*NEPA Sings winner Talia Johnson. Photo by Kyle Kraemer*

THANK YOU for making our second annual NEPA Sings event a resounding success!

This year featured 12 of the most unbelievably talented singers in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and we are so grateful to them for sharing their gifts to help raise awareness and funds for CASA of Luzerne County.

Our winner, Talia Johnson, wowed the crowd of almost 300 with her flawless rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”

To hear Talia perform her winning song on PA Live, click here! You can also watch the amazing video of Talia performing another Whitney hit during the show’s finale by clicking here.

We also want to thank all of our sponsors, especially PNC and Geisinger for signing on as our presenting sponsors for the second year in a row.

We’re also grateful to Republic Audio Studio for providing Talia with a 3-hour studio recording session and the chance to produce her own demo. And thank you to Assured Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania for sponsoring our runner-up prize — a music store gift card presented to Marina Rinkunas.

The money raised from events like NEPA Sings allow CASA of Luzerne County to reach more of the children in the local foster care system.

In January 2017, our program had 18 volunteer advocates. Because of the support from our community, we now have 41 advocates who are speaking up for the best interests of 60 children.

Our goal is to ultimately provide a volunteer advocate for each of the 440 children currently in dependency.

Thank you — every sponsor, advertiser, performer, ticket purchaser, supporter — for helping us work toward that goal.

We look forward to seeing you at NEPA Sings again next year!

*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.

Thank you for making NEPA Sings ROCK

NEPA Sings: Meet the Contestants