Erika Van Pelt: Difference between revisions
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'''Erika Van Pelt''' (born December 12, 1985) is an American singer from [[South Kingstown, Rhode Island]]. She is one of the Top 13 finalists for the [[American Idol (season 11)|eleventh season of American Idol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/american-idol/american-idol-top-13-revealed_articletab_61458 |title = American Idol - Access Hollywood |date= |accessdate=2 March 2012}}</ref> She auditioned in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. |
'''Erika Van Pelt''' (born December 12, 1985) is an American singer from [[South Kingstown, Rhode Island]]. She is one of the Top 13 finalists for the [[American Idol (season 11)|eleventh season of American Idol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/american-idol/american-idol-top-13-revealed_articletab_61458 |title = American Idol - Access Hollywood |date= |accessdate=2 March 2012}}</ref> She auditioned in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. |
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Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, singer, songwriter and musician, Erika Van Pelt currently lives in South County, Rhode Island where she has happily resided for the past ten years. |
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Throughout her childhood years, her father, an acoustic guitarist, and her mother, a lover of Broadway musicals, were both heavy influencers of Erika’s musical taste. Before Erika could even walk, she had already started singing and performing for her family. With musical parents and their home filled with the sweet sounds of Joni Mitchell, Boz Scaggs, Average White Band, James Taylor, musicals, and Disney classics, Erika was destined from the start toward a career in music. |
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Once old enough, and with the encouragement of her mother, Erika began singing along with her sister every Sunday at church as members of the new children’s choir. It wasn’t long, at the young age of seven; before Erika’s amazing vocal talents afforded her the distinct honor of singing solo with the adult choir. |
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By the time Erika had reached High School, she had discovered her musical path. Recognizing true natural talent, South Kingstown High School's choral director Dianne Rebelo encouraged Erika to join the school's award-winning vocal jazz ensemble and chorus. Erika became heavily involved in musical theatre and went on to place first in the state for several years in the Rhode Island All State Jazz Choir, Rhode Island All-State Chorus, All New England Chorus, and All-Eastern Chorus competitions. |
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A proud member of the Chorus of Westerly for several years, and a founding member of a cappella group called SoundCheck, Erika discovered her additional passions for arranging and writing. |
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Following high school, Erika attended the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Exploring her eclectic taste in music, she studied jazz, rock, pop, and soul genres along with production and engineering. |
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Post Berklee, in 2005, Erika launched her own company, VP Entertainment, a full-service mobile DJ company, and became an independent contractor with Kaleidoscope Kabaret, performing throughout New England at major venues including Foxwoods Resort and Casino and Mohegan Sun. |
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Today, in addition to successfully running her own DJ business, Erika performs part-time with “The Sultans of Swing”, and is a performing partner of “Fairhaven Entertainment” and “Boston Swing”. |
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Her recent major live performances include the national production "If You're Irish" and the annual "Chance to Dance" shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center, as well “Boston Swing” with Mark Maher at the famous Hard Rock Cafe in Boston, Massachusetts. |
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Erika draws her influences anywhere from Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan, to the new sounds of singers like Joss Stone, Jill Scott, and Kim Burrell. She clearly has a passion for Rhythm and Blues and Soul music, yet her taste takes her all over the map from country, jazz, and rock to classical and beyond. |
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Erika Van Pelt has a true appreciation for the music business and a pure passion for the art of music in every sense. Seriously blessed, her voice is soulful, precise, and yet limitless, and her stage performance is both memorable and inspirational. Erika hopes to make her career as a “solo artist” a reality in the near future. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 15:53, 4 March 2012
Erika Van Pelt | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 12, 1985 San Jose, California |
| Genres | Pop Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Erika Van Pelt (born December 12, 1985) is an American singer from South Kingstown, Rhode Island. She is one of the Top 13 finalists for the eleventh season of American Idol.[1] She auditioned in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, singer, songwriter and musician, Erika Van Pelt currently lives in South County, Rhode Island where she has happily resided for the past ten years.
Throughout her childhood years, her father, an acoustic guitarist, and her mother, a lover of Broadway musicals, were both heavy influencers of Erika’s musical taste. Before Erika could even walk, she had already started singing and performing for her family. With musical parents and their home filled with the sweet sounds of Joni Mitchell, Boz Scaggs, Average White Band, James Taylor, musicals, and Disney classics, Erika was destined from the start toward a career in music.
Once old enough, and with the encouragement of her mother, Erika began singing along with her sister every Sunday at church as members of the new children’s choir. It wasn’t long, at the young age of seven; before Erika’s amazing vocal talents afforded her the distinct honor of singing solo with the adult choir.
By the time Erika had reached High School, she had discovered her musical path. Recognizing true natural talent, South Kingstown High School's choral director Dianne Rebelo encouraged Erika to join the school's award-winning vocal jazz ensemble and chorus. Erika became heavily involved in musical theatre and went on to place first in the state for several years in the Rhode Island All State Jazz Choir, Rhode Island All-State Chorus, All New England Chorus, and All-Eastern Chorus competitions.
A proud member of the Chorus of Westerly for several years, and a founding member of a cappella group called SoundCheck, Erika discovered her additional passions for arranging and writing.
Following high school, Erika attended the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Exploring her eclectic taste in music, she studied jazz, rock, pop, and soul genres along with production and engineering.
Post Berklee, in 2005, Erika launched her own company, VP Entertainment, a full-service mobile DJ company, and became an independent contractor with Kaleidoscope Kabaret, performing throughout New England at major venues including Foxwoods Resort and Casino and Mohegan Sun.
Today, in addition to successfully running her own DJ business, Erika performs part-time with “The Sultans of Swing”, and is a performing partner of “Fairhaven Entertainment” and “Boston Swing”.
Her recent major live performances include the national production "If You're Irish" and the annual "Chance to Dance" shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center, as well “Boston Swing” with Mark Maher at the famous Hard Rock Cafe in Boston, Massachusetts.
Erika draws her influences anywhere from Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan, to the new sounds of singers like Joss Stone, Jill Scott, and Kim Burrell. She clearly has a passion for Rhythm and Blues and Soul music, yet her taste takes her all over the map from country, jazz, and rock to classical and beyond.
Erika Van Pelt has a true appreciation for the music business and a pure passion for the art of music in every sense. Seriously blessed, her voice is soulful, precise, and yet limitless, and her stage performance is both memorable and inspirational. Erika hopes to make her career as a “solo artist” a reality in the near future.
References
- ^ "American Idol - Access Hollywood". Retrieved 2 March 2012.