Dear Friends!  

Well, it has been almost a year since I have sent out a newsletter so, first, let me say HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Yes, we are well into February, and this greeting is late by any measure, but it is heartfelt, nonetheless.  

As I start 2024 - with the experiences of 2023 behind me and its incredible ups and a few unexpected downs - I see the coming year as an exceptionally exciting ‘next step’ in my life.  You can read more about this immediately below, or feel free to skip to “Upcoming Shows” to see if/when you can catch me playing out next!

2024  – “Time to face the Changes’ – David Bowie 

As some of you know, I have had a legal-corporate day job in Philadelphia for 15+ years.  How else could I support my music night-job, right ?! After some intense soul-searching and fueled by some unexpected life events in 2023, I decided to bring to an end my corporate day-job in Spring of 2024.  Along with leaving the 9 to 5 grind, I am also bidding farewell to my Philly home, which, since the pandemic I had only been residing in periodically.   

Of course, I am beyond grateful to be able to make this change and, more importantly, entirely of my own choosing.  However, as with any big life-change, even one we might choose, I am experiencing a strange cocktail of excitement, sorrow, and trepidation.

I gained so much from the experiences and friendships my day job gave me and expect I will remain in touch with many of those amazing humans in the years to come. More important still, I will miss – beyond words – the regular interaction with the amazing musical family I have created in Philly.  But for the love and support of these fabulous humans, I would never have begun performing and recording my own original music, a part of my life that, now, I cant imagine every living without.  A ‘thankyou’ to these folks – PFS, PASA, Philly Songwriters Circle, the Achievers, and the list goes on and on – really isn’t sufficient.  Rest assured, I plan to continue these many relationships even when I longer have a home in Philly.  I certainly expect to be a regular visitor, back for shows and other events. All to say: you aren’t rid of me that easily! (And, a special message to Gracie, aka Meghan Cary and Peter Farrell’s lovely canine:  get ready to share that day bed!)

The natural next question to my departure from Philly is ‘what’s next?’ 

I haven’t firmly decided on this, but a few things are clear:   I will primarily live in Kentucky with periodic treks during the year to my casita in Mexico (San Miguel de Allende).  Visitors will always be welcome, where ever I’m hanging my hat!.  I also plan to continue writing and performing music, as well as exploring some other, new creative pursuits.  Once I’ve had a little time to adjust to the pace of this new chapter in my life, I also expect I will participate in some non-profit work that is meaningful to me.

I’ll end this (lengthy!) reflection with a favorite quote from Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle: To keep your balance you must keep moving.” 

I have spent much of my adult life, and especially the last 15 years or so moving – moving between jobs, meetings, and gigs; between residences in different cities and even countries; between various relationships and personal commitments. Of one thing, then, I’m sure: this next chapter I wont be standing still but, moving, gratefully into new adventures  and experiences . . .  and hoping, along the way, to  see and connect with you!   

Upcoming Shows

• Friday, March 15, 8 pm @ The Living Room (104 Cricket Ave., Ardmore PA) – Thrilled to join forces with my favorite songstress and very dear friend, Meghan Cary, for a show celebrating my retirement and farewell to Philly. Show starts at 8 but doors are at 7 so come early to enjoy some of the great food in the Living Room café. Link to tix here!
• Sunday, March 24, 7pm  @ SZalon- Join me for a beautiful program at SZALON, hosted by the incomparable Andrea Clearfield, featuring performers from around the the world performing music in various forms. This show offers both an in-person and virtual option.  More details will be available on my band website shortly.
• Friday, September 6, 7pm @Waters Edge heartlands– Excited to be featured along with local talent Brian David Collins at this songwriter showcase event in Elizabethtown, KY at Water's Edge – a lovely listening room with great food AND wine.

I’m working on details for several shows in later Spring  (in Louisville) and Summer (in Mexico), so please check my website in coming weeks these updates.

Wishing you all the best - Marion.