Rhonda Stakich

Rhonda Jean Stakich is a performing songwriter. In 1997, Rhonda graduated with a diploma in vocal performance. She has studied classical, jazz, musical theatre and dance and has performed and choreographed throughout Canada, various parts of the United States and also in Japan. Six years ago, Rhonda moved to Toronto to pursue music full time. Little did she know, the work was just about to begin.

Shortly after moving to Toronto, Rhonda met engineer/producer Nathan Handy who at the time, was working at the recording studio called Manta Eastern Sound. Artists such as James Brown, Jennifer Lopez, U2 and Canadian legends Neil Young, Anne Murray and Bruce Cockburn have all recorded at Manta Eastern Sound. This is where Rhonda Stakich produced her first album entitled “There Were Years”. The album is an eight song collection of diverse melody driven pop songs that range from jazzy blues to folky pop to alternative rock. The album garnered the attention of many Toronto fans that came to see Rhonda perform in venues such as The Montreal Bistro, Free Times Café and The El Mocambo. Although the album was never officially released, it was made available to audience members and sold at live shows.

In 2003, Stakich and Handy returned to the studio with the same production team to record what was to become Rhonda’s second album entitled “Mary Mary”. The album was released at the Drake Hotel in November of 2005 and has been slowly, steadily winning its way into the hearts and ears of Toronto music fans. Stakich is currently supporting this release with a weekly show at the Cameron House in Toronto, a venue well known for hosting great Canadian musicians including Big Sugar, Molly Johnston and Kevin Quain. While Rhonda’s audience continues to grow in her home base of Toronto, she also continues to hone her craft of songwriting and performing.