Canadian Singing/Songwriting Duo Dala Comes to the ECC Arts Center April 18

Canadian singing/songwriting duo Dala brings their trademark brand of lush harmonies and acoustic pop to Elgin Community College Arts Center (ECC Arts Center), Building H, at 1700 Spartan Drive Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Dala’s songs draw upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. “There’s nothing pretentious about Dala’s music; it’s stripped down and laid bare… it would be just as at home in a 1960s coffeehouse as it is now on the contemporary concert stage,” says CBC’s “Canada Live.” And The Irish Times says “Dala seem bound for a loftier place where substance stands equal to style.”

Last seen at the ECC Arts Center in 2013, Dala is comprised of best friends Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine. They have come a long way since writing their first song in 2002, having quickly advanced through Canada’s music scene with their signature song style, and are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.

Dala was the only Canadian act invited to perform at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival. Their song “Horses” was nominated by National Public Radio as one of the Top Ten folk songs of 2009. In addition, Dala won a 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year for their “Girls from the North Country” live performance and accompanying CD. Dala’s latest album “Best Day” was released in June of 2012. It was nominated for three Canadian Folk Music Awards: English Songwriter of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Producer of the Year.” Walther, a new mother, just released her “WW Club” children’s album earlier this month.

Performance tickets for Dala are $30 and can be purchased online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC box office located in the Arts Center. To purchase tickets by phone, call 847-622-0300.