Featured Artist - Tori Ackley

Tori Ackley is a talented singer/songwriter who has performed across the country headlining events for the Lilli Claire foundation in California, Best Buddies in Florida and singing the national anthem at a Red Sox’s game in Fenway Park.  Her songs center on her experiences in life - friendships, family, and portray a child-like wonder. Songs like Seeing the Sun, which was written for her grandfather when he passed away, paint her life experiences in a beautifully positivite way.

Tori has a disability called Williams Syndrome which affects her life, sometimes making things challenging for her – but there are positive outcomes from Williams Syndrome when it comes to music!  Tori is blessed with a strong sense of rhythm and harmony.  She can be found on any given day plunking out her favorite new tune from the radio or performing with the Kandoo Band, a group of friends with Williams Syndrome. She has also toured the New England region as part of the Berkshire Hills Music Academy Troupe.

The idea for this demo CD came about after a summer session where Tori met guitarist, Eamon Anderson and producer, Kathryn Lively.  The three made a rough recording of Seeing the Sun.  In September of 2008, Engineer Andy Carballeira secured a grant to record the song and two others at the Berklee College of Music Studios. Tori invited musicians from her school to play on the album, which is her first produced CD.

Says Tori about her album,”When I heard it the first time, I felt like I was living a dream.  I felt like a part of me was finally being heard.”

Listen to songs from Tori's new CD (right click to download):