@michael-marra
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Optimistic Sound is working to bring the revolutionary Sistema music programme to the city of Dundee to tackle poverty and to raise the hopes and opportunities for our young people.
If you want to support this project please visit the Optimistic Sound website. You can also follow the organisation on the Optimistic Sound facebook page
This update on the line up for the Dundee Rep Theatre tribute from The Hazey Janes Facebook page -
"Ticket holders for the sold out performance of 'An Optimistic Sound' at Dundee's Rep Theatre: we are extremely privileged to say we'll be celebrating the songs of Michael Marra alongside this wonderful and illustrious cast of performers on Saturday 28th of September:
Dougie Mclean // Eddi Reader // Liz Lochhead // Rab Noakes // Karine Polwart // Gary Clark // Saint Andrew // AMWWF // Mackenzie // Riley Briggs // Kit Clark // Tom Mitchell // Sheena Wellington // Rod Paterson
To those of you who weren't so quick off the mark, we're very hopeful ( almost certain!) that similar celebrations of Michael's life and work will happen in the not too distant future. Hang in there, 'make the optimistic sound'! x"
A date for your diaries - Saturday 28 September 2013 - Dundee Rep Theatre.
An evening of songs written by Michael Marra performed by Scotland's favourite singers with a host of Dundee's finest musicians. Expect a surprise or two along the way.
Tickets go on sale at Dundee Rep Box Office on Monday 24 June 2013 - SOLD OUT
You can see Andrew, Matthew and Alice from The Hazey Janes singing Michael's song "Monkey Hair" . A song originally released on his "Gaels Blue" album
And remember -
" Don't let heart get weary
Don't let your lip go down
Pander to the bright and cheery
And make the optimistic sound"
From "Like Another Rolling Stone" written by Michael Marra originally released on "On Stolen Stationery"
Frida Kahlo has taken up residence at The Tay Bridge Bar on the Perth Road, Dundee. The portrait of Frida titled Frida Kahlo's Visit To The Howff and painted by Michael was presented to Jimmy Marr mine host at The Tay Bridge Bar by Michael's wife, Peggy and his children Alice and Matthew. The portrait will hang in the Bar as a memorial to Michael. Full story can be read in The Courier
Frida Kahlo is the subject of one of Michael's most popular songs "Frida Kahlo's Visit To the Tay Bridge Bar" which was first recorded on Michael's 2000 album Posted Sober. The song has been a been a feature of Michael's live set for a number of years and also appears on Michael's live album with Mr McFall's Chamber. Tom Mitchell recorded a version of the song on his 2010 CD " Paper Thin Walls"
Vincent Rattray was a great friend of Michael Marra and this exhibition of Vincent's paintings is now running at Hannah Maclure Centre at Abertay University. Synchronise Our Eyebrows is due to run from 04 February 2013 to 26 April 2013. more information and a short video of the exhibition can be viewed here.
We recommend that you try and get along to witness Vincent's work.
Note: Hannah Maclure Centre is open Monday to Friday 09.30am to 04.00pm
Alice Marra performing at All Will Be Well - Pauline Keightley Photography
Reviews of the sellout All Will Be Well Tribute Concert having been appearing in the national and local press and social media.
Pauline Keightley's review and wonderful photographs of the concert can be found at her website
Alan Wilson's rare review in The Courier - " We were proud to know him, proud to have shared his music and finally, proud to have been there"
STV's Jennie Macfie - "Alice Marra singing "Monkey Hair" is a standout moment and there are few tears unshed; any resisted being overcome by Liz Lochhead's valedictory poem. "As if they were ospreys and Angus was Africa...". Thousands of voices were raised in "All Will Be Well"- and it will.
In The Scotsman's Brian Ferguson reported "Noakes told the audience that although Marra was renowned for celebrating ordinary characters, he was an "extraordinary man" himself."
Rob Adams wrote in his blog - "The songs were the stars in this celebration of the Bard of Lochee; the songs and his children, and that's as it should be for someone whose art - visual,spoken, written and sung - and family were his life."
On the BBC Celtic Connections website Richard Bull commented "This evening brilliantly demonstrated that Michael's uniquely creative and generous work will live on and on."
The Daily Record's Joan McAlpine wrote in her column "But so many of his songs were anthems. Here Comes The Weak sung last week by Eddi Reader, would be an ideal theme for the human race. It praises the efforts of workers to overcome mighty barriers through organisation and education."
Donald Cowey in the Sunday Herald summed it up nicely "If it's still hard to accept that the opportunity to see Michael perform again will not come round again, then this was the next best thing."
The Mackenzie Sisters at All Will Be Well - Photograph courtesy of Pauline Keightley
Just for the record the singers and musicians who appeared at the concert were -
Mackenzie - Fiona, Eilidh and Gillian
Sylvia Rae Tracey
Liz Lochhead - Scots Makar (The National Poet of Scotland)
The Hazey Janes - Andrew Mitchell, Alice Marra, Matthew Marra, Liam Brennan
The House Band were -
Christopher Marra Guitars and Steel Guitar
Gregor Philp - Guitars
Kevin Murray - Guitars and Mandolin
Hilary Brooks - Piano and Accordion
Steve Kettley - Tenor and Soprano Saxophone
Duncan Chisholm - fiddle
Christine Hanson - Cello
Kevin McGuire - Upright Bass
Dave Haswell - Percussion
More information on BBC 2 Scotland's tribute to Michael shown on Friday 28 December 2012. The programme was been produced and directed by Valerie Lyon and co - produced by Stephanie Pordage for Neon Productions.
Preview - Michael Marra - All Will Be Well
Eddi Reader Talks Michael Marra
Michael Marra and Skeets Boliver
Available to view on BBC iPlayer and Youtube