"Even before I use the words 'country music' I call myself a singer/songwriter and people can expect songs about real life and the people that I've met along the way - some I've been involved with personally and others are just personal observations," she said.
Dean captured national accolades for her recorded work when she took the APRA Best Country Song Award and the RIANZ Best Country Album Award in 2004 (for Money) and 2011 (for What Am I Gonna Do?).
The daughter of seamstress-musician Joan McLean and merchant seaman-truck driver James Kouka, Dean comes from a long line of musicians and singers and "a family whose cohesiveness was deeply rooted in music", her website says.
Her grandfather, Neil "Banjo Mac" Mclean was a banjo player who doubled on lap steel and was a member of the Neville Carlson Revue which entertained with dancing troupes, magicians and comedians in Auckland in the 1930s.
Donna Dean plays at King Street Live tomorrow night. Presale tickets cost $15 each and limited door sales also will be available. For tickets call 06 370 4332.