bio

Comparsa is an acoustic world beat ensemble dedicated to exploring the rhythms and melodies of various cultures. Influences are derived from Latin America, Africa, Spain, and the Caribbean. Members include:

• Eduardo J. Canelón is a native of Venezuela who moved to the USA when he was 10 years old and was raised in Elkins, WV. He is the leader and founder of ¡Comparsa¡. Eduardo is the lead vocalist, classical guitarist, and also a percussionist. In addition, Dúo Divertido and solo bookings keep Eduardo very busy. He has worked for the Clay Center on the Latin American Beat project with Betty King and Maestro Grant Cooper, and has presented his program "Latin America: Music, Culture, and Dance" in Randolph, Cabell and Kanawha Counties. Comparsa was also featured on Mountain Stage in February of 2008.

• Elizabeth Segessenman, originally from Pennsylvania, plays flute, auxiliary percussion and sings back-up vocals with Comparsa. A graduate of WVU, she teaches elementary music in Kanawha County and private lessons at Gorby's Music Store, judges marching band competitions for the National Judges Association, is Eduaro's partner during Latin dance workshops, and plays with Dúo Divertido.

• Deron Sodaro, electric bass guitar and back-up vocals, hails from Charleston, WV where he also currently plays with the Voodoo Katz. In addition to being a very competent soundman, his 20 year musical experience includes playing with the Steve Himes Connection as well as many groups both in West Virginia and in the Portland, OR area.

• Randraiz Wharton was born in Davis, raised in Elkins, studied mathematics at UNC - Chapel Hill and La Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and recently moved to Fairmont. He works as a Title Researcher during the week and plays drum set with Comparsa and keyboards with several other musical groups on weekends when he is not in NYC or traveling outside of the country.

• Austin Seybert is a n ative of Bridgeport, WV. He is currently studying at Marshall University as a Jazz Studies/Music Education major. Musical influences are JJ Johnson, Carl Fontana, Clark Terry and many others.

PPerformances include covers, originals, and percussion jams; everything from salsa and merengue to gypsy styles, Bossa Nova, and Venezuelan folk music. A multicultural feast for the ears, Comparsa is always eager to educate, entertain, and transport their audiences to another era or continent.