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Lara has a B.A. in music from U.C. Berkeley and an Master's Degree from San Francisco State. She lived in both Paris and Rome, where she performed as piano soloist, accompanist to singers, instrumentalists & ballet & opera companies. She has also played many musical theater shows. Lara has played all the major piano repertoire of chamber music (trios, quartets, quintets)and was the founder of Trio Con Spirito, as well as Baroque a Quattro and the flute/piano duo Bianco Fiore. Lara taught herself to play the harp later on in life and now performs celtic and classical repertoire and is much sought after for events. She is the founder of both the classical trio, Ocean Sands, and in the celtic folk group, Celtic Sands. Lara has a beautiful top-of-the-line Cithara Nova celtic harp (see homepage photo)and a smaller Merlin harp (pictured above). She has both a small battery-operated Microcube amp for outdoors where electricity cannot be had and a larger amp for bigger spaces with electricity. She also has a portable black Yamaha stage piano that she brings with her to events if a piano is not provided.
What a pleasure to have this harpist have my daughter and son-in-law's brunch. I would recommend Ocean Sands Trio for any event. EXCELLENT!!!
----Curt W, 1/19/2008, brunch party, Los Gatos, CA
"I can only give you an A++++. Your music was fantastic and was the crowning point to the wedding. I had so many wonderful comments on your
song and the arrangements and music choices. I have been planning this wedding for my daughter's entire lifetime in my mind and you were a very
important part of it. Thank you and your group from all of us."------Susan W., Cameron, Kiely and JP, Hollister, CA June 2008
"Thank you. It was lovely - you looked and sounded great in that beautiful foyer at the Olympic Club."
------Elisa M., San Francisco, May, 2008
Lara is a marvelous pianist and very easy to work with. She played everything we asked for and created a lovely background environment
for our party. I can't say enough good things about her music and personality. I highly recommend her and I plan on hiring her again
for another event. ----James H. October 2008 San Francisco
"You added the most perfect aura to my ceremony. One of sweet sentiment and whimsical fantasy that I wasn't expecting but really brought the entire
ceremony together. Please accept my husband's and my thanks for your hard work and for sharing your talent with us and our families and friends."
----- Alison G., Santa Clara, CA, Feb, 2008
"Dear Lara, thank you for being a part of our special day. I think the harp is a magical instrument and it really added a romantic touch. The weather
improved shortly after you left. By the time we set sail, the sun was setting and the sky just opened up with gorgeous yellow light and pink
clouds. The night was as clear as a bell with the city all lit up. It was breathtaking. Best wishes to you."
-------Patricia E., San Francisco, CA Feb. 2008
"I was extremely impressed with Lara's courtesy and professionalism. She gave a lovely performance on the harp which made our event extra special.
I would highly recommend her services." -Pat E, 2008, Wedding, Sausalito, CA
"You were a blessing to the program. I certainly will invite you back. Your playing is beautiful and my Pastor appreciated it a lot.
Have a blessed day." ---Marietta, Oakland, CA, 2008
"Everyone I spoke to really enjoyed your music. Thank you for being part of our ceremony" ----- Ani V., San Francisco, CA, 2007
"Thank you so much for a wonderful wedding ceremony!! You have been an amazing individual to work with. Chris and I are incredibly gratefu
for your effort and determination to provide us with a fantastic wedding experience. Truly, your trio surpassed even our highest expectations.
Your presentation, sound and appearance were all in perfect harmony. We were awed and our guests enjoyed every minute of the evening. Please
feel free to use us as a reference. Thank you again for facilitating our special day in a such superb fashion. We feel so blessed."
----- All the best, Heidi & Chris, San Francisco, CA 2007
Lara was extremely accomodating, with many recommendations. She was very responsive to my questions and needs ( I was nervous about the wedding
and I emailed her A LOT!)and she worked to make me feel comfortable and confident. She and her fellow musicians were punctual, professional,
and their music was great. They also worked with our freind who sang at our wedding ceremony both before the event by email and on the day of
the event before guests arrived. All of our guests commented on how lovely and fitting the music was. I highly reommend both Lara and Ocean Sands.
----Bill B, 7/26/2008, Wedding, Oakland, CA
January 19th Private Party, Los Gatos February 29th Empress Yachts, Sausalito March 13th Elephant & Castle, SF, private party April 20th Sanchez Concert Hall, Pacifica, private recital April 27th Los Gatos Lodge, Los Gatos May 3rd Olympic Club, downtown San Francisco May 17th Central Park Bistro, San Mateo, anniversary party June 4th Miller Design Studio, garden Party, Woodside July 6th Hans Fahden Winery, Calistoga July 8th The Botanical Gardens, U.C. Berkeley July 13th St Peter's Episcopalian Church, Redwood City, service July 19th St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Pacifica, wedding July 20th St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Pacifica a.m. service July 20th Montara Point Lighthouse & Rainbow Island Restaurant July 26th Foster City, wedding August 3rd St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Redwood City, a.m. service August 8th Belmont, private party August 11th Asian Art Museum, SF Bride Magazine launch party August 15th Roseville, memorial service August 16th St. Francis Drake Hotel, SF, private event August 17th St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Redwood City, a.m. service August 30th Pasatiempo Inn, Santa Cruz, wedding September 7th Golden Gate Park, wedding September 20th Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame wedding September 26th Villa Taverna Restaurant, San Francisco, Archdioses fundraiser with Cardinal Levada October 4th Mt. Diablo State Park, wedding October 12th Sand Rock Farm Inn, Aptos, private Nov 25th & 26th Phillips Brooks School, Menlo Park Dec. 16, 17 & 18 Phillips Brooks School, Menlo Park
Lara Garner is the founder of Celtic Sands and the Ocean Sands Trio. For any questions about booking, CD sales, our music, solo pianists, harpists, violinists, etc, she can be reached at: Phone: (650) 359-0903 email: Lara@CelticSands.com
Thank you very much for getting in touch with us! You can also book us through Gigmasters.com.
