Story of a “blue collar” musician.
Posted By dainad on March 28, 2012
Daina was born in Chicago and grew up in Danville Illinois. She started playing the piano while still in grade school. Encouraged by her grade school teachers to continue she found herself with her first paid gig at the age of 12. Getting paid for something you’d do for free is like a dream come true. It still is…
She continued in the music business through the 70’s in a trio featuring amazing vocal harmonies fashioned after the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills, Nash and the Beatles.
The 80’s brought on more Rock’n'Roll and more of “the road”. Sometimes traveling in retrofitted school buses or moving trucks, often playing 6 nights a week it was fun and it was all you’ve ever heard. After settling down to spend more time with her children she found a surprising position at the Acting Studio where she learned how to work in improvisational theater as a song writer, musical director and vocal coach for 14 years until the studio closed in 2002.There was always some time for part time bands though where she and her band mates continued entertaining people in the Twin cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, her home since the early 80’s.
The 90’s brought about a shift in focus to blues and songwriting. The band Daina DePrez and Sound Mind was formed. They played Rock’n’Blues and one of the more notable performances was when they got to open for Koko Taylor and played the Bayfront Blues fest among others. In 2001 she released an all original CD “Both Sides”.
An unexpected turn of events saw Daina join the ranks of Duleing Piano players. She has artfully integrated her many experiences and skills in her live shows. She is an electrifying, charismatic performer that has charmed audiences across the United States and Europe and the Caribbean . Her amazing vocal virtuosity works in perfect tandem with her rock and roll / honky tonk piano playing. To watch her sing and play is to watch a true artist in touch with their very soul.
She is an extraordinarily powerful entertainer. Daina loves to perform and it shows. With an impressive repertoire that includes music from Rock to Blues, old school R&B and savory ballads – her audience appeal is as varied as her song list. Daina is also an accomplished songwriter and arranger with a CD of original material released in 2001 as well as live CD performances.
Come to a show and hear for yourself.
