Las Chispas
Denver-based ensemble Las Chispas ("The Sparks") features guitar, violin, vocal harmonies and a versatile rhythm section.
Our multilingual repertoire showcases Spanish-language hits in a variety of genres, from cumbia, bolero, rhumba, samba, reggae and tango. Las Chispas also performs tunes from Bollywood, Brazil, the Middle East and Eurasia, in their original languages.
We have performed at festivals and venues along the Front Range, and are also available for in-school, interactive, bilingual performances for youth.
Las Chispas can be hired as a duo, trio or quartet.
MEMBERS
Andrea Asali
Violin, vocals
Andrea is a multilingual vocalist, violinist and teaching artist. She has performed with bands in a variety of genres, including Brazilian, Afrobeat, Romani, Irish and Jazz. She leads multilingual choir programs in schools, encouraging young performers to explore different languages through the lens of music. She brings her excitement for linguistics and global music to Las Chispas.
Barbara Ernst
Vocals, Guitar
Barbara has traveled around the world and lived in various parts of Latin America. She brings her fluency in Spanish and Portuguese, along with her love of Latin music, to Las Chispas. For more information on her performancre and travel history, check out her full bio below.
Jill Fredricksen
Drums, Percussion
Jill holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Denver. Jill has performed In the Denver area since the mid 80s. Fluent in Jazz & Latin styles, she has played with Bill Kopper, Carmen Sandim, Larry Coryell, Marvin Stamm, Red Rodney, Bill Watrous, Ken Walker and has recorded albums with Lee Konitz, Spike Robinson, Ellyn Rucker, and Brad Terry. She is also a fundamental part of Denver's Gamelan ensemble, Tunas Mekar. She has traveled to Bali several times to study & perform with traditional masters.
Kim Bird
Acoustic Bass
Kim maintains an active performance schedule in the Front Range. She's been a frequent performer at the Five Points Jazz Festival, regular accompanist for the Colorado All-State Jazz Choirs and the Bobby G awards. Kim is a member of the jazz trio Kimandala with Art Lande, the post-bop, neo soul group J's Ruckus and folk quartet Connect Four. An avid educator, Kim is currently an adjunct instructor at Arapahoe Community College. She holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.
