Jonti Wonders The Greek Theatre

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Not many new bands get the opportunity to tour stadiums right off the bat, and a fewer amount get to say that he or she opened for the likes of Gotye, but Jonti Shaun Danilewitz has been offered the chance to do both. The 25-year-old Angelino via Australia via South Africa met Wauter De Backer (the man behind “Gotye”) while they were both living down under. He gave the multi-instrumentalist his demo, and months later he received an email from De Backer, who liked what he heard. Since then, the superstar has been Danilewitz’ mentor as he continues to expand his sound under the moniker “Jonti.”

With the guidance of De Backer, the electronic artist has been busy sketching luscious pop song with his beloved 4 track and has released two albums, while creating a steady fan base in the process. On Tuesday night, the young producer won over the heart of his newfound home of Los Angeles as he shined with the bright lights of The Greek Theatre during his set in support of Gotye.

At first, Jonti looked out of place—one man standing behind a table adorned with laptops, electronics and a few instruments, alone on a monstrous stage cluttered with musical gear. He seemed a little nervous as he looked into the crowd at the fans who came early to see him, but as soon as he hit his first beat, a wave of confidence washed over him. He was in his element. Playing a mix of instrumental and vocal pieces, Jonti was a one man band; simultaneously singing, tinkering with electronics, playing bass, guitar, and even ukulele.

Midway through his set, Jonti thanked the crowd for getting there in time for his performance and wished a happy birthday to his girlfriend, followed by a boyish giggle. Before playing his sugary sweet holiday anthem “Christmas Worms Quest For Fresh Apples,” the giddy musician said, “I’m going to be honest with you, I’m Jewish, but I love Christmas!” And as he played, it truly felt like Christmas in September.

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Jonti ended his set with his ukulele-based diddy, “Saturday Night Songs,” and as the crowd swooned and danced along, his grin grew larger. Once he was done playing, he continued interacting with the crowd in his own quirky way. “As a thank you, I’m going to throw t-shirts out, but only to whoever can make the best animal noises!” Chirps and growls and woofs erupted from the audience as he tossed shirts as far as he could to his fans new and old.

Look for Jonti on tour with Gotye through October. Tour dates are below.

Tour Dates

09.07 Las Vegas, NV: House Of Blues ^~
09.08 Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara Bowl ^~
09.09 Berkeley, CA: Greek Theatre Berkeley ^~
09.22 Boston, MA: Bank Of America Pavilion ^&
09.25 New York, NY: Radio City Music Hall ^&
09.26 Montville, CT: Mohegan Sun Arena ^&
09.29 Camden, NJ: Susquehanna Bank Center ^&
09.30 Columbia, MD : Merriweather Post Pavilion ^&
10.01 Raleigh, NC: Raleigh Amphitheater ^&
10.03 Nashville, TN: Ryman Auditorium ^&
10.04 Tuscaloosa, AL: Tuscaloosa Amphitheater ^&
10.05 Atlanta, GA: Chastain Park Amphitheater ^&
10.07 Miami, FL: Klipsch Ampitheater at Bayfront Park ^!
10.08 Orlando, FL: House of Blues Orlando ^!
10.10 New Orleans, LA: Lakefront Arena ^!
10.11 Houston, TX: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ^!
10.12 Dallas, TX: Verzion Theatre ^@