The Levins, Brian Dunne, Toby Tobias

THE LEVINS combine harmony-driven acoustic and the intention of putting a smile on your face without skating over the complexities of life. Original tunes, guitar, piano and voices provide a full sound with unexpected harmonies and unique arrangements. Their current CD, My Friend Hafiz, inspired by the poetry of Sufi mystic poet Hafiz, was in the top 20 on folk radio and John Platt from WFUV radio in NY included the CD in his Best List for 2013. They were selected to perform in the Emerging Artist Showcase at the 2014 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and for the Songwriter Competition at the South Florida Folk Festival in January 2015.

In 2000, Ira and Julia met at the Freight and Salvage open mike in Berkeley, CA, married soon after and moved to NY to pursue music full time...together. They’ve been performing in the Hudson Valley, Catskills, northern NJ and NYC, winning the 2011 Connecticut Folk Festival songwriting competition. Albums recorded with their west coast world folk ensemble have garnered invitations to perform in both Amsterdam and England and they have received songwriting awards for their folk, pop, Jewish and children's music. With their new CD, Trust, their joyous music will continue to connect on a universal level with a lighthearted depth and a celebration of our common humanity.

“ ...the couple’s erudite arrangements and gilded harmonies find this soothing set of songs a joy to behold and a must to enjoy.” - Lee Zimmerman, No Depression -

"Somewhere between Jackie & Roy, Lou & Peter Berryman, and Kim & Reggie Harris lie the Levins. The songwriting is alluring, the vocals seem like one-blended, their playing and stage presence just perfect. In the pantheon of husband-wife duos, in any genre of music, run the tape and see....this duo is how it is done." - Vance Gilbert, acclaimed singer/songwriter

"Their voices fit together, like water and ice, like heat and steam. Something joyful explodes inside the listener's chest like a Roman candle. Their effect may, in fact, begin before they start to play. Even at first glance, Ira and Julia seem to radiate a positive energy. That "look" always keeps its promise." ~ Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live NYC and Beyond


Raised in the small upstate New York town of Monroe, folk rock singer/songwriter Brian Dunne's music has won the attention and praise of many. With his sharp lyrical prowess and country-influenced vocals, Brian has played in the U.S. folk scene far and wide. Citing influences such as Bob Dylan, The Band, and Bruce Springsteen, one can hear his roots winding through the sound and style of his songwriting and performing. After graduating from the Berklee College of Music in 2011, Brian moved to New York City where he currently resides, and has spent much of the last year supporting his newest release, The Brooklyn Bridge EP, which charted on the US iTunes singer/songwriter charts and received praise from artists such as John Mayer amongst many others.

When asked about his goals pertaining to his music, he says, "I would like nothing more than to spend my time sharing this music with people. Above all else.


There are so many musical influences at play here it is difficult to know which one prevails. Folk, Jazz, Rock, Rhythm 'n Blues, World… you'll find it all wrapped up in the music of THE TOBY TOBIAS ENSEMBLE! What does come across quite clearly is a group of musicians who love performing their music, whether live or in the studio. Come on a musical journey with them!