Published: July 11, 2014 | Last Modified: July 11, 2014 05:02PM
By Eric Vo Record-Journal staff

Connecticut native Amanda Kaletsky will headline a show in Hamden with Toby Lightman at The Ballroom July 18.

Kaletsky’s music has been characterized as “blues inspired love songs to power-drive pop hits,” according to her biography on her website. She considers Joni Mitchell and Carole King influences for her music.

In a review by Relix Magazine, the publication found Kaletsky’s music “finds a middle ground between New York’s homey downtown clubs and the polish of Top 40 Radio.” To date, she has released three full-length albums and her song “Everything Lies” — from her second EP, “Between You & Me” — was featured on MTV’s “The Hills.” Her music was also featured on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and MTV’s “True Life.”

Connecticut native Amanda Kaletsky will headline a show in Hamden with Toby Lightman at The Ballroom July 18.

Kaletsky is an alumna from the University of Delaware, where she majored in music. She was selected by British rock band, Coldplay, to open for them during the group’s show in Hartford Aug. 2, 2008. She was well received by the crowd during her opening set, according to Coldplay’s website.
“Now all of the local opening acts have been good, but it’s unusual to get such unanimous glowing praise from roadies,” the website states.

Lightman, who is from Cherry Hill, N.J., has also performed with well-known acts throughout the tenure of her career. She has performed with OAR, Rob Thomas, Jewel, Gavin DeGraw, Train and Prince.

Music critics have compared Lightman’s style to that of Mary J. Blige, Nelly Furtado and Lauryn Hill.

Kaletsky and Lightman will perform at The Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Friday. Tickets are $15 or $13 in advance.