Adding to a spectacular career that has flourished since she finished top 10 on American Idol, Erika Van Pelt brings her sultry, gritty alto voice to Rockport. Van Pelt is joined by Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Bijon Watson for a special tribute to West Coast jazz icons Peggy Lee and Chet Baker, performing a program filled with nostalgic greats such as “Fever,” “Black Coffee” and “My Funny Valentine.”
ERIKA VAN PELT
As a singer, songwriter, DJ, emcee, bandleader and electric live entertainer, Erika Van Pelt has made her mark on the New England music scene for over two decades. Van Pelt’s sultry, gritty alto voice captured the hearts of millions on the 11th season of American Idol in 2012. Erika soared through to the Top 10, which led to a 46-city worldwide arena tour. When the Idols LIVE! Tour wrapped in the fall of 2012, EVP went straight to work on her debut album. Van Pelt’s 11-track debut ‘My Independence’ was released in October of 2013. Erika’s critically acclaimed debut album received nominations for “Record of the Year”, and “Indie Artist of the Year” at the New England Music Awards.
Van Pelt has performed on The Tonight Show, and shared the stage and studio with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Chaka Khan, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, Lana Del Rey, Daughtry, James Taylor, Diana Ross, Kristen Chenoweth, Martin Short, The Staples Singers, Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Holiday, Neil Young, Darren Criss, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Maroon 5, and many more.
