Zeena Parkins, best known as an electric harpist, is also a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and improvisor. Using digital and analog processing and a variety of unusual tools Zeena has turned the harp into what she calls a "sound machine of limitless capacity." She designed her first harp with Tom Cora and then with Ken Parker. Parkins has developed a unique instrument which allows her a tremendous amount of unexpected sonic possibilties. Parkins is associated with the downtown NY scene but also very active in the European Free Improv, Musique Actuelle and RIO scenes. Parkins has worked with Tom Cora, Chris Cutler, Elliott Sharp, Samm Bennett, Lee Ranaldo, William Hooker, Fred Frith, Lindsay Cooper, Jim O'Rourke, John Zorn, Chris Cochrane, Björk. Nels Cline, David Shea, Ikue Mori, Peter Scherer, Joane Hétu, Peter Kowald, Tenko, Jim Staley, Kato Hideki, Butch Morris, and countless other innovators. She has several solo cds, and has been part of the bands No Safety, OWT, News from Babel, Keep the Dog, and Skeleton Crew. She has also received numerous commissions to provide scores for film, video, orchestra, theater and dance.