Lately I have been noticing an artist around Toronto that pops up in different forms. Her name is Amanda Walther and I had a chance to chat with her for a few minutes. This is what I learned about her curious approach to life and her art.
She started playing about 25 years ago and eventually got together with another artist named Sheila Carabine and created the duo Dala. They went on to create many recordings and their sound is a blend of fun pop sounds mixed with beautiful harmonies. This landed them a Juno award back in 2010 for Folk music award for vocal group of the year. They went on to tour North America extensively. At one point they travelled the States for 200 days.
Amanda eventually wanted to slow down and have a family but continued creating a new sound for children, this time called the WW Club. She also dabbled in painting landscapes.
She decided to connect with yet another musician, Mark LaLama and created a Jazz duo called Dizzy and Fay. This time they wrote original songs together that sounds like it came from the 1930’s.It really sounds like Jazz standards especially with song titles like, “I knew it was love”, and “There you are in my Heart”. Her soft voice can really lull you into a cuddly place like a hug from your Mother or a warm blanket on a cold night.
What caught my attention about Amanda is a show she is doing at Hugh’s Room on Aug 1,2024. She was invited to write the soundtrack to a movie called, Walk with me. One of the actor’s in the film is Bridgit Barkan who is a performer in real life. She has a starring role in this love story.
The film will have a screening ay Hugh’s Room with some of the cast in attendance as well as the director, Isabel Del Rosal. We will also get a live performance of the soundtrack by Amanda but also by Bridgit. This should be quite a lovely experience. You can take in a show and then get a live concert afterwards. This is a great 2 for 1 deal if I ever heard of one. I just hope they serve popcorn that night!
If for whatever reason you cannot attend that show, Amanda will be at the Burdock on Saturday Sept 14,2024 doing something totally different. Many years ago as Amanda was touring the States, she met another performer named Matthew Electrician who she absolutely adored and they became fast friends. Well as it turns out, Matt will be coming up to Toronto on Sept 14th and playing a night at the Burdock. Amanda will be his opening act. This will also be a very special evening watching two close friends play the same room.
Amanda Walther is a woman that truly does wear many hats and her openness and inquisitiveness has no boundaries. She is one of those artists, once you start following her, you will continue for many years to come, because she will always have a new project emerging for you to open up to. Just like a great present at Christmas time.
To get tickets to these events, just go to Amanda Walther’s website and click on the Ticket Button.
Here’s More Amanda
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