April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
SINGER
'Dana' recounts her life of singing and politics
A native of Derry, Northern Ireland, she is a mother, singer and member of the European Parliament. She spoke to The Evangelist from Brussels, Belgium, in a phone interview, giving insights on everything from her music to her political career.
Q. Tell me about the name "Dana." Is it a name you were given from birth, or did it come about after you became a singer?
A. It was actually a nickname from my early teens. It's Gaelic for "to be bold or brave." My older sister was taking Judo lessons, and she was practicing on me! So when I went into singing, I made a list of about three names and told my friends to pick one, and they chose Dana.Q. Tell me about your first public singing appearance. I believe you were quite young, is that right?
A. Yes, I was six at the time, and I performed in a local talent competition at the town hall in Derry. It was a competition for all ages, and I was the youngest and last entry. I sang "Souvineer of Ireland," and I won. They gave me a huge box of chocolates, bigger than I was. My mother made me give it to my school, and I had to stand in line with everyone else to get one piece! I don't believe I was too happy about that.Q. I know you've sung for Pope John Paul II several times; what was that like?
A. It was the most wonderful experience. The first time was in New Orleans in 1987. That was the first visit of the Holy Father to the United States. Archbishop Hannan [who retired in 1989] of New Orleans wanted young people to sing a song that my husband and I had written, so I led the young people singing "Totus Tuus" after the Pope's motto.Q. Will you be attending World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto?
A. Yes. It's a life-changing experience. The kids transform wherever they are.Q. What is it that you hope to accomplish through your music?
A. I try to make people happy. I like to sing Irish songs because that's where my roots are, but it's also good to be happy and joyful.Q. What made you decide to add politics to your life?
A. Initially, it was that I wanted to take a platform and speak for the ordinary people, people who are the backbone of every community: good, decent people. And then we're not seeing the values that used to exist; the values have been undermined. I want to promote protection for life, for family.(Tickets to see Dana are $10 per family. For more information, call 482-6992.)
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