Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.—KILLINGTON— Rhode Island native Erika Van Pelt will be making a debut appearance at The Foundry, Saturday, March 23.
Van Pelt has flourished in the music scene and placed 10th on “American Idol” Season 11.
Diving into the music world at the young age of 7, Van Pelt was active in many musical groups including musical theatre, vocal jazz ensembles, and choirs. In 2003, she received the Judges Choice Award at the Berklee Jazz Festival, which prompted her to continue musical studies at Berklee the following year.
At the age of 18, Van Pelt was already on her way to success after developing her own mobile DJ and entertainment company, VP Entertainment. She ambitiously joined her first band, Into the Groove, which inspired her start writing original music.
In 2011, Van Pelt received a golden ticket at her Pittsburgh audition for “American Idol.” After getting through the daunting first audition, one round became two, two became three, and the rest is history.
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith coined the phrase “Pelt Can Belt!” and the singer made it all the way to Top 10 on Season 11 of “American Idol,” earning her a place on the 46-city worldwide American Idol Tour.
Post-“Idol,” Van Pelt recorded and released her debut album ,“My Independence,” in October of 2013. This album received two New England Music Awards nominations, one for Indie Artist of the Year and one for Album of the Year.
Several songs from the album were featured on television shows like “Dance Moms” and “Inside Amy Schumer.”
Van Pelt has since started two bands, Vagabond Blues and The Soul Estate Band, while also opening The Melody Mill, a vocal studio that concentrates on teaching contemporary music. Her second album is in the works.
Don’t miss this special performance at The Foundry at 7 p.m. in the Tavern. The Foundry is located at 63 Summit Path, Killington.
Photo submitted
Erika Van Pelt
