Lilia Valerie
- Los Angeles, CA
- Violinist
- 52 Verified Bookings
Ito said “Amazing music for our wedding”
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Looking for the Bay Area's most in-demand event musician? Ilana is an electric & acoustic violinist who has performed in recent years on tour with ODESZA, with Kygo, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, the Eagles and too many others to list. But one of her main passions is helping craft memorable & unique celebrations for her private clients, as reflected by her perfect 5 star ratings across multiple platforms. Making your special requests the centerpiece of your event, I play unforgettable solo renditions, and/or with backing tracks, with other instrumentalists (guitar/strings) of hip hop, R&B, soul, pop, classical, and covers of every genre. Conservatory grad, rock star soul...
Lot of attendees commented and liked it.
I hired Ilana for a surprise engagement proposal and she is a highly talented musician and an amazing person to work with. Communication was fast and pleasant. She arrived to the venue 45mins early and positioned herself perfectly for the proposal. Ilana played a solo violin cover of Justin Timberlake Mirrors as I proposed to my girlfriend and made that moment overwhelmingly emotional. She also provided beautiful covers of 2000s songs such as K-C & Jojo. I can’t thank Ilana enough for making my proposal extra special.
I chose to surprise my girlfriend with an engagement ring while we were hiking by the water's edge overlooking SF. I hired Second Act to pretend to be a violinist practicing along the trail. As we stopped to listen, I got on one knee and proposed. Second Act pulled it off perfectly. Timing and attention to detail were critical and Second Act pulled it off perfectly. She arrived 45 minutes early, knew both songs I asked her to play and made numerous recommendations to make this occassion truly special.
To celebrate the combined birthdays of our son and my wife, we were incredibly fortunate to have found Ilana who organized a Classical duo performance for a small socially distant group. She played violin with her colleague playing the cello.
Ilana is blessed with an incredible talent (no surprise - her credentials are amazing) and able to flawlessly render the finest Classical compositions and contemporary tunes in a sublime and soul stirring manner.
We were treated to an hour and half of classical music, tango, sound of music, fiddler on the roof and based on the requests of the young adults - Coldplay, Christina Perri etc.
Everyone in our group sat riveted and left refreshed. It was a wonderful evening under the stars, listening to live music. Ilana is a maestro and we were treated to an event !
There is no better antidote for these bleak days of covid and the ongoing political circus. All of us in the SFO Bay Area have the opportunity to avail of these remarkably professional services (a concert in a bag so to speak) and We would be amiss to not take advantage of it.
Book Second Act and you will be richly rewarded !
Ms. Thomas made an already memorable evening absolutely unforgettable. If you ever want to take an event over the top and exceed expectations of those in attendance, hire Ms. Thomas. I needed something special for our ten year anniversary and she was it. My wife and two sons, 7 & 9, were amazed. It was just the four of us having an outdoor dinner, but she played as if there were hundreds watching. I’m getting goose bumps even now. She asked my boys what they would like to hear and played their favorites without hesitation.
My wife is still glowing. One of the most amazing nights if our lives.
Beautiful selections, wonderful technique. She provided a perfect interlude from these stressful times for a dear friend. I am absolutely grateful.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thanks so much for your sweet words. :) It was truly a privilege to play for such a lovely and knowledgeable audience, and what a wonderful gift you gave your friend! Truly heartwarming... Thanks again for having me.
Recently had Ilana do my wedding ceremony and she was great and very flexible. She did a great job and we were very pleased.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you and best of luck to you!! Loved the livestreamed wedding--great idea for the far-away relatives. :)
Ilana is an amazing musician and was so easy to work with! She accommodated our song requests for my grandma's memorial service, and it made for a lovely tribute. I would not hesitate to recommend her for any event where you are looking to work with a true professional.
A great experience with a very professional and inspiring performance.
We hosted a Downton Abbey themed luncheon for 85 ladies and Ilana provided the perfect musical backdrop. She arrived early, played beautifully, was professional and personable! As a bonus, she played the DA theme song, which she learned especially for our program! I highly recommend Ilana for any event!
Response from Second Act Music:
And what a pleasure it was to play for such a lovely luncheon and such a gracious group of ladies! Thanks again for having me.
Ilana was fantastic. Very professional. She was so easy to work with and very accommodating. Highly recommend!!
It was nice to work with Ilana and she was responsive and considerate of the family's requests. The service went very well. I would recommend her.
Ilana exceeded all expectations! She was delightful to work with from beginning to end and her performance was top notch. We needed a violinist for our wedding and Ilana proved to be the best choice we could have made. She played prior, during and at the end of our ceremony ALL the songs we requested plus more. I have nothing but sincere accolades for Ilana and her wonderful contribution to our marriage. THANKS Ilana!
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you both! What a warm and wonderful family you have, and I could feel the love and support surrounding you both. I'm confident you're embarking on a lifetime of happiness and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your "launch". :)
We hired Ilana for a memorial celebration. She located a pianist to accompany her as we needed. Ilana was very accommodating of our desire for specific pieces of music, which required that she schedule a rehearsal in advance with the pianist. She was also very sensitive to family members still coping with our loss. She did a lovely job at the event and we were very pleased.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thanks! It was an honor to be included in your very special and heartfelt remembrance, and a real pleasure to work with someone with such impeccable taste in music. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family.
I would definitely recommend Second Act Music for a wedding event. Ilana was easy to get a hold of and she was very accommodating. When she was unable to perform at our wedding she found us a substitute who was fantastic! All of the guests were impressed.
Llana was great to work with. She provided lovely accompaniment to the wedding vocalist.
Ilana was very professional and communicated throughout the process. I knew exactly what to expect from her and she provided an amazing night for me. The event was for a proposal and Ilana performance was the highlight of the event.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thanks, Isaac! I loved being part of your well-planned and ultra-romantic proposal. Best of luck to both of you-- it was wonderful working for such lovely people. :)
Iliana was great to work with. She helped select appropriate music for our event, arrived on schedule and played flawlessly. I would highly recommend her.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you, Robert, for your kind words. I was honored to be a part of this celebration of a clearly exemplary life. It was deeply inspiring for me, and I thank you for including me. Best of everything to you and your lovely family.
In our eyes Ilana was a first class act. She was on time, as a musician she was flawless and her choices of music was spot on. We received so many comments on how she captured the day and provided comfort to everyone through the music. We are keeping Ilana in mind for future events. She is as the top of our list. Thank you Ilana. You truly helped us through a difficult time.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sharon. You were such a pleasure to work with, and you and your circle of family and friends were so warm and lovely. Thanks for allowing me to grace your celebration of his life, and may all the best come to you in your life.
From the moment the music started I knew she was the right choice she made the day extra special
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you Irene! It was a lovely wedding and you were a beautiful and beaming bride. Best of luck. :)
I hired Ilana for a memorial service.
I asked her to pick the music and she did a great job and she sounded great.
I asked her to show up a little earlier and she did.
She is very professional and I would certainly hire her again.
Mark
Price Range: Contact for rates
Insurance: $1,000,000 - General Liability
Unions: AFM
I provide solo (and string ensemble) performances that add elegance with a signature personal touch. I communicate with each and every client in advance to discern their tastes, atmosphere for the event, and parameters of the space, and then use my extensive experience with specific repertoire and hundreds of such events to work with the client to create the exact mood they are looking to achieve. Some clients want high energy pop music; others are looking for a soothing classical vibe, so my performance depends entirely on my client's goals.
Hiring a solo violin is one of the easiest ways to add class to an event. I have frequently been told at events that guests come in and the first thing they ask is if the music is live, then they gravitate to wherever I am performing. Yet acoustic violin music is subtle enough to function as background music, where the music isn't front and center, but instead creates an ambiance for the party.
From appearing as soloist with the San Francisco Symphony to accompanying Eric Clapton on tour, Ms. Thomas has performed on concert stages worldwide. From top notch music festivals including Aspen and Tanglewood to recording projects ranging from blues to funk to avant garde classical, she has been in constant demand as a performer.
Currently, Ms. Thomas resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she is a regular performer with the area's symphony orchestras and first rate chamber ensembles. She divides her time between these commitments and her devotion to performing "casual" engagements, such as weddings, corporate events, and parties, at which she enjoys the intimate rapport with audiences so often lacking on the larger concert stage. Additionally, she enjoys the breadth of styles often present at these events, during which she is frequently asked to play everything from hip hop to tangos to classical favorites to pop tunes.
I generally prefer to perform acoustic, but can also provide amplification, consisting of a contact mic and amplifier, for larger or noisier events.
November 25, 2023 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Wedding Engagement |
September 03, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
February 13, 2023 • 8:00pm - 8:15pm | Personal Occasion |
November 23, 2022 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Wedding Engagement |
November 17, 2022 • 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Corporate Event |
May 10, 2021 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 17, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
February 28, 2021 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
January 22, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Engagement |
December 22, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Personal Occasion |
October 10, 2020 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
August 29, 2020 • 7:00pm - 7:45pm | Personal Occasion |
August 28, 2020 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Surprise |
August 25, 2020 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Birthday Party |
August 01, 2020 • 10:30am - 12:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
July 17, 2020 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 26, 2020 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Anniversary Party |
January 15, 2020 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
December 11, 2019 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Christmas Party |
July 14, 2018 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 02, 2018 • 8:30pm - 9:00pm | Personal Occasion |
February 24, 2018 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 12, 2017 • 9:00pm - 9:15pm | Wedding Engagement |
September 27, 2017 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 15, 2017 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Festival |
July 14, 2017 • 11:30am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 08, 2017 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 20, 2017 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
January 20, 2017 • 1:30pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 23, 2016 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Concert |
October 02, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 23, 2016 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
July 31, 2016 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Personal Occasion |
July 29, 2016 | Wedding Ceremony |
July 18, 2016 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 23, 2016 • 4:00pm - 8:00pm | Grand Opening |
June 11, 2016 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 28, 2016 | Wedding Ceremony |
February 01, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Left Coast Chamber Ensemble-- San Francisco Conservatory of Music |
January 31, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Left Coast Chamber Ensemble-- Throckmorton Theater Mill Valley |
January 15, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Symphony Silicon Valley-- Raiders of the Lost Ark |
December 31, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Uncle Yu's Restaurant Livermore--private event |
December 26, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | USS Hornet Oakland |
December 20, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private Event-- Vacaville |
December 20, 2015 | Wedding Engagement |
December 19, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private event-- Livermore |
December 18, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Santa Clara Mission accompanying Peninsula Women's Choir |
December 17, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private event-- Livermore |
December 17, 2015 | Corporate Event |
December 15, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Modesto Symphony Candlelight Concert (concertmaster) |
December 05, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Blackhawk County Club-- with Blackhawk Choir |
December 03, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Berkeley Symphony Orchestra |
November 28, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Sacramento Philharmonic Tribute to Queen (concertmaster) |
October 27, 2015 | Funeral/Memorial Service |
If sheet music exists for it, I can play it easily. If it doesn't, and you only have a YouTube clip/sound file, I can likely transcribe it. If you want to know if something is possible, please just ask.
Some top favorites at the moment are Beyonce, Silk Sonic, Adele, Taylor Swift, all the Bridgerton selections, Ed Sheeran, and too many others to list, across all genres. Every event is different, so every set list is unique. Please inquire and I can send a link to my current song list. But why stop there?
Black Violin, Joshua Bell, Lindsay Sterling--
But when I listen to music, I love everything from blues to (link hidden)ak, Tower of Power, and Donny Hathaway. Oh, and Mahler and Brahms.
Chair or stool without arms, shelter from direct sunlight/cold temperatures
Ito said “Amazing music for our wedding”
Chandra E. said “This was my first time booking a musician and Stephanie definitely did a wonderful job of communicating leading up to the event. Her performance was the…”
A B. said “My son’s 7th bday party! Checked many companies & apps… They want to get pay around 400.00 per hour (violin), they don’t even answer, so expensive,…”
Solo violinist for any type of event and celebration. Weddings, birthdays, baby showers, private parties.