Dawn Callan

Percussion, Mandolin, Woodwinds, Vocals
dawncallan@sympatico.ca

Dawn considers herself a “Small Town Canadian” - having spent her formative years moving from  place to place first with her family and then on her own (East York, Picton, Parry Sound, Maitland, Peterborough, Banff, Toronto, Kingston, Edmonton and Marmora). Her one constant where ever she went was music and the many wonderful people who share that passion.

The Callan/Mumby family is a highly artistic conglomeration who started Dawn off with piano and choral lessons in early childhood and has supported every musical/stage/arts venture since. While formally trained in flute, theory, history and administration of the arts - it took many years of exploration (classic, pop, and punk) and the mastery of spell check, before she truly found her niche. In the first two years of her contemporary folk music career, she benefited greatly from her mentors Marilyn Yeats and Pierre Berton’s sage advice and encouragement.

During this time Dawn won Factor New Writer’s Grants for several songs and the honor of having a works published in "Surfacing" the Canadian Chamber of Contemporary Poetry (example of the modern Canadian ballad), and "Twilight Musings"  (Editor’s Choice) International Society of Poetry 2005 compilation.

When you listen to her music you’ll hear that she has a particular yen for the odd duck, unusual events and down right quirky yarns - so if there is a mystery in your history or a skeleton dancing in your closet - she would love to share your tales!

A Founding Member Laureat of the International Society of Poets and true believer in life long learning, community services, audience development, youth/new talent and independent music/musicians - she lends her time and talent where she can. On the split side of her life, Dawn mixes her Behavioral Sciences/Rehabilitation/Social Work BA and business background with her fine arts training as a counsellor, event and volunteer manager.