About Me:
Patrick Contreras' musical resume can only be described in one word "eclectic". In 1996, Patrick was chosen among some of Amerca's elite young classical musicians to represent United States on a tour through Europe. This experience would prove to be an eye opening and life changing moment for this young musicians career. Motivated and full of energy Patrick returned to the United States eager to sharpen his craft at not only performing great works of classical music, but to develop his natural instinct to improvise. During the beginning stages of his training he received training from Mariachi Los Camperos in mexican music and Dr. Susan Doering in classical music. Patrick also used night clubs as his teacher to sharpen his improvisation skills, jumping into every type of jam session he could sit in on from Jazz to Hip Hop, Country, Rock, Blues, and even Bluegrass. In Early 2000 Patrick Joined the Progressive Rock/ Flameno group Zambra (www.zambraband.com) which proved to be an invaluable experience in his development. Zambra toured all over California opening for acts such as Poncho Sanchez, and playing jazz festivals in the bay area and southern California. Slowly Patrick began developing into a soloist with all his experiences finally debuting in a classical music concert at the Tower Theater in Fresno, California which received critical acclaim from local publications. Patrick returned to the Tower Theater the next summer to give a career- changing concert named "No Boundaries". His performance exploited all of Patrick's Facilities outside of the classical realm to which he is now known for : Salsa, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Flamenco, Indian, Arabic, Funk and Hip Hop. This has become the standard upon Patrick's devlopment as an Artist. Patrick has opened and worked with Artists such as Hip Hop Favorites Digital Underground and E- 40, and Sir Mix Alot. Instrumental virtuosos like Bela Fleck, Jean Luc Ponty. Classical Musicians such as Sarah Chang, Alexander String Quartet, and Josh Groban. Mexican Music heavyweights Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Imperial, and Aida Cuevas. Theater Shows like Cirque De Soleil. Salsa groups Anthony Blea y Su Charanga, Tito y Son De Cuba, and Poncho Sanchez. In 2007, Patrick debuts his album "American Gypsy" which will be a new sound for Violin and Music. A culmination of his influences and experience the album will be rooted in Latin and Rock music but also have influences of Jazz, Blues, Soul, Funk, Arabic, Classical and Hip Hop. Look for the live show and catch Patrick as he debuts American Gypsy!
