“…soothing vocal harmonies and gorgeous guitar/cello/violin/bass…as timeless as the eponymous sequoia.” —KUTX 98.9
AMERICAN DREAMER is four gifted musicians who bring a heavy dose of strings to their unique blend of Indie-Folk. Each member — Courtney Castaneda, Dana Marie, Camille Schiess, and Sasha Klare-Ayvazian — contributes something distinctive to their rich and remarkable sound. The quartet’s music builds on relatable Folk songs, transformed through bold string arrangements (violin, cello, bass) and resplendent three-part harmony.
American Dreamer’s four members met while pursuing graduate degrees at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas, Austin. They share a lifelong passion for crafting their art and using it to connect with communities and individuals. American Dreamer strives to honor America’s deeply rooted Folk tradition while exploring contemporary elements that roll the genre forward.
American Dreamer has toured nationally and performed widely across Texas. In addition to frequent performances at festivals and noted Austin venues, the group appears regularly at schools, shelters, hospitals, and in rural communities.
“American Dreamer are not your typical folk collective; they approach it from an orchestral plane, ushering in ebullient processions of vibrant, melodious sound that sets their compositions apart from the crowd. Orchestral magic - a grandiose effort.” —PopMatters
American Dreamer is a 2021 Black Fret nominee.
American Dreamer is represented by the Texas Commission of the Arts, Amuxe Publishing (Chicago), Innovatx (Austin), and Americana Live! (San Antonio).
American Dreamer's music has been featured in Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint video game.
American Dreamer’s single “Redwood” was the KUTX Song of the Day in May 2021.
American Dreamer is a 2018-2022 Texas Touring Roster Artist sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts, a 2018 SERFA and 2017 SWRFA Official Showcase artist.
Shared Bills with: Punch Brothers, Mandolin Orange, Sarah Jarosz, Elephant Revival, Session Americana, Shinyribs, Mother Falcon, The Brother Brothers, David Wilcox, Wood & Wire, Beat Root Revival, Nobody’s Girl, Guy Forsyth.
Festival Appearances: Old Settler's Music Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, SXSW Music Festival, Fischer Fest, Mystic Hot Springs Music Festival, Moccasin Creek Festival, Denton Folk Festival, Beaver Island Music Festival, SpringBoard Festival West, PGA National Convention, APME Conference (Nashville).
Austin Performances: One World Theatre, Long Center, Stubb’s, Saxon Pub, Cactus Cafe, Threadgill’s, The North Door, One-2-One Bar, The Townsend, Sun Radio’s Texas Radio Live at Guero’s and Saturday Night Concert Series at the Hill Country Galleria.
Texas Touring Roster Performances: Beeville Concert Association (Beeville), Bugle Boy
(La Grange), Come and Take It Days (Gonzales), Home Street Music (Austin), Music in the Park (Pflugerville) Red, White, and Brews (Hutto), Taste Addison (Addison), Twilight Concert Series (Bedford), UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum (Austin), Welcome Home Fest (Kerrville).
