Photo by Joe Navas
Photo by Matt Baker
Photo by Joe Navas
Dawn Derow: Down-To-Earth Diva
The Early Years
A New Yorker by way of Cape Cod, MA, Dawn Derow has been delighting audiences with her eclectic repertoire--from opera to jazz, pop to Broadway--for 15 years. The award-winning singer began her professional training at the Boston Conservatory, where she earned a Bachelors in Music with a Vocal Performance and Opera emphasis. Dawn has performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall and debuted multiple solo shows at 54 Below, Birdland Jazz Club, the Laurie Beechman Theater, and The Green Room 42. A regular guest with the Cape Cod Symphony, led by conductor Jung Ho-Park, Dawn has become a favorite at Cotuit Center for the Arts and performed at venues throughout the Cape, including The Office and Tin Pan Alley in her beloved Provincetown.
Dawn’s 2014 album with renowned guitarist Sean Harkness, Music 4 Two, earned a MAC nomination for Best CD. A year later, Dawn won her first MAC award for Revolution, a duo show with Kathleen France. In 2016, the Bistro Awards recognized Dawn as Outstanding Female Vocalist for Legit: A Classical Cabaret, an ambitious show that made full use of her classical training. Shifting back to the Great American Songbook, Dawn won her second MAC award (Best Female Vocalist) in 2018 for My Ship: Songs from 1941, a critically acclaimed show directed by the late Barry Levitt (lovingly known as The Maestro). In 2021, Dawn debuted her Eydie Gorme tribute show at Birdland to rave reviews and won her third MAC award for the album version of My Ship: Songs from 1941. In 2023, Dawn took My Ship across the Atlantic, selling out the Pheasantry in London.
Cabaret Awards & Performances
In 2008, Dawn, having lived in New York City for several years, began to pursue a Cabaret career. Over the past 12 years, she has performed in prestigious venues, including the Weill Center at Carnegie Hall, Birdland Jazz Club, The Laurie Beechman Theater, Don’t Tell Mama, The Friars Club, the Bitter End, The Cutting Room, Carroll Place, and most recently The Green Room 42.
Dawn used her songwriting and guitar abilities throughout her Cabaret performances, leading to high praise for her shows. Dawn soon after began reeling in the awards. Her CD Music 4 TWO with award-winning guitarist Sean Harkness earned her a 2014 nomination for “Best CD” from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC).
In 2015, Dawn won her first MAC award for her work in the duo show REVOLUTION with Kathleen France. In 2016, Dawn employed her formidable opera singing skills in her solo show LEGIT: A Classical Cabaret. She received a Bistro Award for “Outstanding Vocalist” for her performance. Two years later, Dawn won the 2018 MAC Award for “Best Female Vocalist” for her critically acclaimed show, My Ship: Songs from 1941. Her director, Jeff Harner, also won “Best Director” from the Bistro and MAC awards. Dawn will be releasing an album of her songs from MY SHIP: Songs from 1941 in the summer of 2021.
Dawn’s most recent show, The House That Built Me, played to packed audiences at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Based on her love for her father’s vast record collection that Dawn grew up listening to, she weaves a story of how these songs inspired and helped her blossom into the multi-faceted performer she is today. The setlist includes classic pop hits and Broadway show tunes from legendary performers such as Judy Collins, Jacques Brel, Crosby Still Nash & Young, Rosemary Clooney, as well as contemporary artists P!nk and Miranda Lambert. The House That Built Me received rave reviews from the press, which you can read below.
In the Fall of 2019, Dawn sang in the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall at Lincoln Center. You can view Dawn’s performance of “White Cliffs of Dover” on her YouTube Channel.
Dawn’s next solo cabaret production, Gypsy In My Soul: The Songs of Eydie Gorme, was delayed due to COVID-19. Stay tuned for updated performance dates coming soon. Dawn will be releasing her album of songs from My Ship: Songs from 1941 in the summer of 2021.
Health and Fitness
When Dawn isn’t performing, her main focus has been on her work in the area of health, fitness, and body healing. In 2013, Dawn launched her company Divine Body Balance. Her company helps clients using her expertise as a NASM-certified personal trainer, AFFA group fitness instructor, Yoga Alliance instructor, Thai Massage practitioner, mobility health coach, and as Rock Tape: Cupping, Kinesiology taping practitioner. Whether it’s through song or body work, Dawn’s mission is to connect with and heal the human mind, body, and soul.
Press Quotes
“A nearly flawless cabaret offering, presented by a supremely accomplished artists…. Derow’s rich voice has a remarkable range…. She shines in a variety of genres.”
Cabaret Scenes Magazine
“A program that was nostalgic, sentimental and very entertaining, a sparking show…. With The House That Built Me, Dawn Derow proved without a doubt that she is a star.
NitelifeExchange.com
“Infectious! …. Derow is nothing if not multi-faceted.”
Woman Around Town