Cello Joe

Joey Chang, aka Cello Joe, is an anomaly in the world of cellists, pioneering what he calls “Classical Hip Hop.” Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he combines cello playing with beatboxing, live looping, throat singing, and vocals to create intricate tapestries of harmony, melody, and rhythm in real time. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Cello Joe can mimic styles ranging from dubstep to folk to rock to classical to hip-hop, all while creating fat beats with his cello and mouth simultaneously. His lyrics weave together themes of sustainability, environmental justice, and social awareness, entertaining and inspiring audiences worldwide.

Cello Joe is the world’s first long-distance musical bike touring cellist, having ridden over 10,000 miles across the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia. He’s performed at major festivals including Burning Man, Lightning in a Bottle, Oregon Country Fair, Shambhala, and has shared stages with Joan Baez and played across continents. His interactive performances invite audiences to co-create spontaneous songs by suggesting topics and genres, making each show a unique experience.