Performing artists of the Dîner en Blanc 2015

Dave Yaden  www.daveyadenmusic.com                                                                                                                        
Jazz Band/Songwriter & Pianist
Dave Yaden- is a Grammy award-winning songwriter and performer.  He has written and performed with One Republic, Josh Kelley, T Pain, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson and Mindi Abair.  Dubbed the "Jack White" of piano, he is known most recently for his 2015 EP release, MOVE, and his project of The Bonnevilles with singer/model Kiara Belen (Macy Gray, America's Next Top Model).
 



Cristian Moraga https://www.facebook.com/christian.moraga.9                                                                                                        
Percussionist
Christian Moraga was born in Santiago, Chile, where he grew up listening to
Latin, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock, and World music. As a teenager, he was introduced to the rudiments and elements of classic percussion and was inspired to pursue music as a career.                                                                                         
At the age of 17, Christian began playing professionally by performing in various venues and festivals throughout Santiago, ranging from Jazz to pop, rock, etc. His continuous search for knowledge and excellence sent him traveling to various locations in the Caribbean, U.S., and South America to learn from the best in their fields. He traveled to Cuba where he studied privately with master percussionist “Changuito”. He visited Peru to learn Afro-Peruvian music with Leonardo Parodi. Brazil, where he studied with Ari and Dinho Nascimento. Later, he continued his education in New York at the Harbor Conservatory of the Performing Arts.
Since he moved to the United States in 2005, he has performed with renowned artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Chaka Kahn, Poncho Sanchez, Harvey Mason, Bob Mintzer, Oscar Hernandez, Gordon Goodwin, Nestor Torres, The LuckMan Jazz Orchestra, Bennie Maupin, Victor Wooten, Justo Almario, Jimmy Branly, Luis Conte, The Banda Brothers, Hernan Olivera, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Tito Nieves, Ismael Miranda, Jimmy Bosh, Albita Rodriguez, Lalo Rodriguez, Domingo Quiñonez, Kevin Ceballos, Fruko, Frankie Negron, Jose Rizo’s Mongorama, J. Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad and many others.
He currently resides in Los Angeles, California where he performs, records and teaches privately, giving clinics on
a variety of percussion rhythms, and concepts from around the world. He’s working simultaneously as a multi-percussionist
in his Latin Jazz Quartet called “Conganas”, and on a new exciting project fusing South American music with jazz.
 
 
DJ Sandra http://sandraluesse.com
DJ                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Sandra is quickly becoming one of LA’s hottest DJ’s amongst Hollywood’s nightlife. Sandra mixes house music with a spice of Latin flare while featuring bold vocals from all over the globe. Her eclectic style reflects her worldly upbringing and unshakable roots. Her spot-on track selections, creative remixes, passionate performance, and original productions have made for an unforgettable experience every time!
 She collaborated with vocalist  EliZe on her latest single called  “Love is our Religion” and has headlined at Nikki Beach Cabo San Lucas, Insomniac’s Glow Run in Vegas, House of Blues Los Angeles, French Tuesday, and Society Unici.  As well as numerous red carpet events, fashion shows, movie premiers, and boutique openings. It was an honor for her to perform at the first Diner en Blanc’s Los Angeles on Rodeo Drive in 2013. Sandra recently came back from Montreal after sharing the stage with rock legends Eddie Money and Loverboy while performing at a celebrity birthday party.
 



Rachel Grace www.rachelgraceviolin.com   www.sagastrings.com
Violinist                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Born and raised in The Hague (NL), Rachel Grace enjoyed her musical education at the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands. Discovering a passion and talent for jazz and improvisation, Rachel expanded her skills and within the next years she toured the globe next to the world’s most prominent and famous DJ's such as Tiesto and Paul Oakenfold as featured violinist. Rachel now resides in Los Angeles, California. She recently performed with/for Britney Spears, Annie Lennox, Daughtry, Oprah Winfrey, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Jimmy Kimmel, The Tonight Show etc. Rachel also performs as lead violinist of her own group Saga Strings, an all-female electric string quartet playing dance & rock music. Rachel is known for her great energy onstage, making each and everyone in the audience feel they're part of the show. Her passionate playing and impeccable virtuoso skills always create a magical experience for everyone present.