Gosh we're well into 2013 and it's become a blur already!
Juggling a number of large projects including * the new musical for Novocastian Players and *a day of events for International Womens Day,...plus; my *Irish Show, *upcoming gigs, now coaching *3 community chorus groups, working up a* duo with Kathy Clarke and a *duo with Anousha Victoire, singing in a new *Improv group .....and its no wonder I'm just plain dizzy some days. It's scary when you start singing one song and finish another ...what th' ?!? Sometimes I've got to look in the mirror to check which hat I'm wearing.
But most days I just can't believe how blessed I am to be inhabiting a world of creativity, to be surrounded by like-minded folk, to be the blessed recipient of Divine Inspiration, to have the opportunity to share my gifts with many more people, to have the ability to inspire others, and - through others - to make a difference to my community.
I'm guessing this round peg has finally found her way to a round hole. Hallelujah! And it only took one lifetime. Lucky, huh?
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Saturday, December 1, 2012
The Gift of a Lifetime
When you're rushing around buying your Christmas gifts this season, spare a thought for those hard-working independent musicians you know. They're the ones who:
- you're not likely to hear their music on commercial radio because they have no 'marketing machine' behind them
- fund their own recordings out of their own pocket, their own blood sweat and tears raise the money to get their recordings done professionally
- put their heart and soul into their music so that they can make the world a better place, so that they can encourage, inspire, and give pleasure to their listeners
- Maybe they're tired of the crass commercialism of Christmas.
- Maybe they need something more from you than the socks/undies/useless trinkets that come from the desperation of not knowing what to get.
- Maybe they need things that money can't buy - like fresh hope, new ideas, encouragement, laughter.
- try and forget a song you love! It's with you forever
- some songs become part of the fabric of our life - they lift us up, they give us hope, they stir memories of the people and the times in our life
- you're never lonely if there's a song in your head or your heart
contact: bookings@maureen.com.au to order
see Discography page and deal for multiple purchase
Sunday, November 4, 2012
A RICH POOL
Recently I had the pleasure of being invited to a friends House Concert and it reinforced the knowledge that this region has such an enormous wealth of unrecognised talent. The quartet - Bushfire - under the leadership of professional musician Kent Daniels produced an outstanding evening of entertainment to a houseful of friends and family.
The music was some of the finest I've heard for a long time. Contemporary Australiana mixed with some traditional airs, irish reels and jigs, original comedy and indies, and beautiful original ballads; delivered in a polished performance from experienced musicians and a trail of varied instruments that would make your head spin, and wrapped in an endless store of yarns and anecdotes.
People bought their own drinks, the hosts provided a yummy supper, the atmosphere was warm and friendly, and while the music played you could have heard a pin drop. A nominal door charge paid the musicians fee for the evening.
For music lovers, a House Concert is the ultimate listening environment. It demonstrates a mutual respect for musicians and audience that you just don't get in a commercial, licensed venue. There's no ugly attention-seeking drunks vying for the limelight. You get to choose the audience you're surrounded by. And you get the opportunity for personal interaction with the performers - to hear the stories behind the music.
There is significant growth in the rise of House Concerts - Australia has lagged behind Europe and the States of course - and whilst they've always been around in the Folk world, it's great to see other genre's getting on the bandwagon too.
.............................................................................................................................................
WIN IN NOVEMBER: *follow the blog *become a member or *join the mailing list and you'll go in the draw to win a copy of the new album "UNDERCOVERED" ....drawn end of November.
The music was some of the finest I've heard for a long time. Contemporary Australiana mixed with some traditional airs, irish reels and jigs, original comedy and indies, and beautiful original ballads; delivered in a polished performance from experienced musicians and a trail of varied instruments that would make your head spin, and wrapped in an endless store of yarns and anecdotes.
People bought their own drinks, the hosts provided a yummy supper, the atmosphere was warm and friendly, and while the music played you could have heard a pin drop. A nominal door charge paid the musicians fee for the evening.
For music lovers, a House Concert is the ultimate listening environment. It demonstrates a mutual respect for musicians and audience that you just don't get in a commercial, licensed venue. There's no ugly attention-seeking drunks vying for the limelight. You get to choose the audience you're surrounded by. And you get the opportunity for personal interaction with the performers - to hear the stories behind the music.
There is significant growth in the rise of House Concerts - Australia has lagged behind Europe and the States of course - and whilst they've always been around in the Folk world, it's great to see other genre's getting on the bandwagon too.
.............................................................................................................................................
WIN IN NOVEMBER: *follow the blog *become a member or *join the mailing list and you'll go in the draw to win a copy of the new album "UNDERCOVERED" ....drawn end of November.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Inspired, Creative, and Blessed
This stunningly beautiful weather as we move into Spring is certainly inspiring! And there's lots to get inspired about right now too.
I'm working on writing this year's Christmas show - check out the Projects page - getting the scripts finalised, the music sorted, and creating the set (some challenges there!)
I've also agreed to become the new director for Novocastrian Players - a local theatre troupe with a 40+year history. It means I'm writing a new show for them and doing the prep for its production in mid 2013. I'm looking forward to working with such an experienced troupe.
With 2 shows to write, I've been heading off to the beach for inspiration - and this glorious weather is helping the process.
At the same time, I'm working with a new backing singer - Kathy Clarke - who has a stunning voice although next to no performance experience. But it's joyful to be able to share the skills and knowledge with her and watch her develop her skill set. It's been some 12 years since I've had a singing partner (it took me a loooong time to get over the loss of Jules!...hint hint Jules - are you ready to get back into harness yet?)
And on top of that, I loved working with Anousha Victoire on the Petticoat Pioneers project....she obviously enjoyed the work too because she's asked me to form a new duo with her. We're also working on another project similar to Petticoat's. So I'm excited to see what 2013 will bring.
Being immersed in the creative world of music is truly a blessing. I look around me at a world gone mad; where greed is the new god; where suicide is rising because people can't cope with life; where humanity and community are foreign words to those who hold power; and I know that the Grace of Creativity is where I find my centre. I'm thankful every day for the blessing of family, music, and creative inspirational friends.
I'm working on writing this year's Christmas show - check out the Projects page - getting the scripts finalised, the music sorted, and creating the set (some challenges there!)
I've also agreed to become the new director for Novocastrian Players - a local theatre troupe with a 40+year history. It means I'm writing a new show for them and doing the prep for its production in mid 2013. I'm looking forward to working with such an experienced troupe.
With 2 shows to write, I've been heading off to the beach for inspiration - and this glorious weather is helping the process.
At the same time, I'm working with a new backing singer - Kathy Clarke - who has a stunning voice although next to no performance experience. But it's joyful to be able to share the skills and knowledge with her and watch her develop her skill set. It's been some 12 years since I've had a singing partner (it took me a loooong time to get over the loss of Jules!...hint hint Jules - are you ready to get back into harness yet?)
And on top of that, I loved working with Anousha Victoire on the Petticoat Pioneers project....she obviously enjoyed the work too because she's asked me to form a new duo with her. We're also working on another project similar to Petticoat's. So I'm excited to see what 2013 will bring.
Being immersed in the creative world of music is truly a blessing. I look around me at a world gone mad; where greed is the new god; where suicide is rising because people can't cope with life; where humanity and community are foreign words to those who hold power; and I know that the Grace of Creativity is where I find my centre. I'm thankful every day for the blessing of family, music, and creative inspirational friends.
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