by Dave Schaefer

Amanda Heironimus, whose name -- when pronounced correctly -- rolls off the tongue like a Seussical rhyme, is a gentle force on the Columbus scene.  Expanding her piano-driven melodies with a recently-formed full band, Amanda is breaking out of her perceived role as the local Tori Amos-like piano singer and moving into a realm that’s more to her liking. 

Asked about her new band, she brightens.  Clearly she’s happy with this new direction.

“The band finally came about when I started working with bassist Dan Hange. He saw a show of mine and knew I was on the lookout for band members, so we started from there.” 

Finding a drummer was next, and Amanda turned to her little brother James who agreed to pick up his recently-retired sticks and join in. 

“So the three of us had a show together at Andyman's Treehouse at the tail end of December to see if we worked,” Amanda continues, “And it seemed to be so. But something was still missing.”

That led her on a search for strings.  She had her heart set on the violin (“They scream theatrics, after all, don’t they?”) and set out to find one by putting out an ad.  Unfortunately no violin players answered the call.  However, three viola players did. 

“So we re-evaluated things, and it turns out I'm much more in love with the viola's sound.”

Leah Wahlin and her viola then stepped into the lineup.

“Our first show as a band was at Rumba Cafe in February,” Amanda smiles. “We were a little loose, but that was one of the happiest days of my life. That sounds extremely cheesy, but I'm serious.  That sound had been a long time coming.”

“I have an amazing respect for Ben,” Amanda said. “Not only do I love what he does musically, but he's committed quite seriously to the environment. And he doesn't just talk about things that should be done; he's out there doing it.”

Ben Jelen is not only a phenomenal songwriter, but a fun and personable performer as well.  He creates a unique form of alt-pop-rock with an influence of acoustic folk, all wrapped around remarkable lyrics.  It’ll definitely be a show worth seeing.

“I'll add that people should come just to chat with the guy,” Amanda continues. “I think he'd be an amazing person to have a conversation with.”

On tap also is her “Unbirthday Show” on the very next day (April 10) at The Thirsty Ear in Grandview with Darynyck and The Fancy Lads.

Again, she smiles.  “It’s going to be a fun night. Darynyck is an indie-rock acoustic duo. I have yet to see them live, but they just released their debut CD [The Sasquatch Sessions, 4.5 buses; Reviewed 4/1/08] and it's catchy as hell and very clever, quirky. The Fancy Lads are an anomaly; a bunch of early twenty-somethings who idolize the Beach Boys. There's something so kitschy about it -- in a good way.”

And speaking of local bands, Amanda has a definite opinion about the local music scene.

“I love the scene here, though that's not to say it can't improve. I think the reason I love it so much is because it has so much potential. It's like an eight-year-old: it's young and malleable, not yet corrupt. We have a chance to do with it what we will, to take it in the right direction.”

And her experience reflects that, having moved after college to Austin, Texas -- The Live Music Capital of the World.

“The place was so saturated with musicians, and the scene was so cemented. Everyone was just doing their own thing, looking out for their own best interests, competing. Columbus has been much more supportive. If it weren't for some of the people I've met here, I'd still be playing solo in my apartment.”

And there’s a growing fan base that’s clearly glad she’s not.