“soulful pop,” this singer, pianist, and composer speaks to authentic beauty
through music, the language of the soul. She is currently on a year-long musical
tour ...
Amanda Vernon is a recording artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Through a genre she calls, “soulful pop,” this singer, pianist, and composer speaks to authentic beauty through music, the language of the soul. She is currently on a year-long musical tour and will be in Knoxville on September 19, 2014 for a concert at St. John Neumann Parish. Together with her husband and their children (a son and a daughter, both under the age of 3), she is traveling the U.S. sharing her music and message. “The writings of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II, have a big impact on my songwriting. American speaker and author, Christopher West, inspired me to express John Paul II’s deep philosophy through accessible language.” Amanda's perspective is rooted in faith and coated with this sparkle which is joy come alive. Her presentation offers something that spans the divide of cultural and religious ideologies. She knows well the cultural pressure to live up to an impossible standard of exterior beauty.“I struggle a lot with body image. The ‘Interior Gaze’ from loved ones helps me as I continue to win this battle. Understanding that my body has infinite worth, that it reveals the invisible mystery of God Himself, makes a world of difference for me. “I believe that art is at its best when it points toward authentic beauty. Basically, authentic beauty pulls us outside of ourselves, into reality, into connection with others. “This is in contrast to seductive beauty, which pulls us toward fantasy. Seductive beauty in art, commercials, or even in someone’s appearance, turns us back in on ourselves. It creates a barrier between us and a true encounter with another. “Any encounter with authentic beauty brings joy. Not every song needs to be happy-go-lucky, but I always hope to bring joy through my music.”
