Simone Awhina is an internationally acclaimed award winning vocalist, concert/recording artist, sound therapist and workshop presenter from the Netherlands currently living in the United States. Growing up in a small town in the Netherlands, Simone was immersed in music at an early age. Her father’s trumpet playing is among her favorite recollections of childhood years, which were spent listening to and appreciating music. Through the loss of her fiancée, Simone rediscovered the gift of her voice, thereby launching her musical career. She has been widely influenced through Easy Listening, Smooth Jazz, Broadway, Pop and Classical Music. She has been compared to such legendary female artists such as Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey and Enya. In 2001 and 2006, Simone won six medals at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, California. Simone has studied with leading vocal coach Mr. William Riley, whose clientele includes artists such as Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Sarah Brightman. Her soulful expression strikes a powerful chord whether it’s for private audience, dignitaries, and/or celebrities, or in front of adoring fans around the world. Simone’s unique inspiring vocals and radiant presence have touched the lives of many. Her uplifting voice transports the listener to a place of joy and tranquility. Her goal is to bring hope, inspiration, and peace to her audience through her music and sound. Combining songs, spoken word and poetry, in her concerts and performances, Simone takes you on a wonderful journey promising entertainment full of delight and surprise! Simone feels honored to have top musicians like Celine Dion’s guitarist Chielli Municci and many others share their amazing talents on her new album Born to Fly. After her debut album Journey Through My Soul, which describes the soulful journey Simone made after Nico’s death, her new album Born to Fly will take the listener on an intimate journey of remembering, looking at the world through the eyes of a child, letting go of what no longer serves you, and following your passion and dreams. Simone’s second album is titled Transformation. Born to Fly consists of inspiring original songs including the new single Somebody Believed in Me, as well as Through the Eyes of A Child, and True Love is Letting Go, and well-known favorites including: The Way We Were, Summertime, Don’t Worry, Be Happy and Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams, songs that will deeply touch your soul, help you to let go and relax, or put a smile on your face. Simone’s voice has a special vibration to her voice that can create a healing or help to balance the body, mind and spirit. Her special musical gift embraces listeners with a wondrous generosity that touches deeply into the heart. Simone’s uniquely inspiring vocals and radiant presence have touched many lives. “I have listened to hundreds of singers from around the world and I have never seen a performer touch the audience as Simone did.” Wayne Sanders, NY, musical collaborator for Liza Minelli, Judy Garland and Lucille Ball. For more information about Simone or to book her for your next special event, check out her website http://www.justsimone.com