Monica is a dancer, drummer, and overthinker based in San Francisco, California
Gruppo Pizzicato
About us
Bill Foss and Martha Hawthorne started Duo Pizzicato in 2011 to perform music they first heard at Caffe Trieste in San Francisco. They were inspired by the Italian American mandolin players there such as Matteo Casserino, Riccardo Tunzi, Rudy Cipolla and Tony Flores. They have since expanded their repertoire to include songs and tunes from several different regions of Italy and Ticino (the Italian speaking part of Switzerland). Their performances include tarantellas, mazurkas, polkas, tangos, work songs, pizzicas, partisan songs, vocal harmonies, and more.
Musician Irene Herrmann joined them in 2015, making them a trio and bringing her own vast experience of playing Italian music with Riccardo Tunzi and Tony Flores. In 2025, Monica Berini joined on percussion, and Duo Pizzicato became Gruppo Pizzicato!
Shows
Gruppo Pizzicato play several times per month at varied venues in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.
Upcoming performances can be found on the calendar.
They are available for hire for special events.
Please email us for inquiries.
Line up
Bill Foss - Mandolin and vocals
Martha Hawthorne - Guitar and lead vocals
Irene Herrmann - Mandolin and vocals
Monica Berini - Percussion and vocals
Gruppo Pizzicato Photo Gallery
