Because of her strong sight-reading skills, Amanda was always in demand as an accompanist for other instrumentalists and singers...but secretly she longed to be THE singer! One day, her best friend, who sadly was dying of cancer, asked her this life- changing question: What would AMANDA do if SHE had only 6 months to live? Amanda answered that she would go sing jazz and blues in a dark, smoky bar somewhere! Her friend asked her why she wasn't doing it.... Well, a year after her friend had passed, Amanda decided to do a benefit concert for the Cancer Society in her memory- most of the evening was piano performances, but at the very end, Amanda had prepared 3 jazz tunes to debut! She was very fortunate to have the backing and encouragement of an awesome jazz trio- all who volunteered to help her fulfill her dream as their lives too had been touched in some way by cancer! With the amazing Paul Grecco on piano, the talented Doug Matthews on stand up bass and the phenomenal internationally known Norman Marshall-Villeneuve on drums (himself a cancer survivor!) and with her legs trembling and heart racing, Amanda sung her heart out! The response was positive and she has never looked back! She has had the honour of singing jazz at the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival and the Peterborough Jazz Restaurant Tour Festival , Canada Day in Oshawa, as well as other private parties and events. She now sings a mix of styles-along with playing her keyboard- classic rock, blues, jazz, folk, country, and oldies- as a duo with her talented husband Steven Ladwig. Together they have had the honour of being nominated as Best Live Entertainment and Musicians for many years in the Oshawa-Whitby Readers' Choice Awards.
Steven has been playing the guitar and performing for more than 40 years- (he must be old!! ) He has played in numerous bands in the Durham area since he was a teenager !
He loves performing and is comfortable on electric, acoustic, 6 or 12 string guitar, resonator and bass guitars. Steven enjoys many styles of music, but is partial to the classic rock of the 60's and 70's. He counts the Beatles, the Eagles, Triumph, Rush, Alabama and even KISS as early influences on his musical taste. He has grown to enjoy not only classic rock , but also country, blues, jazz and even classical music."All music has its relevance...the connection between the performer and audience is the key. We try to keep the audience engaged, and I believe our edge is having a vast collection of songs in many genres to appease ALL listeners. Knowing what to play and when to play it !" (A quote by Steven! )
That collection of songs span from the 30's to now, with new songs being brought into the setlist almost constantly. He truly believes that being current is as important as being entertaining. Steven enjoys singing with Amanda in all types of venues , whether small and intimate or larger outdoor gigs. Their onstage chemistry is great to see and hear.
We can provide tasteful guitar/vocal/keyboard arrangements in a duo, trio or band format!
We do weddings, funerals, private parties, events, receptions, restaurant and pub venues , indoor or outdoor!
Let the ambience and energy of live music add to your special moment!
Steven has been playing the guitar and performing for more than 40 years- (he must be old!! ) He has played in numerous bands in the Durham area since he was a teenager !
He loves performing and is comfortable on electric, acoustic, 6 or 12 string guitar, resonator and bass guitars. Steven enjoys many styles of music, but is partial to the classic rock of the 60's and 70's. He counts the Beatles, the Eagles, Triumph, Rush, Alabama and even KISS as early influences on his musical taste. He has grown to enjoy not only classic rock , but also country, blues, jazz and even classical music."All music has its relevance...the connection between the performer and audience is the key. We try to keep the audience engaged, and I believe our edge is having a vast collection of songs in many genres to appease ALL listeners. Knowing what to play and when to play it !" (A quote by Steven! )
That collection of songs span from the 30's to now, with new songs being brought into the setlist almost constantly. He truly believes that being current is as important as being entertaining. Steven enjoys singing with Amanda in all types of venues , whether small and intimate or larger outdoor gigs. Their onstage chemistry is great to see and hear.
We can provide tasteful guitar/vocal/keyboard arrangements in a duo, trio or band format!
We do weddings, funerals, private parties, events, receptions, restaurant and pub venues , indoor or outdoor!
Let the ambience and energy of live music add to your special moment!