Gina Furtado Project forms

Joining her full-time are bassist Max Johnson (Molly Tuttle); Asheville, N.C.-based guitarist Drew Matulich (Billy Strings) and Gina's sister, violinist Malia Furtado who is also the Director of Education at The Front Porch Music School in Charlottesville, Va. The band will be a featured showcase artist for the IBMA's Bluegrass Ramble this September.

"To me, the most influential perk to playing music for a living has been the opportunity to get to know and work alongside many profoundly creative and fearless human beings. The way I see it, their individuality makes the world a more vibrant and happier place to be," said Gina, also known as Gina Clowes. "I have something of my own to share (as we all do), and it is with respect and appreciation for those creative heroes of mine that I have decided to focus fully on that - The Gina Furtado Project."

Furtado has recorded her second album for Mountain Home Music Company, scheduled for release in September.

Born and raised in Front Royal, Va., Gina began touring up and down the east coast in her tween years with her siblings. She later played in a number of regional acts before making her international touring debut with Chris Jones and the Night Drivers soon after joining the group in 2016.

Furtado is not related to musician Tony Furtado, but she has cited him as an influence.