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Growing up in Long Island, N.Y, Stefani's biggest influences were the sounds of the early Jazz, Blues and Rock & Roll eras. As a child she discovered she could play the piano with great ease. Stefani trained with various Opera and Jazz artists such as Jazz Vocalists Kevyn Lettau and Martin Grusin. She later took on private piano instruction and music theory to enhance her knowledge of the notes and chords.

The aspiring artist performed in California, Texas, and Hawaii. She settled in Hawaii and created a band named Swingshift. Swingshift performed at various venues the styles of Rock, Pop, Jazz & Blues. Eventually, Stefani broadened her repertoire to include Brazilian Jazz and Salsa. She became a long time resident player at the Kona Jolly Rogers and the Keahou Beach Hotel. Swingshift shared the stage with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Third World and Randy Hanson at the Kona Surf Convention Center. One of her best memories was when Stefani and her band followed a performance by Liza Minelli at the beautiful Kona Hyatt Resort.

Following Swingshift Stefani sang with a three-girl harmony group, Birds of Paradise, accompanied by a 10-piece big band. Their performance ranged from the style of the 1940's Andrew Sisters to the Shoop Shoop sounds of the 1960's.

When the "Birds" spread their wings, Stefani relocated to San Diego where she began writing her own lyrics and music. In between writing her music and finishing her CD "One to One, produced with Peter Sprague, Kenny Star, & Randy Renner. Stefani performed at Epazote's, Fogerty's, Dominic's, The Wild Note, & Michael's Lounge at the Hyatt Aventine. The eclectic Stefani can do it all from Sultry to Bold.

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