Dalena Dazzles with Her Medley of Music Styles
By Chris Manson February 27, 2002 Issue

It’s difficult to miss the attractive mini-poster posted on the front door of Caffé Italia in Fort Walton Beach—the smiling face of multi-talented Dalena, billed as singer of “Tropical, Latin, International and English Variety Music.” She’s there every Friday night from 6:30 to 9:30 with her impressively varied repertoire.

Dalena’s long and rewarding musical journey began in her native country of Ecuador, where she first started singing professionally at age 16. A few years later, she had already performed in Russia, Italy, Germany, Columbia, Argentina and Mexico. Dalena sought new musical directions in 1988, moving to Los Angeles and spending 13 years leading a big band and recording two CDs.

In addition to her solo appearances, she frequently fronts the Latino band Tropisound.

Accompanying herself with simple percussion and preprogrammed MIDI tracks, the impeccably attired Dalena treated a Valentine’s Day crowd at Caffé Italia to a variety of great songs, from the Nat King Cole standard Unforgettable to the uptempo rhythm-and-blues crowd-pleaser Everlasting Love. Even the tired old Happy Birthday to You—someone’s always celebrating a birthday—benefited from Dalena’s creative Latino spin.

Dalena’s song list also featured contemporary heartbreakers like How Do I Live Without You and what she calls “classic music”—New York, New York, Strangers in the Night and Patsy Cline's Crazy.

“I try to sing variety, like Sade's Smooth Operator—songs people know and can sing and feel good hearing,” Dalena said. Country group Lonestar’s Amazed is another tune that goes over big. Dalena’s thick songbook embraces English and Spanish songs, salsa, merengue, and boleros. She also sings songs by the late superstar Selena in both English and Spanish.

Dalena goes all out when it comes to singing in many languages. For example, if some people from Colombia show up at one of her gigs, she will grace them with her interpretation of the traditional Colombian tune Cali Pachaguera. “If they hear it, they get very emotional,” she said.

“When you have the music in your soul, there are no obstacles. I can do everything I want to do. I’m more happy if I can sing for other people.” Money is not important to her. “It's seeing the enjoyment on people's faces,” Dalena said. She has sung with Toni Drago at the Funky Blues Shack.

She currently resides in Mary Esther with fiancé Roger Kay—who doubles as Dalena’s “administrative assistant”—and children Jonathan and Ashley. Dalena refers to the kids as her “future stars.” Ashley plays the recorder and sings in her school chorus, while Jonathan is currently studying piano.

Retired military man Kay first encountered Dalena while he was stationed in Panama. While Kay admits that he is not musically inclined, Dalena asserts that she and her longtime beau are an inseparable team.

Dalena has delighted music fans at Margarita’s, Santa Rosa Island Authority, and the Elephant Walk. Her appearance at Tim Creehan's last New Year’s Eve bash was a thunderous success. “She's never performed anywhere that the host and clientele were not completely satisfied,” Kay said. “People were very receptive to giving her a try. Nobody around here has the background and credentials to sing what she does. They were willing to try something different.”

“I'm thankful for each place that gives me the opportunity,” Dalena added.

Kay also noted that Dalena has only recently begun to add to her collection of tropical and Latin-flavored pieces. “She's only been singing in English for a year,” he said.

Dalena has entertained the Caffé Italia staff and customers since March 2002. Her favorite performers include Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion and Celia Cruz. “I love and enjoy many kinds of music—American, Latino, Italian,” she said. Growing up in Ecuador, she was also exposed to the sounds of the Beatles, Bee Gees and Frank Sinatra.

Dalena has established herself as a local favorite in a relatively short time. Her exhilarating mix of songs, unique style and winning personality are not to be missed. (Top)

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