California
About Us...
CAVE WOMEN, an all girl band based out of Sacramento CA, are stepping out of the cave this fall to bring you their debut album. The band’s sound features lush four part harmonies and rich textures that include a combination of accordion, mbira, bass, flute, drums, and guitar. Drawing from diverse backgrounds, their music combines jazz, classical, folk, a cappella, gypsy, Brazilian, and African music. Their debut album was recorded, mixed and mastered with Pat Olguin, “a sound engineer who has received multi-platinum engineering credits and has a recent #1 Billboard credit for mixing and mastering CAKE’s hugely successful record “Showroom of Compassion”. Their upcoming album includes 9 tracks, all of which are written and performed by Cave Women.
Casey Lipka
CASEY LIPKA born and raised in Venice California, draws from jazz, folk, contemporary, Brazilian, and Zimbabwean music to create her own eclectic sound. After studying jazz at Concordia University in Montreal, she received a degree from California State University Sacramento in jazz voice and improvisation under the instruction of Julia Dollison. Casey has also studied under Gretchen Parlato. As a member of the CSUS Jazz Singers, Casey was a finalist in the 2010 Monterey Jazz Festival's Next Generation competition. Besides vocals, Casey plays the stand-up bass and mbira. Featured in Sacramento Press as an up and coming jazz talent, when not playing live music or teaching, Casey is often found rock climbing.
Alicyn Yaffee
ALICYN YAFFEE is a double major at California State University Sacramento pursuing degrees in jazz guitar studies and jazz vocal studies. Playing guitar since age 11, Alicyn has experience with a range of jazz genres from Latin to contemporary to traditional. Growing up, she played in jazz bands, earning awards for outstanding performance. She also sang in the Kelseyville Jazz Choir, one of the top vocal groups in Northern California. Alicyn is a now a guitarist in several jazz combos, including the 4:30 jazz ensemble, and performs as part of the nationally acclaimed CSUS Vocal Ensemble. Alicyn is currently developing her own original songs.
Vanessa Cruz
VANESSA CRUZ is originally from Miami, Florida. Vanessa began playing drums at age 12 and studied at Miami's New World School of the Arts. After moving to New York, she studied at The New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program where she received a Bachelors in Fine Arts and Music Performance. She studied at Purchase Conservatory of Music with notable jazz musicians and teachers, including John Faddis and John Riley. In addition to performing live, Cruz has experience teaching music privately and in a classroom setting. Vanessa has toured in several different countries and currently lives in Sacramento, CA where she plays percussion with several bands, including the Harley White Jr. Orchestra.
Emily Messick
EMILY MESSICK is a music education major at California State University Sacramento. Growing up, she performed in band, drama and advanced music ensemble. Emily is part of Don Kendrick's Chamber Choir and sings in the award winning CSUS Jazz Singers ensemble, directed by Kerry Marsh. In addition to her vocal talents, Emily also plays accordion, piano and guitar. Equally comfortable in a classical or jazz setting, she has performed with numerous Northern California musicians, including the French Cassettes, The Suspensions and Scott Bartenhagen.
Kim Davis
KIM DAVIS has been playing the flute for twelve years. In addition to the flute, she studied the piccolo, clarinet, bass clarinet and the saxophone family. As a classical flute performance major at Califronia State University Sacramento, Kim has performed with the Merced Symphony, recorded with Laurel Zucker and Dave Short's Sax Therapy. Kim currently performs in the Sacramento State Jazz Ensemble "A", playing flute as well as baritone saxophone. She also performs with the CSUS Symphony Orchestra and Baroque Ensemble. Kim shares her passion for music by giving lessons and plans to earn a music doctorate and teach at the university level.