Beth Stalker has a passion for music.
The Clarkston resident is working on bringing that music to others by playing venues in the Metro Detroit area and also recording a compact disc.
‘I want to touch people with my music. I am trying to impact lives,? Stalker said. ‘I want people to hear my music and feel a connection.?
For Stalker, the musical journey began when she was four-year-old singing in Sunday School. She was taught to sing by her parents, Joseph and Linda Baldiga.
‘My father played the piano and was in a lot of jazz bands. He also played at church,? Stalker said.
Growing up in Royal Oak, Stalker would share her singing talents with others. As a child, she sang at different churches with her father playing piano. They even released a cassette tape entitled ‘Jesus Loves Me.?
There was also the appearance on the ‘Spirit of Detroit? television show which was broadcast on channel 62.
At age 15, Stalker moved to Clarkston and continued singing. She showcased her talents with the Clarkston High School choir and drama club.
Stalker also formed a group with classmates Alisa Visconti and Sheila Spencer.
‘We would sing Christian folk music. We were an acoustic trio. We sang at a lot of churches and festivals,? Stalker said.
Stalker and Visconti, along with songwriting friend Allan Goetz, even won a few contests by writing and performing songs for Tubby’s Submarines and TCF Bank.
After the group parted ways, Stalker began singing jazz and blues music. She continued writing original music with the help of Goetz and Bob Bullock.
‘I love writing original music,? Stalker said. ‘My songs deal with a specific time in my life but they are not real specific. If someone goes through a similar situation I want them to relate to the song.?
While playing restaurants in the area, Stalker met up with songwriter/producer David Mosher. She gave him a three song demo and they are now turning it into a full length compact disc.
The working title of the compact disc is ‘Here with You,? and it is set to be 11 songs. The plan is to release it under an independent label.
While Stalker is enjoying creating music, she does not have any lofty dreams about a career in music.
‘I am simply enjoying the journey,? Stalker said. ‘I don’t have huge expectations. I just want to sing and get the music out there. Where I end up will just be icing on the cake.?
Although Stalker is not looking for accolades, they are already coming. The singer was recently nominated for two Detroit Music Awards in the categories of outstanding Christian gospel vocalist and outstanding Christian gospel artist.
‘I was quite shocked. I was not expecting it at all,? Stalker said.
Stalker will perform at Xhedos in Ferndale on May 1. The show, which runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., will also feature Steve Kovich and Kent Koller.
Anyone interested in hearing Stalker’s music can visit www.bethstalker.com. The website has show dates, sound clips and will be announcing when the compact disc will come out. The website www.musicpeoplellc.com also has sound clips from Stalker.