Allison Krauss, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Queen, The Chieftans, Paul Anderson, Etta James, Eva Cassidy, Stephen Foster, Natalie Dessay, Kathleen Battle, Elly Ameling, Anna Moffo
Julia started to sing and play her violin at the age of three, and has since then taken the stage with her passion for music and entertainment. She is trained in classical violin and participated in regional orchestras through the years, including Northeast Youth Symphony Orchestra of Massachusetts, district orchestras, the Phillips Academy Orchestra, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Orchestra of 2002.
Performing in talent competitions, she claimed first prize in the northeast regional Talent Extravaganza 2003 for her performance of "Travelin' Soldier". Julia connects best with folk, country, and jazz styles, prompting her in 2003 and 2005 to record some of her favorite covers. These include "Blue", "Angel from Montgomery", by John Prine, "California", by Joni Mitchell, "Travelin' Soldier" by the Dixie Chicks, and "The Salley Gardens"by Benjamin Britten.
In a quest for her own sound, Julia branched out when she went to college by taking classical voice lessons and picking up some Scottish fiddling technique. Collaborating with other musicians has been a nice challenge and a lot of fun for Julia. Such artists include Caitlin Corless (folk singer/songwriter), Social Hero (hard rock band), Brian Alex (producer/singer/songwriter), and Selkie (Irish band). Claiming her Scottish heritage and going full speed ahead with celtic influences, she has a particularly strong flare for celtic music. On St. Patrick's day of 2007, she opened up for the infamous Battlefield Band at The Handlebar Restaurant and Venue in Greenville, SC.
While at Furman University, Julia studied music and graduated in June of 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in music and vocal performance concentration. For her senior vocal recital, she sang a variety of literature, including "Les oiseaux dans la charmille", the doll's aria by Jacques Offenbach, "Del cabello mas sutil" by Fernando Obradors, "They Can't Take That Away from Me" by Gershwin, and more.
Julia spent 6 months of 2008-2009 in Vienna, Austria, studying voice and soaking up the classical and jazz music scene. She now lives in the Boston area, where she sings for wedding receptions, private parties, and special events, and plays Scottish fiddle at local cafes and pubs. She is in the process of recording a group of original songs in the following months for her solo album, where folk meets jazz meets classical. Please visit back at her page for information on release dates.
If you are interested in booking her, please contact her via email julia.kwolyk@gmail.com.
