PAUSA presents: Music Among Friends

DeeAnn DiMeo Tompkins, lovingly known as DeeAnn, has been entertaining Western New York audiences for over 20 years. The versatile soulful singer has performed in a multitude of genres and venues whether it’s pop, blues, country and jazz or intimate clubs to concert halls she has done them all. A multiple Buffalo Music Award winner she continues to wow the crowds with her talents. On her latest album release titled Stay Here Tompkins recorded the tracks live before a studio audience at Red Booth Recording Studios in Rochester, NY under the astute ears of esteemed musician RiShon Odel who plays bass on the album, produced and co-wrote five of the six tracks here with Tompkins. Odel, who has toured the world as a longtime band member for jazz/R&B superstar Najee also worked with Tompkins on her excellent previous album Desperately Seeking DeeAnn as well. Some of the other musicians assisting on Stay Here include Serena Williams, Victoria Mordaunt, Grace Lougen, Carl “Flute” Johnson, Levi Bennett, Rod Bonner and Lauren Haskin. Stand out tracks include the lush sounding title cut “Stay Here”, a funky cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason”, the bouncy “With or Without You”, the heartfelt “Giving You All My Love” and the lyrically empowering “Strong Enough”. A true powerhouse performer you can find out more about DeeAnn including how to purchase Stay Here or her previous albums by visiting www.deeannmusic.com

Cuban born Lázara Martinez began her violin studies in Havana Cuba at the age of 8. She graduated with an Honor Diploma from the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory in Havana, as a performer and violin teacher. She has been a member of the National Symphony in Santo Domingo, the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba in Havana, principal violinist of the all female Cuban chamber Orchestra "Camerata Romeu", a member of the SUNY at Buffalo Slee Sinfonietta, substitute violinist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, co-founder of the String Quartet Boléo, and a member of the Afro-Cuban Jazz group "El Coco" with whom she recorded the self titled CD " El Coco", released in 2017.  Lazara holds a Bachelor's degree in Media Production from SUNY at Buffalo - Summa Cum Laude - Phi Betta Kappa and a Masters Degree in Documentary production from the City College of New York. She co- founded PAUSA art house in 2013 and is currently the sole owner and manager of all PAUSA business operations.