Empire Wild is a genre-bending crossover ensemble founded by Juilliard-trained cellists Mitchell Lyon and Ken Kubota, known for their innovative fusion of pop, folk, jazz, and classical music. Honored with the Ambassador Prize at the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, they have captivated audiences nationwide with their distinctive artistry. Their debut EP, Paper Seasons, features original compositions alongside inventive covers, showcasing their unique sound and instrumentation. Recent performances have taken them to prestigious series such as Carnegie Hall Citywide, Merkin Hall, Harriman-Jewell, Luther College, and South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center.