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More on Maura......
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Maura McKinney Mastro started songwriting, singing and playing the acoustic guitar at an early age. She began her professional career as a teen when she and a talented group of musicians who were already in the business, formed an original band called "Secret", featuring Maura McKinney". "Secret" (John Leithead, John Harrelson, Dave Lynd & Fred Raymond) appeared at coffee houses, bistros and college concerts in Philadelphia and surrounding areas performing original country rock and rock songs...most of them written by Maura. Maura studied for several years with Chuck Anderson in Conshohocken, PA. (Modern Music Studios) - concentration on guitar, songwriting, music theory and career management. She also studied dance with Nancy Cohn in Philadelphia and Micki Goodman & Connie Dickmeyer in New York. Maura performed as a solo artist on folk radio programs in Philadelphia like the Gene Shay Show and others. When "Secret" disbanded, Maura signed as a solo artist with personal management with King Richard Productions, who intended to secure her a major label deal. While contractual disagreements prevented that signing, Maura's management team; Dick Judyski and Bobby Vann helped to jump start Maura's singing career all over the South Jersey Shore where she developed a devoted following. This lead to many favorable reviews... From the intimacy of small cabarets to the glamour of casino showrooms to the wide open spaces of major league ballparks, audiences have delighted in Maura's soaring vocal range and her moving interpretations of songs. She wrote and recorded a record for the Philadelphia Eagles, opening songs for Atlantic City reviews (Legends Live and Follies Review) and the score for "Cinders" a life sized puppet show adaptation of "Cinderella" produced by Nick and Annette Swindin. Her voice over and jingle credits are numerous. Maura is honored to have performed the National Anthem for all of the Philadelphia sports teams and she even appeared on national television to perform it before a Phillies play off game. Next, Maura took a step different when an audition in New York lead to her first meeting with her husband, Singer Impressionist, Frank Mastro. Together they perform celebrity impression shows featuring singing and comedy all over the country. To read more about "The Mastros" go to www.themastros.com.
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Maura has a passion for songwriting and she recorded her first CD for Clady Records in 2000. "Irish Roots" is a labor of love inspired and encouraged by her dad, Jack McKinney. (www.phillytalkradioonline.com/archive/jack-mckinney.html) and influenced artistically by her mom, singer, Doris Kavanaugh. Doris was under the tutelage of Vaughn Monroe when she was just 17 years old. She and Jack married young but Doris always continued to sing as they raised their five children. Doris passed away just before Maura's first CD release. Appearances in Irish Shows, clubs and festivals have been numerous for Maura and her schedule continues to fill. For the past eight years she has been featured on the main out-door stage of North Wildwood's annual Irish Fall Festival. She sings the Irish songs with an unmistakable knowledge and passion and Irish music lovers show her awesome support.
The follow up to "Irish Roots" was "Inspirational Roots" a collection of originals and classics that speaks to love, to lost love and to faith. Also, largely encouraged by her dad, who passed away just days after its release. In September of 2002, Maura was asked to perform three of the songs from "Inspirational Roots" in the Boxing Ring of the The Legendary Blue Horizon in honor of her dad. Note: Among numerous broadcasting and journalism credits, Jack McKinney was also once the leading boxing analyst in the country and has been elected to the Pennsylvania boxing Hall of Fame! (2008) Maura & her brothers will have the honor of accepting a plaque on their dad's behalf. |
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Two of the songs on "Inspirational Roots" were produced by Doug Deforest, a friend and producer that Maura and Frank worked with in Houston Texas for an extended contract just before 2000. Doug was also the producer of Maura's 2005 release, "So Good" described as "Maura McKinney Mastro's personal diary, bound in lush, Nashville sound, set down with Maura's rich range and lilt, and punctuated with rock and Celtic vibes...". It features a fabulous band called "The Cutting Crew" and Maura's newest 2008 release, "Shamrocks to Stripes" features the same "Nashville Cats" as well as some wonderful guest musicians. "Shamrocks To Stripes" was also produced by Doug Deforest with excellent engineering contributions by Bob Kimmel (NJ). Jim Nicholson writes: "Maura McKinney Mastro shows that the heart is where hope lives and opens the floodgate in her latest CD release, "Shamrocks To Stripes"/ A catchy collection of her own compositions plus old standards - "Danny Boy" and "Star Spangled Banner" - with captivating vocal accent on familiar lyrics not heard until now. They are songs of faith and family, patriotism and passion...a montage of music that plays to the strength and charm of Maura's lilting and far-ranging vocal talent and her intimate knowledge of what makes a heart tick... Songs from "So good" and "Shamrocks To Stripes" have charted high in Europe and earned Maura 2 Radio Mike Awards as well as 3 Indie music nominations in Nashville. 2006 and 2007 found Maura performing her songs in several venues in Nashville, including the beautiful Gibson Theatre and on local Nashville television. Maura was treated wonderfully when she was flown to Nashville in 2009 by the judges and staff of "Can You Duet" from the producers of "American Idol". 2009/2010 found Maura performing quite a bit in Cape May, NJ with Full Moon Cruises for "Family Promise" and concerts on the beach and on the mall for The Chamber Of Commerce as well as special shows for Morey's Hospitality Group in Wildwood. She also had the honor and blessing to minister with her Christian show, "Spreading Joy" for Reverend Robert Fox, for "Praise In The Park" and as special music at Seaville Camp Meeting for Pastor Rudy Sheptock and Reverend Dave Bailey. The Broadcast Pioneers newsletter was on the scene to catch a wonderful performance by Maura McKinney Mastro, at "Praise In The Park"...It was a stirring performance to which Maura said, "It's wonderful to have the freedom to sing these inspirational songs (some of which she has written) as well as popular, inspirational favorites". In addition to the popular shows she performs with her husband, Frank, Maura continues to perform at Irish festivals & shows, sporting events and Christian venues. There will be a fifth Clady CD soon. Broadcast Pioneer Sports Luncheon "The afternoon began with a stirring (standing ovation) rendition of America The Beautiful by Maura McKinney Mastro. Maura dedicated it to her father, 2009 Hall of Fame inductee, Jack McKinney" (Frank Stone/ BP Newsletter)
Maura was raised in Ardmore, PA with four Irish brothers: Brian, Sean, Kevin and Brendan - all of whom are creative, talented professionals. In addition, they all have musical talents. Brian and Sean and their families are in PA. Brendan is a recording artist as well & he and his family are based in Colorado. Kevin is in New Jersey & he is featured on harmonica on some of Maura's songs. Maura's fifth and youngest brother, Bentzi is currently a student. This Portrait and Web Design by Still Motion Photography
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