Erika Van Pelt

Vocalist / Producer (Rhode Island)

*** [Feb 2012; Contestant on the 2012 Season of Fox Network's "American Idol" - Go get 'em Erika!]
*** [April 2012; Touring with the 2012 Top Ten Finalists of "American Idol"]
*** [Feb 2013; Currently recording her debut Solo Album and working nationally - visit her website for the release dates]

*** [March 2013; Did you know you can go on a Caribbean Cruise with Erika Van Pelt? Visit her facebook page for more info!!!]

Erika is dedicating the coming years to her solo career and we wish her all the success she deserves! She has my personal thanks for her contribution in keeping Boston Swing at the front of the New England music scene (exceptional talent and live music is our hallmark and she certainly contributed to both while working with us). – Mark Mahar

Erika attended Berklee College of Music (Vocal Performance and Production Engineering). Four years in RI’s All-State Chorus and All-State Jazz Choir; Three years in New England Chorus and one of four from Rhode Island in the All-Eastern Chorus in 2003; Former member of the Chorus of Westerly; Co-Founder of the a cappella group SoundCheck; 3 years as an independent contractor with Acorn Events Productions and Kaleidoscope Kabaret.

Named Boston’s Pride Idol in 2006. Recorded her second 5-song demo with SoundBox Studios. Performed with many New England bands in addition to Boston Swing (East Side Horns, Brass Attack, Wayz & Means, The Sultans of Swing). Erika’s recent notable appearances include the national production “If You’re Irish” and the annual “Chance to Dance” shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center. She is presently working on her debut vocal album in between national performance dates.

When performing with Boston Swing her strength is in her Funk, Soul, R&B and similar genres. She charms the audience with her smile, steals their heart with her soulful presence and knocks them off their chairs with her amazing vocals.

Received the 2009 “In The Spotlight” award from Newport Blues Cafe. “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 tastes take 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.”

“I’ve always known that I wanted to be a singer and a professional musician, and at 23, I have already had over a decade of making that goal a reality. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the world’s greatest talents, and I look forward to each day that I get the opportunity to share my passion with others. Music is a language, and an art form, and in my eyes it’s the most powerful art of all.” Erika