VANDALIA
Meet the Band
Vandalia is dedicated to exploring the depth and breadth of American String-band music. Informed by tradition, but not chained to it, the group has found a niche inside of the old-time community as well as in the wider arts world that offers audiences a forward-looking take on traditional acoustic music. Formed from a chance encounter at the 2024 Baltimore Old-Time Festival, fiddler Dakota Karper, cellist Ellen Gira and guitarist Gabriel Furtado met in a late-night afterparty jam session.
The three musicians bring something all-their-own to the trio – West-Virginian born and raised, Dakota is steeped in the West Virginia fiddling tradition as the protege of master fiddler Joe Herrmann. A seasoned veteran of the both the D.C. and Glasgow music scenes, Ellen has made a reputation herself as one of the most versatile cellists in the trad world, adding her hallmark chop to countless ensembles and recordings, and stretching the boundaries of style with elements of the Scottish, Irish, American, Scandinavian and Canadian traditions. A classical-to-bluegrass guitar crossover, Gabriel is well known for his front-of-the-beat rhythm playing and driving pocket, heard at countless square dances, bluegrass festivals and jazz clubs in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond.
Together the trio creates a version of string-band music you can tap your foot to, or get lost in the details of the melodies. Weaving intricate fiddle and cello lines, gorgeous vocal harmonies, subtle guitar textures and exhilarating rhythmic drive, the pleasure these three musicians have creating and playing together is palpable, both in the studio and on the concert stage.
Dakota Karper
Dakota Karper, hailing from rural West Virginia, grew up immersed in the rich traditions of Appalachian Old-time music. From an early age, she embraced folk music, studying under master fiddler Joe Herrmann and honing her craft at the Augusta Heritage Center. Dakota also deepened her skills with classical violin at the Shenandoah Arts Academy in Winchester, VA. After spending seven years in Baltimore, she returned to Capon Bridge, WV, where she now teaches Appalachian fiddle and performs regularly throughout the region.
Her music reflects a profound connection to her roots, blending haunting melodies, energetic bow strokes, and rhythmic grooves. Over the years, Dakota has played with several bands, including the Short Mountain String Band, Hay Fever, Hemlock and Hickory, and most recently, Vandalia. Her discography features projects like "Short Mountain String Band" (2008), "Hay Fever" (2018), "Fiddler Fair" (2020), and "Hemlock & Hickory" (2022).
In 2019, Dakota founded 'The Cat and The Fiddle,' a traditional roots music school, and in 2023, she was appointed executive director of the non-profit 'Cacapon Music & Dance Foundation,' furthering her commitment to preserving and promoting Appalachian music and culture.
Gabriel Furtado
Gabriel Furtado is a West Philadelphia-based guitarist and singer known for his ability to weave in and out of acoustic music genres. Whether it’s playing traditional jazz with The Hot Club of Philadelphia, Bluegrass with the Cheddar Boys, Appalachian music with Rubble City Stringband at the West Philly Square Dance, or french musettes with Rob Curto, his rhythmic approach to the instrument sets the audience’s foot tapping. Recent engagements have seen Gabriel gracing the stages of the Kimmel Center, The Philadelphia Folk Festival, Chris’ Jazz Club and the Sellersville theater.
Classically trained, Gabriel discovered the joy of traditional and folk music later in life, after twenty years of studying the classical guitar. Gabriel began seriously studying Bluegrass guitar at the age of 30, and the style now forms the backbone of his technique. A passionate teaching artist, Gabriel maintains a full roster of students, teaches workshops, and works with young and expectant families of Philadelphia’s migrant communities to write songs for their children, as part of Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project.
Current projects include the string ensemble Vandalia, the classic country duo Cocalico, and his ongoing project exploring French accordion music with accordionist Rob Curto.
Ellen Gira
Ellen Gira is a vibrant and versatile cellist and teacher. Her unique musical voice fuses folk and traditional influences with her classical training, from her native DC area and at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Her musical projects and repertoire span numerous fiddle styles, including Scottish, Irish, Old-Time, Canadian, and Scandinavian.
In addition to playing with Vandalia, Ellen frequently tours as part of the acclaimed fiddle-cello duo Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, whose debut album All It Brings won “Traditional Album of the Year” at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Notable performances with this project include Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours, and live performances on BBC Radio and for HRH King Charles III. Recently, Jocelyn & Ellen have also joined forces with Swedish duo Woodlands to form Atlantic Crossing, an all-female international quartet performing music from both sides of the Atlantic. Atlantic Crossing made its debut in Summer 2024 at the Urkult Festival in Sweden, performing live on Swedish National Radio.
As a teacher, Ellen brings her passion for music and collaboration into the studio. Having earned her doctorate in trad cello pedagogy at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she has taught Scottish Trad Cello at the RCS, and now works with cellists and traditional musicians in the DC area. Ellen also organizes and teaches regular workshops and fiddle-cello retreats with her duo partner, Jocelyn Pettit.