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The Gazette, August 20th, 2001

BACK ME TO BE A STAR

A SOUTH Shields songstress is appealing former schoolfriends to head to London to see her take her first steps to musical stardom.

Donna Mackay is hoping to launch her career as a profes- sional musician later this month with a show at one of London's most prestigious venues.

The 26-year-old former Redwell Comprehensive school pupil plays acoustic guitar and sings in her new band Heaven, which are attracting the right kind of attention from people in the know.

Now she is keen to perform in front of an audience of old friends at the famous Sound Republic venue, in the trendy Soho area of the city on August 30.

Donna, who has a 10-year-old son called Jordan, said: "Heaven has been playing together for a few months and we are now securing gigs all over Central London.

"My music has been. compared to many famous artists, including Dido, hit thought was a huge compliment.

"On of the gigs I am performing in is at Sound Republic, a 600-seater venue 'where all the big bands have played in their time.

"I'd love it if I could meet up with some old friends and get them to come down to the gig. It-would be brilliant to see some old friendly faces in the crowd."

She said: "After completing my diploma, I decided to leave South Shields to study a Degree in Performing Arts at the University of Herefordshire when I was 23 and Jordan was five."

Donna is so keen to be re-united with her old friends from South Shields that she is even prepared to arrange transport to. bring them down to London in time for the gig.

She said: "If I get enough response from old friends and schoolmates, I will consider putting on a coach from South Shields to bring people to the gig and take them back home.

"It would mean a lot to me if people could make it down here." Call Donna on (01462) 675 673.