Residing in downtown Amherst, Massachusetts, Mandy served her town and community
for several years as a Head Start teacher and labor union leader until
choosing to study jazz and African-American music at the University of
Massachusetts Amherst in 2005. After participating in Jazz In July
Summer Music Programs at UMASS in 2006 and 2007, Mandy became the Assistant Director of the program, serving as the Acting Director for
the 2008 summer session.
Mandy is currently writing her own music and lyrics,
performing locally, and collaborating with talented local musicians and
DJs. She recently formed Pepper's Hygrade Promotions, a company designed to
promote local music, musicians, and venues through flyering, flyer
design, networking, and merchandising.
highlights:
An inspired streak of music writing in early 2009 has Mandy working on her first original album aptly titled, "Heart-Shaped". She is collaborating with several local musicians and looking forward the process of recording, refining, and performing her new repertoire this spring.
On October 27, 2007, Mandy began recording her first project at Northfire Recording Studio in Amherst, Massachusetts. The stellar rhythm section includes Peter Jones (PIANO), Joe Fitzpatrick (DRUMS) and Donny Hayward (BASS).
In 2006 and 2007, Mandy was awarded full scholarships to participate in Jazz In July, a longstanding international jazz improvisation institute hosted by the University of Massachusetts Fine Arts Center. Renowned artist/faculty in residence include Dr.Billy Taylor, Sheila Jordan,Chip Jackson, Steve Johns and Geri Allen. In August 2007, Mandy became the program's new Assistant Director.
She performed as a lead vocalist in the Funk Collective, an 11-piece popular music ensemble lead by Frank Newton, culminating in a live concert on May 10, 2007 in Bezanson Recital Hall, University of Massachusetts Fine Arts Center. Frank Newton arranged works by Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Hoagy Carmichael, Chaka Kahn, Jackson 5 and Tracy Chapman. Darby Wolf (P), Tom Risacaza (B), Tim Harrington and Mike Marcinowski (D), Dan Thomas and Christian Dancey (GUITAR), Frank Newton (S), Josh Wolf (TROMBONE), Josh Burton (TRUMPET), Tom Frink (TENOR SAX), Mat Schumer (ALTO SAX).
Winter Soul, an event thrown at the Elevens in Northampton, Massachusetts, on December 21, 2006 was broadcast live by Aspect Radio. Friend, producer and house DJ Hush headlined and featured Mandy as the guest vocalist, mixing her live vocals over remixed house tracks.
A packed house at the Pushkin in Greenfield, Massachusetts, hosted Mandy’s first solo concert on December 15, 2006. Her trio included Darby Wolf (P), Mike Marcinowski (D) and David Picchi (B).
On December 10, 2006, Mandy performed as featured soloist with the University of Massachusetts University Chorale in Bowker Auditorium. Directed by Dr. E. Wayne Abercrombie, University Director of Choirs, Mandy performed an unusual arrangement of Modinha. Composed by A.C. Jobim, Devanil Leandro arranged the song a capella for four-part voices and soloist, the Portuguese lyric sung by Mandy over the 76-voice choir.
