Getting to Know: Diane Andrieux

This past weekend I had the amazing pleasure of attending a fictional stage play called, “Saul’s Juke Joint”, a theatrical dance musical set in the 1930s. I know what you’re thinking…….I am not really a play or a musical type of girl, but this particular play happened to be very fun & entertaining. And if you follow me on Instagram, you know I was having a blast that night; posting all kinds of pictures from the show. Anyway, this period piece took place in Florida and  was about a local “juke joint”, blacks and whites could attend regularly to escape the racism of the time. It included a mini-concert towards the end of about 10 songs and had a predominantly black cast consisting of actors, comedians, dancers and singers all from the Tampa Bay area.

The show had several talented singers, but it was newcomer to the play, Diane Andrieux, (that played Suga Mama, one of lead singers) that had the crowd wondering, 'Who’s that girl?' I had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Andrieux after the show and learn a little bit more about this talented singer.

How old were you when you started getting involved with music?

I started at about 12 years old. I would sing all around the house, everywhere I went.  Then, at about 16, I started singing in church. I know that sounds cliché for singers to get started in church, but it’s true.

How did you figure out you could sing?

I found out I could sing by my friends and family, telling me “oh girl, you can sang!” Then I was told by my choir director of the youth choir that I had a gift and that’s when they took me under their wing. I was scared to sing for a while, in the beginning, because I didn't want people to think I was showing off, you know?

When did you decide music was your career?

Oh, um, a long time ago! When I was younger, I use to write letters to God asking him to make me singer. I just knew I was born to do it and I always knew it was something I was destined to do.

Will you be doing more musicals like “Saul’s Juke Joint” anytime soon?

Yes! Absolutely! I didn’t realize it was going to be that much fun. The cast welcomed me with open arms and to be able to sing, dance and act was a dream. I’m a chameleon. I want to do it all! So anytime they need me for anything, I’m game!

Where do you hope to see your career in the next five years or so?   

Where do I see myself in the next five years, hmm, hopefully I will be traveling the world on tour, writing for different artist because I am also a songwriter, winning Grammy’s  and just doing me. What I love to do.

This girl definitely has a humble spirit and she’s extremely funny and naturally animated. It’s hard not to love her! And most of all, she has an amazing voice. I look forward to following her career.

To find out more about Diane Andrieux or for booking information,  you can visit her social media, FB: dianeandrieuxmusic, Twitter: @dianeandrieux and/or subscribe to her YouTube page.

Diane in costume as Suga Mama

The cast of singers from "Saul's Juke Joint"