Biography
Fiddle player and singer, Amanda Shaw is part of the new breed of young, roots-based musicians (i.e., Lumineers, Mumford, Ed Sharp, Old Crow Medicine Show, Alabama Shakes) who have embraced both traditional sounds and pop sounds of the mainstream. Her roots lie in Louisiana, mixing her classically trained violin playing with Cajun dancehall melodies and vocals that drip sweet cherry pie and southern girl grit. Her deep talent led to becoming one of the youngest headliners at music festivals not only throughout the world.
Like many prolific artists, Amanda was engaged in music from a very early age becoming a classically trained violinist who–at the age of eight–became the youngest soloist with the Baton Rouge Symphony. Shaw was in elementary school when she made her national television debut on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. Her first two self-released albums, Little Black Dog and I am Not a Bubblegum Pop Princess, have consistently been among the top ten best sellers at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, where she has drawn record crowds every year since she was 10. Following roles in the Disney movies, Stuck in the Suburbs (2004) and Now You See It (2005). In 2008 Rounder Records released her critically acclaimed third album, Pretty Runs Out, made its debut with Billboard Magazine listing it as one of their Best Bets”. Then came a Big Easy Award for Best Female Entertainer and her feature role in the MacGillivray-Freeman’s IMAX film Hurricane On The Bayou.
Amanda’s award-winning music and high-energy performances with her band, The Cute Guys, produce a unique balance of mainstream harmonies with grassroots charm. She continues to master her technique by putting a personal Louisiana twist on performances at festivals and events around the world – locally, regionally and internationally. With regular appearances at iconic events like French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest, Amanda has become a crowd favorite and a festival staple.