theacoustics

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 twelve 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 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 a tourism video, promoting Hamilton
at the international level.

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.

The Acoustics are back in the studio to record their third CD, which is expected
to be released in May of 2012.

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 also gone on to win many awards at local music festivals. While living in Montreal in 2008-2009, Bonnie was a first violinist in McGill University's I Medici orchestra. Bonnie was closely involved with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board's Strings Program as a teacher from 2002 to 2007. She has also taught alongside various professionals in the Hamilton area. Bonnie's musical repertoire is extensive and ranges from classical, to pop, to the original sound of The Acoustics.

Richard Hone, Percussion & Drums - Hamilton
At the age of fourteen, Richard began playing in local rock bands, culminating
in music studies at Humber college. While at Humber he played in several
groups ranging in styles of funk to jazz. Post graduation he has continued to
develop his vocabulary in live and studio sessions, encompassing R&B, jazz,
funk, rock and even a little musical theatre. He is very happy to be the newest
Acoustic and is looking forward to the future.

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
Brian Ropcean: Percussion