By Phil Lacombe
Local Music Spotlight is tuning in to one of the Coachella Valley’s most dynamic and genre-bending talents, violinist Bri Cherry. From a fourth-grade music assembly to festival stages and benefit concerts across the desert, Bri’s journey is anything but ordinary. Her story is woven with moments of serendipity, a fearless embrace of improvisation, and a deep love for the Valley’s vibrant music scene. Whether she’s bending classical notes into rock rhythms or creating new soundscapes entirely, Bri doesn’t just play the violin, she reinvents it.
CVW: When did you first pick up the violin, and what drew you to it?
Cherry: When I was 9 years old and went to a public school that had a music program. This put me in 4th grade, I remember they had an assembly where they brought the 4th graders in to show and tell string instruments and choir. We got to pick where we wanted to go! Instruments spoke to me right away. They started with the upright Bass and I was so stoked, was sure that was the one because it was just really freaking cool! But then they also spoke about how much things cost if a string broke. I think it was like… 50 bucks, which to me meant 1 million dollars so that was out of the question.
Next was Cello… and oh my… That, to this day, will make my soul dance. It spoke to me most directly, in a way that I don’t think I can come up with the words to do it all justice. But my family had finance stuff as a regular topic at home and at a young age it weighed heavily on my decision making. So decided to keep listening to the options we had.
Viola, nope…
Violin, 5 bucks to replace a broken string and seemed versatile. Done. I later learned my Great Grandfather had also played Violin so that was neat. I know it isn’t really the most inspiring story of deciding violin was going to be a thing for me, but at the time, little did I know that it was a decision that changed the course of my entire life.
I obviously decided to stick with it as it helped me escape into a really lovely headspace. I really liked being able to feel it, being able to just get lost in whatever my fingers wanted to play, whatever my inner self wanted to express, to go where my soul craved creatively and intellectually.
CVW: Was there a moment you realized music was going to be more than a hobby?
Cherry: The moment I realized music was going to be more than a hobby? … Machin’… There were some truly remarkable and epic moments in that journey. The moment David recruited me I knew this was going to be something different. And wow. What a ride.
CVW: Who are your biggest musical influences, past or present?
Cherry: It’s crazy you know… I get this question a lot in interviews and in the past I would scramble to try and think of everyone I liked in that moment, but when I am really honest with myself… the biggest influences to me growing up was such a wide range lol Shania Twain, Jack Johnson, Sublime, Eminem, Korn, Metallica etc… The list is long and awesome, but none of it really related to violin. I mean I love classical numbers too, don’t get me wrong, but I never sat there drooling over Bach lol just thought all the greats were kickass and enjoyed listening to them, appreciating their works of art. I truly am open to music of so many genres, they all make me think and set me up for some great creative spaces.
CVW: How has living in the Coachella Valley influenced your music or performances?
Cherry: Wow… how has it influenced my music/performances living here…?? GREATLY lol The whole reason I played and still play publically is because of the influence of the people in the Valley in general. The first time I picked up an instrument in front of ANYONE in public was actually when I was on a…date? I was in my LBD and 6 inch heels, he brought me to a bar with a stage that had instruments on it. Liquid courage became a part of egging me on to pick up an instrument, so I did. I picked up the bass guitar and someone picked up the drums. We had a lot of fun and I then said… ‘Ya know I actually play Violin’ and it was over… The invite was there from the owner so I came back the next night and played and became a regular ‘auxiliary instrument’ for the house band lol
People just being people with instruments, we were (and are) always just having such a good time!
This place has such an incredible music scene! Just absolutely terrific. The Coachella Valley is the whole reason why I started playing in public with bands. Before it was just jams and quartets, symphonies, and yeah those are wicked awesome too, I really enjoy improv and writing the most.
I didn’t know what COACHELLA Fest was and got invited to play there, what a moment that was when I learned about what it actually was lol Same with both JT music Fest and JT Roots Fest, These Festivals! OMG! And the amount of Benefit Concerts out here for incredible causes that music can support! Like Concert for Autism and more! All of these are in our backyard and here I was just showing up and playing with people, freaking wild!! Venues up the wazoo to play at, with such rich history!
This valley really encourages me regularly to come out of my shell with music. I say this Valley, but really it’s the people! I could write an entire essay listing off the names, but I’ll save the ink for ya lol they know who they are. If we’ve crossed paths, they made their mark, it’s beautiful and I am grateful to each and everyone of you <3
CVW: Do you focus more on classical, contemporary, or blending genres? How do you decide?
Cherry: Good question… When I am doing my own writing, it’s purely going with the feels. I guess I really like to play with the beats side of things the most. Jump in and out of offbeats, tribal beats… something with a deeper tone that can get kind of muddy, but in a kickass kind of way. Rock, dub step, Idk.. I guess blending genres is my strength now that I think about it loool because I’ll put a jazz tune or classical reference over a good beat any day lol
CVW: What’s a piece or song that always makes you smile when you play it?
Cherry: A song called…”Nameless” It’s an original that no one has actually heard the whole song in its entirety, but I LOVE to experiment with it with people. Hearing how other people interpret what they are hearing and put their own interpretation in their instrument to add to it. I like it. I usually throw it into sound check to warm up a little bit lol
CVW: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or historical, who would it be?
Cherry: oooooo…. tough… I want to collaborate with EVERYONE, truly most of the people that actually come to mind are local lol
But I’d have to say it’d be cool to collaborate with Lindsey Stirling, I think there would be something really neat about that.
CVW: What’s next for you — new projects, recordings, or performances we should be watching for?
Cherry: Well, musically I’ve been really toning things down temporarily, you’ll see me with Jetta King from time to time, and other random adventures, but I’ve been focusing on my family and my businesses, but the focus has been with music returning all along. I don’t want to spoil anything too early… But… the letters that I’d look out for are T.P.P.
I’ll just plant that seed to see if anyone pays attention or even remembers in the next 2 years lol. For those that do, this article is going to get a lot cooler later on.
Bri Cherry is more than a musician; she’s a creative force who transforms strings into storytelling. Her passion, adaptability, and connection to the Coachella Valley’s community are the heartbeat behind every note she plays. With hints of future projects and a playful nod to “T.P.P.” on the horizon, one thing is certain, wherever Bri’s music goes next, it’s bound to strike a chord.
