Meet Amanda Von Holtum | Vocalist, Musician, Entertainer, Band Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Von Holtum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what do you attribute your success to?
I always make a conscious effort to believe that things happen the way they should, even though it may not seem like it in those moments. This belief allows me to feel free and content with the path my success is taking. It’s my path, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am active duty in the Air Force Reserves, and band leader and manager for two Denver based bands, a musical partner in two musical duo acts, and a full-time mom. I think what makes my story a little different is the multiple hats I wear and how exciting, challenging and rewarding my life has been.

I have served over 21 years in the military, and I love my job in military finance. It was not always easy, because I had to learn hard lessons, be humble and put the needs of others before my own to make it as far as I have. I overcame the challenges by simply wanting to be a better person and to serve something bigger than myself. That sounds like a cliche but it’s true.

I have been a vocalist and entertainer since I was 10 years old. Ironically, I carry over a lot of my experiences in the military to my music career. I wanted to build a team around me, not just a group of people collecting a paycheck. The challenges I have had to overcome are 1) not being taken seriously, 2) sometimes not being respected, and 3) learning to stand my ground when I thought I was being taken advantage of. The key is to not assume people would treat me that way and give people the benefit of the doubt, but always have one eye open.

Lessons I have learned along the way are at the end of the day, it’s not about me. Yes, I am rewarded in a lot of different ways, and all of us have a need to be recognized, but there is no greater feeling than to either look to my audience and see someone smiling because of you, or to lead my team in the military and watch them grow and be fulfilled in their career.

What I would like people to know about me is that I’m just me. I created a path, even if it was not the path that I thought I would have taken.
My brand as an entertainer is really not contrived. As opportunities arise, different ideas pop into my head, and I think “Oh that sounds fun!” Sort of like, I saw something shiny… and boom, there I go!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My friend would be so lucky! I love live music, so I would find a concert or a local artist to go out and see one night. We would have a one- or two-day quick trip to Evergreen and visit the Stanley Hotel. I would also want to have a day at my favorite shopping center, Cherry Creek Shopping district and have lunch at the legendary Cherry Cricket. Another favorite spot to eat is Happy Camper.

I would have to take them to the mountains for a couple of days. I can’t ski or snowboard so maybe snow shoeing and of course, more shopping!

If it’s summertime, we would plan a day at the Reservoir.

We would also take a day to go downtown Denver, and ride the light rail. Everybody needs to experience the light rail.

And finally cap it off in Morrison and visiting the historic Morrison Inn.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ron Ivory of Ron Ivory – Solo, Miles Apart, One on One, Expressions and Suite Ti for his mentorship, dedication to my artistry, for teaching me how to be a great performer, and endless friendship and support.

Jerry and Michelle Bergeson of Boogie Machine, Ronnie Raygun and the Big Eighties, and Retromania Talent – for allowing me to be myself on the stage, teaching me how to be a band leader, and endless friendship and support.

Website: https://www.amandavsmaterialgirl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandavsmaterialgirl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandavsmaterialgirl

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandavsings1335

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandavsmaterialgirl

Image Credits
Scott Malonson of Hi-Def Photography and Films
Michelle Bergeson Photography