Diane is a singer/songwriter/guitarist  performing as a solo artist at pubs, weddings, festivals and fine restaurants throughout Durham Region.  You can also catch the Diane and Friends Band  or Diane's Duo -  DNR - with Rob Page.

Diane has a versatile and unique style that allows her to cover a wide range of genres - from smokey blues to rock to folk to country.  Diane knows how to choose the right song to engage the audience and can vocally meet the challenges this wide selection of music demands.

Influences ....
There are so many amazing artis that inspire me but here are a few that come to mind today:  vocal greats like Etta James, Ann Wilson and Eva Cassidy; guitar greats like Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan; song writing greats like Jim Croce and The Eagles; bands like CCR and Steve Miller.

Diane LaCourse - the younger (formative) years....
I grew up in Highland Creek, Ontario (on the outskirts of Scarborough) and spent a great deal of time at our cottage in Fenelon Falls, Ontario.  My dad played guitar with his relatives from the east coast and taught me to play the Ukelele when I was quite young.  He would often encourage me to perform so I learned to "play to the crowd" at a young age.  It is thanks to him I became the ham I am.  (LOL) I lost my dad in '92 and there isn't one gig I've played that I don't think of him. 

My high school years were rich were friends and music and many songs I play today were co-written with some amazing people about some pretty amazing times.

I sang in an italian wedding band "City Streets" for a couple of years during and after college and contribute my love for fine foods to this amazing stage of my life.  Maria (the band's den-mother) sure knew how to cook!

I was married in '87 and pretty much retired from semi-professional music , devoting my time to my family - my daughters, Grace and Meg and my business. 

Returning to my roots ....
10 years later,  my second husband - Rick Rock (yes, that is his real name ) and I owned a beautiful piece of property in Orono and it was there I met our neighbours, the late Glen Bensley and his girlfriend Kathy. Sitting by the pond on that beautiful July day, Glen, Kathy & I played for hours. I am blessed to have been inspired back into music by such a gifted, kind and beautiful soul. RIP Glen ... it was because of you I picked up my guitar again ... thank you so much.  Each gig that I play "Oh Suzanna" (James Taylor version), I think of you.  Around this time, Rick bought me my gibson hummingbird - a guitar with special connection to my Dad. 

After that, with RIck's endless encouragement and support,  it didn't take long to catch the performing bug again -- I soon found myself playing at open mics and stages across durham region. Alfie Latinski and Jon Piper were among the first I performed with and I met a great many talented musicians that I am now blessed to call friends. I spent a few years playing in the band called C-Notes (with Jon Piper, Tony Mason and JR Robertson) - the highlight of my C-Notes experience was our gig at the Dodge Rodeo in Orono in June 2009.  It was this group of talented guys that gave me the inspiration to re-enter the world of music - and it is thanks to Tony that I fell in love with my guitar all over again.

A quick mention of just a few of the amazing musicians I have been lucky enough to play with - however briefly - thanks to each them for helping me along my journey:  Brent Eckhart, Frank Woodcock, Rick Locke, Bruce Hughes, Joe VanderHyden, Pete Merlovich, Nick "F'Me" McPhee,  Frank Zechodne, Mike MacGillivary ... and many, many more.

In 2010 I joined up with guitarist Brian Jones and bassist Roger Duval and called on my drummer  friend JR Robertson to form the Diane & Friends band.  

In 2011, I met Bruce Longman - through a mutual friend - Nenah Barkley - the best Cdn female rock singer, far as I'm concerned.  I am lucky to have had Bruce play on my CD and gig with me whenever his busy schedule allows.  I try to catch his shows whenever I can - Bruce is one of the funniest, natural talents I've seen.

I'm fortunate to have regular monthly solo gigs at the finest restaurants & bars from Oshawa to Port Perry to Cobourg (see the calendar page) and my duo with Rob Page - the nicest, most humble musical genious (bass/keys/guitar) I've yet to encounter - is my favorite gig.   We cover material from all ages and all genres with a funky, soulful and playful twist that always pleases the audience.

I have recorded a collection of songs covering my favorite female artists (see the music page) and have started devoting time to writing again. I hope this ride never ends .. I am having the time of my life! I wouldn't be able to do any of it without the love and support of Rick and my two beautiful daughters, Grace and Meg. And a special note to Rick .... who tirelessly helps me lug my equipment around, is there for almost every gig and is my biggest fan .. thank you - I love you!