Singer Jana Mashonee to Perform at All-School Meeting

Grammy-nominated artist to sing live on Jan. 13

January 08, 2010 —Grammy-nominated recording artist Jana Mashonee will perform at Phillips Academy’s All-School Meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13. The Lumbee Indian singer-songwriter, known as much for her bluesy voice and accomplished songwriting as for her work on behalf of Native youth, will join in a Q-and-A and lunch with students afterward. Her performance is open to members of the PA community only.

In 2000, Mashonee captured the attention of the music industry when her club hits “More than Life” and a dance remake of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” landed on the Billboard dance charts. She soon followed up with the critically acclaimed albums “Flash of a Firefly,” “American Indian Christmas,” and “American Indian Story,” which earned her a Grammy nomination. Her latest album, “New Born Moon,” has been enthusiastically received by fans and critics alike, and includes the Native American Music Awards’ 2009 Song of the Year “A Change is Gonna Come.” Mashonee is the recipient of eight Native American Music Awards.

Mashonee first visited Andover last summer, where she found that the Academy’s non sibi (not for self) mission parallels that of her nonprofit organization, Jana’s Kids Foundation, which raises academic, artistic, and athletic scholarship funds for young Native Americans.

“Andover’s commitment to education is unparalleled—the students, faculty, and staff are all one cohesive unit who thrive together in an environment based on mutual respect for one another and an honest desire to learn and learn from each other as well,” says Mashonee, who has traveled throughout the United States and Canada performing her music and presenting motivational talks to young people. “Andover is a unique place where they all take pride in their school and have a special fondness for it that I’ve never witnessed before at any other school. They’ve made me feel like a part of the Andover family. I look forward to my visit and to a great performance.”

Next Wednesday’s All-School Meeting will commence with a procession of Native Hoop Dancers down the center aisle of Cochran Chapel, followed by a live performance by Mashonee. After a concluding Q-and-A session in the chapel, students will be invited to a lunch and CD-signing with the artist in Paresky Commons.