Spellbinder Orchestra is an intergenerational, bicoastal collective. Growing from the original repertoire of songstress Alzara Getz and the synergies of many amazing musicians, the group creates a unique blend of original folk rock with elements of classical, world, cabaret, rock, and eastern European. A sprinkling of high energy vintage covers from the 1920s onwards adds another layer of enchantment. Based in San Francisco, California, and the Hudson Valley, New York, Spellbinder shows are lively and theatrical, with intricate arrangements that move from rousing and joyful to thoughtful and dreamy. The band has appeared on numerous community radio shows, performed regularly at the SF Free Folk Fest, played at Burning Man Decompression, Edwardian Ball, and SXSW unofficial showcases.
The daughter of rock drummer Dave Getz, original drummer of Big Brother & The Holding Co. and Nancy Baysinger, one of the first female recording engineers in the San Francisco bay area, bandleader Alzara developed an early passion for music. With a background in social work and therapy, she is curious about how people heal, or don’t, and finds inspiration in the uncensored mythical realm of the human psyche. The original group, Brother Spellbinder, was formed with guitarist Jamie Wilson who was raised on roots music since he was touted to bluegrass jams and high mountain music festivals as a wee pup. He is an early graduate of School of the Arts that spawned the likes of Margaret Cho and Sam Rockwell.