The Story

Arjana and Ivan (and The Gingersnap Band) are founded by singer Arjana Vizulis  and pianist Ivan Danylets.  They are an acoustic duo based in New York City known for their unique takes and creative arrangements of tunes new and old. Non-discriminating in genre blending and fusion, they mix their love of the sincerity of a good melody with their creative reinterpretation of a song. Their influence comes from their unique mix of backgrounds: Arjana as a musical theater and jazz singer and violinist from NYC,  and Ivan, a Jazz pianist from Ukraine with years in pop and rock bands. It's safe to say there are no rules for these two and nothing is off limits; blending anything and everything in the name of musical freshness, fun, the message of a song and the spirit it evokes, and, as Gingersnap, mixing up their sound with various instruments from bass to trumpet, and even a tap dancer!

Arjana and Ivan met in a rock band on cruise ships back in 2014 and have been collaborating and evolving their sound ever since. Since forming their duo in 2017, they've grown to include special collaborations, radio appearances, jazz club performances in their home city of NYC and internationally such as Bangkok, Melbourne, Kyoto, residencies including the Ritz Carlton in Osaka Japan, and the inaugural ceremony of the new ship "Carnival Horizon." Their debut album "Us Now" was released in 2017, and their second album,  "Caribbean Manhattan" out February 2020.  Arjana and Ivan finally got married in Costa Rica in January of 2022, so these newlyweds have a lot to be grateful for. Exciting projects are on the forefront for the duo as well as their Gingersnap Band! 

 

Bios

bios

About

arjana vizulis - vocal

Arjana Vizulis is a singer, actor, violinist and violist based out of New York City.  Recognized for her sincere and soulful performance style, keen musical ear, and ease with audiences large and small, she is a performer with a great deal of heart and passion for what she does.  A versatile vocalist and musician, Arjana followed her own vocal journey to find her own niche. A native of Boston, USA, she is a graduate of New York University's Vocal Performance program.  Arjana has had an accomplished and versatile career on stage, most notably touring in the North American and Asia National tours of the Broadway Musical "Hairspray". A versatile vocalist, Arjana was the lead female Rock vocalist in Carnival Cruise Lines. A violinist and violist (electric and acoustic) as well, she has performed with the acclaimed Boston based Peruvian folk band "Inca Son", including a Peruvian tour. Whether in an intimate jazz club or a Broadway stage, she brings a natural appeal to her work.

 

 

ivan danylets - piano

Ivan Danylets is a Jazz pianist based out of New York City.  Originally from Krivoy Rog, Ukraine, is a multi-faceted performer with a broad range of musical experience. A graduate of the Masters in Jazz Performance program at William Paterson University in New Jersey, USA and Bachelor's of Music  at The Kiev Institute of Music in Ukraine, he has extensive experience worldwide in cover bands, mastering the use of the keyboards in rock, pop, and heavy metal.  Ivan's career has taken him abroad, notably a year in Strasburg, France in the Orchestra of the Royal Palace International Music Hall, and to Canada and Europe with Passat Kreuzfahrten Cruise lines. Carnival Cruiselines was his home base for several years, honing his skills and forming his Jazz duo.  With a strong stage presence and playful, energetic style of his own, Ivan creates a nuanced, authentic musical performances.