Lisburn jazz singer launches debut EP

Originally from the Deep South in the United States, Dana grew up with sound of soul, rhythm and blues and gospel music all around her. Her love for music developed as she grew up and lead her to study music, majoring in vocal performance at university.

“I grew up in the South and my family was very involved in the civil rights movement and music had a more intense meaning than just entertainment, it had a message,” explained Dana.

“That showed me that music could be life saving and that is something that is very important to me.

“My passion from a very young age was helping people and inspiring people to be their best self, and inspiring cultures and communities to do what is best for each other. Later on I found out you could do that through music.”

Despite studying music at university, Dana never dreamt of singing as a full time career and instead went into commercial real estate.

It was only when she met Andrew and moved to Lisburn in 2008 that a chance meeting with one of Northern Ireland’s most well known trumpet players lead her down the musical path once again.

Early 2012 Dana had a chance meeting with Linley Hamilton at a local music venue. During that year Dana, Linley and some of the best Jazz musicians playing in Ireland began a weekly residency in the basement of McHugh’s bar in Belfast, the inspiration for Dana’s first EP.

From live work with BBC Radio 4 and Proms in the Park to singing regularly with Van Morrison, Dana’s reputation as one of Ireland’s top vocalists continues to gain momentum.

Dana will launch her debut original soul EP at The MAC, backed by a band of some of Ireland’s most esteemed musicians, including Linley Hamilton.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 028 90 235350 or online at www.themaclive.com,