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Sometimes musicians come up with genuine idea that is so unique, so inspiring, so dynamically charged that all you can do is stand or sit back, watch and listen in wonder or dance your heart out with appreciation. Such is the case of “StrumS.”

“StrumS” is a husband and wife duo performing live music entertainment that transports you to nostalgic moments to getting your feet stompin’ and your joint jumpin’. This dynamic duo shares a love of music and a passion for expression. Utilizing a midi-sequenced full band sound with live guitar and a superb vocal, “StrumS” captivates audience from all walks of life.

Based in Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.A., Marissa and Ed Mendoza started performing and making music together in early 1999 in various venues in Guam. With the couple’s uncontrollable on-stage charisma, “StrumS” have been performing in the East Coast for private events and functions.

Its music blends elements of blues, pop, jazz, disco and even rock and roll, with music influences such as Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, America, Beatles, Steve Miller Band, Carly Simon, Santana, Sheryl Crow, Alison Kraus, Jewel, Shania Twain, Michelle Branch, Alicia Keys, The Carpenters, Earth Wind and Fire, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Melisa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill, BeeGees, Eurythmics, Abba, Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Doobie Brothers, Little River Band, Kansas, The Eagles, Guns and Roses, Gloria Estefan, Selena, Shakira, Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Buffet, Joe Cocker, The Police, No Doubt, 70’s Disco and a lot more.

From their humble beginnings, StrumS had performed in some important occasions, gatherings and ceremonies around South Carolina. Their gigs include the following:

PAAC New Years Eve and Valentines Party
Simpsonville, SC
Dec. 2002, Feb. 2004 and 2005;

Target Grand Opening
Target Store Simpsonville and Greer SC Branches
Apr. 2003 and Sept. 2003;

Filipino American Annual Gala Night
Greater Columbia District SC, Columbia Hotel
Sept. 2004 (with Funk Factory Band);

Rhythm on The River Summer Concert
Downtown Greenville SC
Sept 2004 (with Funk Factory Band)

Cinco De Mayo Party
Guadalajara Mauldin, SC
May 2005 and May 2006

Tunes on Trade Concert Series
Downtown Greer SC
July 2006

Marissa's Profile

Ed's Profile

Marissa, as she is fondly called, is a supreme songstress in her own right.

Music is her passion and what she lives for. It is also music that drew her close to Ed whom a beautiful musical family was formed.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Marissa has been doing music at an early age. As a matter of fact, she has participated in numerous talent shows and appeared in various commercials on Philippine TV. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Modeling Degree at St. Joseph’s College, Manila, Philippines and John Robert Powers, Guam, respectively.

She dedicated six (6) years working as a Flight Attendant and later on as an Airport Agent for Continental Airlines. She also did a three (3)-year stint as a Radio DJ in Guam via the program “OPM Afternoon Delights” for KUAM Isla 61 Radio Station.

It was in 1998 when music finally found and transformed her to what she is now – a total performer. She was discovered in Guam and immediately, thereafter, performing professionally in the same year. Prior to moving to the mainland, she has been performing regularly as a lounge and club singer. She recorded songs for an album “Various Artists Guam” produced and released in Guam in 1999. It was also in the same year when she met Ed, her husband and started performing together as “StrumS.”

Marissa and Ed were blessed with two (2) lovely children and together moved to South Carolina in 2001. It was also in the same year when she finally made a halt on paper works and fax machines in running her life and decided to make beautiful music with Ed. She – on vocals and Ed - on guitar.

Listening to her, belting songs and groove, makes you wonder how a wife and a mother sings like she is. She has a versatile sound, a unique style in singing and putting her own version to every song that she sings, may it be rock, blues, disco, jazz, country or love songs.

Marissa is not just married to Ed but is literally married to music and the art she gives life to it – singing.

Power of hands, obsession in strumming and creative musical thinking that create a superb music are what Ed Mendoza hold.

Ed Mendoza, just like his wife, is of Filipino lineage. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina, raised in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines and lived in Detroit during his teenage years. His mother is an American and his deceased father, a Filipino.

His dexterity in playing the guitar is a product of an early training. He started connecting with the guitar at 14 and started performing professionally at 17. San Diego, California was Ed’s first recorded performance.

He put on halt, for a while, doing what he loves most – music, and moved back to the Philippines to experience University life at De LaSalle, Batangas. He moved back to Guam in 1986 and rekindled his passion for music by performing fulltime during the 80’s with various bands in Guam.

Aside from strumming, Ed produces and arranges songs and an expert in midi sequencing. True to his obsession, Ed collects guitars. He will fight for his life to protect his Fender Strat, G&L, Fender acoustic/electric, Ovation acoustic/electric, Les Paul Standard, Breedslove acoustic/electric, and plans to protect more.

His music of rock and blues was influenced by legends, reminiscent of Pink Floyd, David Gilmore, Santana and Eric Clapton.

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