Nancy J. Frank Productions Ltd.
Amanda
Martinez

March 10 , 2010

“She captures the raw emotion and passion of Latin music in a way that’s well beyond her
years.”
–CBC Radio

Amanda Martinez is a singer, actor, broadcaster and presenter. The launch of her debut
recording, Sola (2006) firmly establishes her as Canada’s Latin singer to watch.  Sola, which
means “on her own,” garnered Best World Music Artist of the Year at the Toronto
Independent Music Awards (2006), and is a top selling album in Toronto stores.

Martinez began her musical career singing jazz standards, but she quickly discovered
audiences thrilled to her dramatic, sensual interpretations of Latin styles and Brazilian bossa
nova. She came by her love of this music honestly.   “Music is in my blood. It was always a
part of family gatherings,” says Martinez, who has made multiple trips to both Mexico and
Cuba. “My family – my father is Mexican, and my mother is South African -- saturated me with
the music of Cuban trovadores, people like Pablo Milanes, Sylvio Rodriguez, and greats like
Mercedes Sosa, Elis Regina and Chavela Vargas.”

Martinez, whose work can be filed alongside of innovative singers Lhasa and Lila Downs,
arrived at her unique blend of passionate, acoustic Latin music circuitously. She has a
Bachelor of Science (University of Western Ontario) and a Masters in International Business
(York University). But she chose the performer’s life because she wanted to make a direct,
intense connection with people. Her career to date has been profiled by CBC Radio’s Big City,
Small World and Metro Morning, and by television stations Bravo, Telelatino, and Rogers.

Acting provides another showcase for Martinez’s charisma and talent. She’s held principal
roles on television shows including Train 48, This is Wonderland, Due South and the Disney
series Life with Derek, and a role in Atom Egoyan’s film Calendar kick started her film career.

Since her arrival on the Latin-Canadian music scene in 2001, Martinez has also been sought
after as a presenter, hosting Bravo TV’s Live at the Rehearsal Hall, (interviewing songwriter
Ben Harper, among others), CITYtv’s Ontario Lottery Tonight, as well as concerts at Lula
Lounge and Harbourfront Centre.
Sanderson Centre
for the Performing Arts
88 Dalhousie
Brantford, Ontario


Tickets:  $27.00

To reserve tickets call:

1.800.265.0710 or
519.758.8090

or email us at:

bdjazz@rogers.com