Ask LA: Avelina Kushnir, Violinist Living Her LA Story

From Santa Monica performances to pawn shop discoveries, this young musician is writing her story one note at a time, and her debut single is almost here.

Avelina Kushnir is not your typical rising artist. A violinist, saxophonist, and vocalist who began building a global following through viral street performances and social media, she has carved out a lane entirely her own, one that blends classical technique with contemporary soul. Often collaborating with her cousin, violinist Karolina Protsenko, Avelina has become a recognizable presence online and in the streets of Los Angeles. Now, with her debut single on the horizon, the world is about to hear her on her own terms.

Lost in the music — Avelina performing on the streets of LA/ Photo by Anne Zamerim 

Los Angeles as a State of Mind

For Avelina, LA is a catalyst."It feels like anything is possible there," she says. "There's this constant creative energy that pushes you to dream bigger and actually go for it." That energy, she explains, is what draws her back to the city again and again: the sense that everyone around her is creating, performing, expressing. For a musician, that kind of environment inspires growth.

Her favorite corner of the city is the beach. Whether it's the sweeping stretch at Malibu, the charm of Crystal Cove, or the familiar rhythm of Santa Monica, the ocean is where Avelina goes to reset. Santa Monica in particular holds a special place for her, it's where she performs regularly on Sundays, connecting directly with whoever stops to listen. "It's one of those places where I feel most like myself," she says, "just playing music and connecting with whoever stops to listen."

At home by the ocean — one of Avelina's favorite places in LA

What I love most about Los Angeles is the atmosphere — it feels like anything is possible there. There’s this constant creative energy that pushes you to dream bigger and actually go for it. As a musician, I’m really drawn to that. Being surrounded by people who are creating, performing, and expressing themselves makes me want to grow, write more, and share more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEh0spXwe_4

Avelina Kushnir brings a little Beatles magic to the streets of LA

Morning Rituals and Creative Sanctuaries

When the day starts to feel heavy, Avelina has a go-to remedy: a quiet morning at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker. She discovered the spot during a period when everything felt a little overwhelming, and its calm, bright atmosphere became a kind of sanctuary. It's also, she notes with a smile, where some of her favorite song lyrics were born. For Avelina, the best coffee spots are places where stillness makes room for new ideas.

Another unexpected source of creative fuel? LA's pawn shops. Avelina makes a point of visiting them whenever she can, drawn especially to the old instruments tucked away on the shelves. "Sometimes I even find old violins," she says, "and when I tune them, it feels like I go back 20–30 years in time." It's a ritual that keeps her connected to the deep history of her craft, and to the stories music holds long after the players have moved on. For yogurt fans, she also has a soft spot for Go Greek Yogurt, a local favorite worth seeking out.

Avelina Kushnir, violinist and vocalist based in Los Angeles

Avelina on saxophone — one of several instruments in her repertoire

Avelina performing on the streets of Santa Monica

What's Coming Next

Avelina's debut single is dropping soon, and by her own account, she has never been more excited to share her music. It marks a meaningful milestone: from viral covers and street performances to original work that is entirely and unmistakably hers. We're excited to be among the first to share this news with our readers.

Big news! My first single is dropping soon, and I’ve never been more excited to share my music with you. You won’t want to miss this!

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About Avelina Kushnir

Avelina Kushnir is a violinist, saxophonist, and vocalist known for her captivating street performances and viral social media presence. Inspired by her mother to learn multiple instruments, she blends classical training with contemporary style. Her debut single is coming soon. Follow her journey on Instagram and YouTube.

Los Angeles has a way of finding the right people and giving them a stage. For Avelina Kushnir, that stage has been the sidewalks of Santa Monica, the strings of forgotten violins, and now, a debut that belongs only to her. We'll be listening.

Thanks for being here,

Lucy