Hometown show for singer Dana Masters

Jazz singer Dana Masters will be performing a show in her hometown when she takes to the stage of the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn on March 25.

Originally from the Deep South in the United States, Dana grew up with the sound of soul, rhythm and blues and gospel music.

“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.

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’s show at the Island’s Studio Theatre will give her local fans a taste of her new and original material.

With a voice compared to Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Etta James, Dana is one of the best jazz singers performing in Ireland today.

Tickets priced £15 are available by logging onto Iwww,islandartscentre.com. Alternatively, please contact the Island Arts Centre box office on 028 92 509254.