitar at 9, bass at (upright and electric) at 14 and have also added banjo, accordion, mandolin and a bunch of other things. I started writing in high school and continued through college, receiving a master of music in composition and theory from SUNY Fredonia.

Describe your first performance (time, place and any feelings that went with it).
First performance I can remember? Probably singing at a nursing home when I was a kid. I remember enjoying performing and doing something that gave joy to the audience.

How would you describe your style of music and who are your musical influences?
My style is a good mix of folk, blues, rock and whatever I feel is appropriate for the song I'm writing. My influences range from Bach and Bartok to The Beatles, The Roches, Cole Porter, Joni Mitchell, etc.