Tonina, an accomplished vocalist, bassist, and songwriter based in Los Angeles, hails from St. Louis, Missouri, where her musical journey began. Raised in a family of diverse musicians, Tonina's musical roots traverse Funk, Soul, Jazz, Classical, Folk, and Rock genres. Her upbringing, blending Black and Sicilian heritage, fostered a deep connection to music from an early age, with her initiation into Upright bass at just 8 years old.
Tonina's musical prowess flourished as she joined the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra at 14, dedicating four years to symphonic excellence before venturing to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and later Valencia, Spain. This rich tapestry of experiences has endowed her with an unparalleled musical scope, allowing her to traverse genres with ease while infusing each with her distinctive touch. Her innate sense of rhythm, captivating melodies, extraordinary vocal prowess, and profound song interpretation collectively create performances that are nothing short of thrilling for audiences.
Since her graduation from Berklee College of Music, Tonina has shared the stage with Grammy-Award-winning musicians, including the likes of Lalah Hathaway. Her musical journey has taken her across the globe, from enchanting audiences at the Catania Jazz Festival in Sicily to earning recognition as one of NPR's favorite new artists of 2018. Notably, her rendition of "Historia de un Amor" found a place on former President Barack Obama's top songs list for 2018, further cementing her as an artist of remarkable distinction.
Tonina, along with her band, continues to enthrall audiences in Los Angeles and beyond, showcasing her exceptional talent and passion for music that transcends boundaries.
