Born to a family of musicians and race car drivers, Dawn grew up singing in church in Western New York. The family eventually resettled to the farmland of Southern New Jersey outside Philadelphia. After finishing college Dawn relocated to New York City where she began writing and performing original songs. Dawn taught inner city middle school students in New York, was a nanny in Chicago, and cared for orphans in Guatemala.
Since returning to Philadelphia she has become a regular favorite in the coffee house circuit at venues such as Burlap and Bean, Milkboy Coffee, Fuel House Coffee, and Dim The Lights.
Her music is dark yet hopeful. Her lyrics are personal yet inviting. She is both yearning and sincere. She has a vocal range, strength, and vulnerability like Patty Griffin or Emmylou Harris and the ability to rock like Lucinda Williams.