Acoustic Vagabondi began performing in and around downtown Holland, Michigan, in April of 2010, specializing in Celtic, folk, rock, and alternative music in several venues. The group started out as a duet, including Alena Leshner on violin and vocals, and Daniel Koenes on guitar and vocals. Over time, Acoustic Vagabondi became a solo-act, performing with various stand-in musicians, including Tyler Wiewiora on guitar mandolin, and vocals, and Duane Haring on cajon and guitar. Alena Leshner is currently the sole member of Acoustic Vagabondi. To see more information about Acoustic Vagabondi’s past performances and venues, click HERE.

Alena learned to play the violin in the year 2005, joining her school’s orchestra the following year. She continued to play in the school orchestra until 2009, when she was introduced to the art of street performing by Holland guitarist and singer Charlie D. During the summer of 2009, Alena began playing music at the Holland Farmer’s Market with Charlie D, occasionally standing in with him in his own gigs at City Sen, an upscale lounge and bar located in Holland. In January of 2010, she began playing music with Daniel Koenes, eventually forming the band Acoustic Vagabondi.

During the spring of 2010, Alena also performed as a stand-in musician with the eclectic band Wallace Collective at West Ottawa High School’s annual Wostock Festival.

That summer, Acoustic Vagabondi was selected to perform for the 2010 Downtown Holland Street Performer Series. Acoustic Vagabondi continued to play at the Farmer’s Market, 8^th Street Grille, and Uptown Gallery & Frame Shop.

In 2011, Alena lived abroad in Italy for six months. During this time, she also traveled to several other European countries, including Austria, Finland, and Denmark. During her time in Europe, she learned folk music from the towns and villages that she visited. While in Jeppo, Finland, she also had the opportunity to play with the local band “Jepokryddona,” or the “Finnish Spice Girls,” learning some of the local folk music. Upon returning to the United States, Alena brought back old European folk music to broaden Acoustic Vagabondi’s musical repertoire.