NEPA Sings: Meet the Contestants

Dianna Brown, left, and Bryttani Dawson

Performing runs in Dianna Brown’s family. In 2017, Dianna and her two older brothers started The Brown Initiative – a performing arts company with a goal to work with and learn from the talent in the community.

Dianna, 20, began dancing at the age of three. From there she found her voice in her church choir, and joined concert band, orchestra, and chorus in school.

Dianna calls her participation in NEPA Sings “rewarding” because of her past experience.

“I have personally worked with kids who have been given second chances after being taken from abusive homes,” she said. “Seeing how much they have to offer with the right support is inspiring. I am honored to be a voice for kids who are in situations that take theirs.” 

Dianna is from Covington Twp., and works as a hair stylist and makeup artist at Alexander’s Salon and Spa.

Bryttani Dawson’s performance style is inspired by the big musical divas: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion.

Originally from Hawaii, Bryttani has been singing since she could walk and is honored to be able to use her voice to bring awareness to the work CASA does.

“I feel like every child should feel loved and wanted, protected and cared for,” she said. “I would do this 1,000 times over if it would help all the children in the world.”

She also feels like it’s divine timing that brought her dreams and a positive impact together in an event like NEPA Sings.

“I moved to Pennsylvania nine months ago and my dream had kind of strayed,” she said. “Then I saw NEPA Sings on the news and thought, ‘Why not? It’s for a good cause and I’m all about making the world a better place and protecting children.’ I felt like God was telling me, ‘Here’s a good way to use your voice.’”

Bryttani, 27, works in senior care and is a proud parent.

NEPA Sings is HERE! Twelve of our area’s most amazing performers are coming together on April 11 to use their voices to help raise awareness for CASA of Luzerne County and its mission to provide a volunteer advocate for every child in foster care in Luzerne County.

Tickets are $25 and include a one-hour cocktail reception, and a night of unbelievable music and entertainment at the state-of-the-art Kirby Center for the Creative Arts at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston. Click here to get your tickets. They can also be purchased with cash or check at the CASA office, the Greater Wilkes Barre Chamber, and the Kirby Center at Wyoming Seminary. Tickets are also available at the door with cash or check.

NEPA Sings: Meet the Contestants

Hailey Rivera, left, and Hannah Draus

“Honored.”

It’s a word both Hannah Draus and Hailey Rivera use to describe how they feel about performing at NEPA Sings.

 “Being able to help children who aren’t able to really help themselves is an amazing thing,” said Hailey, 17. “The idea that this event could help change even one child’s life makes me so honored to be part of it.”

Hannah, 16, is honored as well, but for slightly different reasons.

“It is truly an honor being a part of this wonderful event,” she said. “When I was a baby, I was in the foster care system myself, so this benefit is extra special to me. “I was extremely blessed that I was placed with a loving and caring family that provided me with everything I needed and made me the person I am today. So many children may not ever have a family like I was lucky enough to get, so being part of an event such as this, to help children get the voice they deserve, is beyond rewarding for me.”

Hailey is in 11th grade at Coughlin and feels like every performer in this competition is deserving of the first place trophy, but also that there’s a bigger reason for the evening.

“I believe that everyone deserves to win just as much as I do,” she said. “No matter what, this is to benefit the kids who need help. That’s what matters most to me.”

Hannah is homeschooled and lives in White Haven and agrees with Hailey.

“Although it would be an honor to win, as it would be to anyone, that is not the reason I auditioned for NEPA Sings,” she said. “I want my voice to be hears so it can help raise money for these children. Being chosen as one of the 12 finalists and getting to sing with 11 amazingly talented people is a price all by itself.”

If you’d like to hear Hailey and Hannah sing their hearts out for a great cause, click here and purchase your tickets. For $25 each, your ticket not only includes performances from 12 of the area’s most talented singers, but also a one-hour cocktail reception. Children 12 and under are admitted to the show for free!

NEPA Sings will be held on Thursday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kirby Center for the Creative Arts at Wyoming Seminary’s Upper Campus in Kingston. Tickets are also available with cash or check at the Greater Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce, the KCCA at SEM, or the CASA of Luzerne County office. You can also purchase tickets at the door the same way! Hope to see you there!