As the core of J2 Strings, violinist Janice Lee and guitarist Jose Guzman present dynamic multicultural programming that explores their combined backgrounds in classical, jazz and pop music. With the freedom to be flexible, this elegant and simple instrumentation offers clients access to a multi-genre repertoire catalog. Not only do we perform classical, pop and jazz, but our mutual goal is to celebrate multicultural music by learning and performing new repertoire on a regular basis. This keeps our music selection fresh and memorable. The combined performance experience spanning over 20+ years promises clients a polished and professional performance that will enhance any event.
1 review
Jameson G.
May 19, 2024J2 Strings delivered an exceptional performance at our event, arriving promptly for sound check and setting a professional tone for the evening. Their fusion of guitar and violin seamlessly blended various cultural influences, creating a mesmerizing musical experience that captivated the audience. Their versatility and skillful execution left a lasting impression, making them a standout choice for any event in need of exquisite live music.
Hired as: Classical Duo
Price range: $300 and up
Languages: Chinese, English, Spanish
We are a Chicago-based guitar and violin duo that enjoys performing an eclectic repertoire of popular and concert music. We started performing together casually in 2016 and realized how fun it is to arrange their favorite tunes into a duo.
Janice Lee, known for her compelling performance and interpretation, has performed as soloist with the University of Illinois, Raleigh and East Carolina University Symphony Orchestras. She performed in Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Heartland Festival Orchestra and Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. As a classically-trained violinist, it has been a exciting to branch out and explore other genres such as tango and gypsy-jazz. Janice performs in the tango orchestras, Bandoneon Massacre (C.U.) and Da Capo Tango (D.C.) At the 2019 Tanguero Workshop in Toronto, she performed with Julian Peralta and Ben Bogart. Past summer engagements included performing in Britten-Pears Orchestra under Marin Alsop, Caroga Lake Chamber Music Festival, Southern Illinois Music Festival, and National Repertory Orchestra.
José Guzmán Borrero is a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He holds an undergraduate degree from the Puerto Rico Conservatory in Jazz Guitar and Afro-Caribbean Music, a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Theory and Composition, and a doctorate degree (DMA) from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in Jazz Guitar Performance with a minor in Composition. Guzmán has participated in several music festivals and conferences such as the CU Jazz Festival, Southern Illinois Music Festival, Jazz Educators Network Conference, and has worked as an artist in residence as a classical and jazz guitarist at the Caroga Lake Music Festival. As a jazz guitarist, he recorded on Dimijtre Vasiljevic's Accidental Nomad, released on Rope a Dope Records. Guzmán leads the Latin jazz group, The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, which has released an EP on Spotify.
Wednesday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
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Oak Park, IL
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
2:00pm - 3:00pm
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Streamwood, IL
Acoustic instruments. If necessary, amplification is available.
Classical Ensemble
