Omar Lopez, better known as "the guy with the red violin", is an award-winning violinist, singer, arranger, and composer who is recognized as one of the Top Ten String Players in Austin, Texas.

Omar is a native of the Live Music Capital of the world, and while he was the featured violinist for the internationally-renowned Dreamsound Orchestra World tour from 1998 to 2001, his local recognition stems from his appearances with established Austin groups such as Latin-jazz and salsa sensation The Brew, Austin Music Award-winning electronic-pop artist Matson Belle, and gospel singer-songwriter Mary K. Shanahan's Child of the Chain.

Classically-trained, yet uniquely innovative, Omar has combined the elements of jazz, rock, Latin, world music, pop, R&B, and electronica to create his own inspired style. This versatility is mirrored by the members of his own live band.

His first two self-produced albums, "FOREVER RED" and "EXPERIENCE", have garnered critical acclaim in the classical crossover, contemporary instrumental, and new age music communities. His original compositions range from powerful rock anthems and melody-driven dance tracks to gospel-inspired, hearty vocal ballads and world-flavored orchestral opuses. Woven through it all is a message of strength and survival against all odds.

David Lynch of THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE says: "The classical training of Austin's worldly violinist Omar Lopez shows in his fiery technique, sweet tone, and this debut set list. Approaching his third decade, Lopez's themes - transition, impermanence, transformation - find him engaged in deeper issues than the typical concerns of his cohorts. In the end, Lopez should be proud, since he demonstrates a manifest talent taking hold."

2008 TOUR MUSICIANS:

As Violinist Omar Lopez prepares to embark on his first national concert tour with the beginning of his Spring 2008 Concert Series, he will be joined onstage by a supporting cast of musicians and vocalists hailing from progressive rock, classical, jazz, Latin, pop, gospel, electronic, and experimental music backgrounds.

Ryan Redfern - Bass Guitar / Musical Director
Reagan Redfern - Drums
Christopher Cribb - Keyboards
Greg Williams - Electric Guitar / Saxophone
Jennifer Mulhern - Cello (at select performances)
Leah Zeger - Violin / Backing Vocals (at select performances)
Kelley Glover - Backing Vocals / Choir Direction
Rachel Keagy - Backing Vocals