Dynamic, soulful, and deeply rooted in music, Dawn Pemberton is a powerhouse whose versatile voice effortlessly spans gospel, soul, jazz, funk, and world music. With a B.Mus in Jazz Studies from Capilano University and certification in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method, Dawn has cemented her place as a cornerstone of the Vancouver music scene. As a vocalist, pianist, teacher, adjudicator, choir director, and in-demand performer, she brings her vibrant energy to stages and studios alike.
Dawn serves on the faculty of Capilano University’s Musical Theatre Department and hosts two popular radio shows on CKUA Radio: Get on The Good Foot, dedicated to funk, soul, and R&B, and On The Rise, a weekly Top 30 showcase. Her musical journey has taken her across Canada and Europe, both with her original music and alongside acclaimed acts such as Moira Smiley + VOCO, Vox.Infold, The Bluesberries, and blues giants The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer. She has collaborated with legends like Bettye LaVette, John Boutte, Kurt Elling, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Ruthie Foster, and The Sojourners, while opening for heavyweights like Maceo Parker, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and Lee Fields.
As the founder and Artistic Director of Roots ‘N’ Wings Women’s Choir, Dawn also shares her expertise through workshops and masterclasses across North America. Her theatre credits include celebrated productions with the Arts Club Theatre Company (Da Kink in My Hair, Kinky Boots, Choir Boy), Canadian Stage (Choir Boy), and Raincity Theatre Company (Parade), where she has shone as a performer, vocal coach, and music director.
Her debut solo album, Say Somethin’ (DoRight! Music), won Best Urban Recording at the 2015 Western Canadian Music Awards and earned international acclaim, heralding her as “the new queen of Canadian soul.” With a bold, expressive style and an infectious sense of groove, Dawn delivers music with passion, creativity, and undeniable energy—leaving audiences inspired, uplifted, and ready to say, “Go ‘head!”
Name:
Dawn Pemberton
Genre:
Soul, Jazz, Funk, Gospel
Founded:
1979 😉
# of Albums:
Too many to count! I’m on a lot of albums as a featured artist, special guest and background singer.
Latest Album:
SUPERNOVA (unreleased)
Favourite musician growing up:
Stevie Wonder
Favourite musician now:
Stevie Wonder
Guilty pleasure song:
Elvira by The Oak Ridge Boys
Live show ritual:
Phonating through a straw
Favourite local musician:
IAMTHELIVING
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Both! I’m always on the hunt for quietude and solace.
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
You can find upcoming dates here
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Website
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
East is East.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
My street because of my awesome neighbours and the beautiful Maple trees in the fall!
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Burrardview Park because it has lovely benches for sitting and breathtaking views of the North Shore mountains.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Guilt & Co.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Audiopile, Red Cat Records, Neptoon Records…it’s so hard to choose only one.
