:Bio
With driving groove and a smooth, open sound, fiddler and tunestress Sumaia Jackson is a quintessential modern West Coast fiddler. Jackson weaves together Celtic, Old-Time, Swing, and Bluegrass traditions with an easy virtuosity and melodic elegance.
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Jackson studied classical violin, surrounding herself with many innovative and inimitable coastal string players. During her teenage years, Jackson's musical path widened as she sought out roots music communities in Scottish, Appalachian, Jazz, and Bluegrass traditions, and spent years soaking up tunes and styles at vibrant fiddle camps. She still attends camps and workshops in the roles of student, teacher, helper, coach, or organizer. On a full scholarship, she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music in the American Roots Music department.
Now living in the Bay Area, Jackson tours North America, Europe, and the UK with Jayme Stone’s Folklife and Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards—playing at the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Celtic Connections, Planet Bluegrass, and the Edmonton Folk Festival, and much more. She is also a member of the Real Vocal String Quartet (recipients of a 2017 Gerbode Special Grant in the Arts) and plays duo with award-winning Canadian fiddler, Adrianna Ciccone.
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:Hi-Res Photos & Blank Tour Poster
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