Cypress Dreams Musical Duo in concert

Cypress Dreams is the duo of singer/songwriter, Taizan Alford and violinist Erik Leveille. You will find a repertoire ranging from Tai’s soulful and moving originals to Celtic and Scandinavian fiddle tunes with covers including Gillian Welch, Keb Mo, Elvis and REM. Their classical and folk backgrounds blend in a uniquely engaging style.

Tai has been playing the guitar, writing, and performing since the age of 13 and fell in love with the mandolin in 2005 realizing it fit perfectly on the back of a motorcycle. This is songwriting that illuminates the human experience with tenderness and humor. The albums, Merry Go Round, and Love Cracked Me Open, and Walking in Love can be found on iTunes, Youtube and Spotify. Taizan was ordained in 2016 as a zen priest in the Soto Zen tradition, and finds inspiration in meditation, poetry, nature and husband Tom.

Classically trained violinist, Erik Leveille, can be found playing with numerous symphonies in Wisconsin, including Appleton’s own Fox Valley Symphony and Weidner Philharmonic. He has been enjoying his day job as a paralegal since 2020. In 2007, a common interest in the Sufi poet Rumi sparked the friendship and musical partnership with Tai. Erik is grateful for the opportunity to explore the incredibly rich world of American folk and roots music.

Click here listen to preview Cypress Dreams music on Spotify