Lisa Manis

Country, rootsy, earthy and fun.......Lisa Manis is a star in the making. The Dixie Chicks have been the main influences along with Rascal Flats and Keith Urban but this young lady has a voice to rival all.

Imitating Reba McEntire at 4 years of age, writing her own songs since she was eleven ( her first penned inspirationally by Grandma and horses), this Pickering-raised talent was first discovered at a Canada Day karaoke show. Her choice of song? The Power of Love by Celine Dion. She was only 6 years old.

Shania Twain’s vocal coach, Ian Garrett was one of the first to help train this spectacular voice. This led into commercial work for such brands as KFC, Rice Krispies and Aleve. Lisa's love of country music led her to participate in country music competitions at Toronto's CNE and Simcoe's Canadian Country Open Singing contest where she place first and second respectively. Her continued love of performing launched her into Musical Theatre and she shined in Oliver at the Princess of Wales Theatre from October 1999 to January 2000, and at The Elgin Theatre in Peter Pan for the November 2000 to January 2001 run. Stratford talent scouts were blown away and she became one of the leads in The Sound of Music for the February 2001 to November 2001 season. She was only eleven years old.

Lisa thought being a regular kid might suit her after spending years on stages, so she took a break, finished high school but there was still the urge to be a performer. During that time, she continued her vocal training with top vocal coach Elaine Overholt who further trained this enchanting voice. She also attracted the interest of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Rock to sing the national anthem at some of their games. CBC’s “Celine: The Movie” highlighted Lisa's talent when she performed as the voice of the younger Celine which aired in October 2008. Country radio station KX96 had a competition that fall, Lisa was the runner up and decided what others knew all along, that singing was what she was meant for.

The result of her training with Elaine, and honing her songwriting skills landed her recording time with Juno Award winning producer Greg Kavanagh (Kavanagh Music) at the helm and on guitars on her first EP. Other fine musicians were Gary Craig - drums, Russ Boswell - bass, Burke Carroll - steel guitar, and Rob Gusevs - piano, organ. Her new tracks such as “Give Him Up Monday” and “Last First Kiss” will undoubtedly catapult Lisa into the upper echelons of female singers. A full album will be forthcoming with many self penned songs ready to choose from. Lisa has performed at numerous locations including: Hugh's Room in Toronto, the CNE, and opening for Pam Tillis and Shane Yellowbird. Lisa also travelled down to Nashville this past summer to write with some industry professionals, including Patricia Conroy. Her spring will consist of performing weekly at the Cadillac Lounge in Toronto, releasing a single, and further recording.