Eric Stern

Eric Stern (born June 9, 1971 in Philadelphia,PA)^[1] is an American vocalist, accordionist, composer, arranger, and pianist based in Portland, Oregon, best known as the founder and artistic director of the band Vagabond Opera.^[2] He also performs as a soloist, as well as with the Eric Stern Trio. Stern, with Vagabond Opera, has appeared on NPR^[3] and performed at the Kennedy Center,^[4] the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco,^[5] Joe's Pub in New York City.^[6]

Stern was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in June 1971 and trained as a vocalist at the Delaware Valley Opera Company. At the age of 21, Stern decided to pursue writing and moved to Paris, returning to the U.S., and to music, a year and a half later.^[7]

In 2002, Stern founded the group Vagabond Opera, known for their blend of eclectic musical styles, including German cabaret, Klezmer, and jazz.^[3][7] The band released four albums until their hiatus in 2015.^[8] With the band, Stern also wrote, composed and performed the 2010 opera Queen of Knives, in collaboration with Wanderlust Circus.^[9][10]

Stern has recorded and performed with a variety of musical acts including The Decemberists,^[11] Balkan Beat Box, Unwoman, Pink Martini, and DeVotchka.^[12] In 2011, Stern composed the score for the Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre's production of Pinocchio.^[13]

In March 2015, Stern's independent production company, Hungry Opera Machine, debuted its first opera at the Alberta Rose Theatre: Flour, Salt, & Moonbeams. It was well-received by critics.^[14]

Stern currently works as the Events Coordinator and Cultural Arts Ambassador for Eastside Jewish Commons, a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon.^[15]

ASCAP Concert Division Panel award recognizing creative contributions to American music (September 2011).

With Vagabond Opera

• Get on the Train (2004)
• Vagabond Opera (2006)
• The Zeitgeist Beckons (2009)
• Sing For Your Lives (2011)

Solo

• Stern Little Stories (2012)
• Ashes of Rembetiko (2017)

• Official website