...and thanks for visiting. Get to know us a little better. Look around and stay a
while. Listen to our music, look at some photos, read what others think of us,
find out where we are playing, and come out and meet us.
The Acoustics are a Canadian instrumental world/roots musical ensemble from
the Hamilton, Ontario area. For the past ten years, they have been cultivating
their own unique world/roots music for local fans and venues.
Their debut CD, "A Thousand Yesterdays" (Dec. 2003), is an originally composed compilation of distinctive musical arrangements complimented by violin, mandolin, acoustic guitar, bass, percussion and accordion.
Their second CD, "Forever and a Day" (Dec. 2007), was four years in the making. This eclectic journey takes the listener through an array of memories and emotions, expressing passion and love. It is clear from hearing the first note that this music comes from the heart.
The Acoustics' music has been featured on several radio shows including: CBC
Radio (Root & Wings, Fresh Air, Disc Drive, Here & Now, The Weekender,
Northern Lights, Ontario Morning), CFMU 93.3 FM (The Freewheeling Folk Show),
and CIUT 89.5 FM (University of Toronto, Global Rhythms). CBC TV also selected
their music for the political drama series, "Snakes and Ladders", which premiered
on CBC TV in February 2004. In 2005, the City of Hamilton selected one of the
Acoustics' tracks "Una Notte Con Te" for an International promotional Hamilton
Tourism video.
In August, 2007, The Acoustics recorded two instrumental tunes: "Snow Day" and "Calling of the Bells" for December Songs, a Design Hope project, for Out of the
Cold, a Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, fundraising organization to provide shelter and assistance for the homeless. December Songs was released on Oct. 20, 2007
at the Westside Concert Theatre, and featured some of the best writers in the
Hamilton area.
The Acoustics were first recognized for their musical achievements in 2004, when
their CD A Thousand Yesterdays was the winner of the Hamilton Music Award for
Best Instrumental Recording of the Year. Next, their CD Forever and A Day was
named Folk/Traditional recording of the year at the 2008 Hamilton Music Awards,
with Etelka Nyilasi winning Special Instrumentalist of the year for her violin
performances on the CD. Forever and a Day went on to come in second place for World Album of the year at the 2009 JPF Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. Subsequently, the album was nominated for two 2009 Hamilton Music Awards: Folk/Traditional Recording of the year and Instrumental Recording of the year.
Current members of the band are:
Andrew Eckart, Bass - Hamilton
Andrew began playing the cello in grade three and eventually moved to the bass
when he joined the jazz band at Westmount Secondary. Since then he has played
in various jazz combos, orchestras and rock bands in both Hamilton and Montreal.
Bonnie Krenciglowa, Violin - Hamilton
Bonnie began studying violin at the age of 9. Currently she holds a Grade 10
certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music. As a student, Bonnie gained recognition as Concert Mistress and soloist with the Hamilton East Chamber
Ensemble and for her membership in various school and youth orchestras.
She has gone on to win many awards at local music festivals, including a
senior finalist at the Hamilton Kiwanis Music Festival in 2004. While living in
Montreal in 2008-2009, Bonnie was a member of the first violin section of
McGill University's I Medici orchestra.
Bonnie has been closely involved with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School
Board's Strings Program as a teacher since 2002. She has also taught alongside various professionals in the Hamilton area: at The Music Stand and Avalon Music Academy, as well as providing private instruction in her home. Bonnie's musical repertoire is extensive and ranges from classical, to pop, to the original sound of
The Acoustics.
Brian Ropcean, Percussion - Hamilton
At the age of six, Brian received his first drum set and taught himself to play. He
has played in various local groups covering a variety of musical styles from jazz
to rock to Latin and world/roots.
Alfonso Spoto, Accordion - Brantford
Alfonso's formal training started at the National Conservatory of Music in Hamilton
when he was 11. He has played in many local cover bands, covering a variety of musical styles from, pop, light rock, country and traditional. Currently he is
manager and musical leader of The Acoustics.
Enzo Spoto, Acoustic Guitar - Hamilton
Vince started to play and experiment with musical instruments at the age of 6.
With encouragement and support from his uncle Alfonso, he picked up the bass
and later the guitar and has become a self taught musician with great natural
abilities.
Past members of the band are:
Etelka Nyilasi: Violin
Natalia Manley: Violin
Nick Davis: Double Bass
Sam Spoto: Rhythm Guitar
