Four years ago, Charlie Marie got into her tiny Toyota Yaris and embarked on a six-month cross-country journey of self-discovery that ultimately led to her upcoming album, “Signs.”
This new collection of songs will not be released until June 5, but listeners can hear what’s in store when Twang Club presents country artist Charlie Marie at the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls on Friday, May 15 at 8 p.m. Former Greenfield resident Rosie Porter will open.
Marie grew up in Rhode Island, and music, especially country music, has always been a big part of her life. As a child, she discovered her love of singing through karaoke. When she was 10 years old, a vocal teacher told her she sounded like Patsy Cline. With her grandmother’s help she started exploring Cline’s music as well as that of other country artists like Hank Williams. Songwriting would soon follow.
“I was watching CMT (Country Music Television), and I noticed that Taylor Swift was writing a lot of her own music — so that kind of inspired me,” Marie recalled. “I was around 18 when I moved to Nashville, which is where I really learned how to write my own songs. Learning to co-write helped a lot, too.”
Marie planned on staying in Nashville, but life brought her back to Rhode Island, and it was there that her career started taking off. “I thought I had to stay in Nashville if I wanted to continue to do music, but life has a way of making you go where you are supposed to be,” she said. “And I have had more success in Rhode Island.”
That success came with the release of her 2021 debut album, “Ramble On,” with critics embracing her classic country sound and comparing her voice to that of Patsy Cline.
“I had been waiting for someone to discover me and help me put out my music,” said Marie. “Then I realized I needed to do it, and things started happening when I released my own music.”
Her career was gaining some traction, and Marie should have been elated. However, she found herself filled with doubt and anxiety.
“I just started to feel all these fears that I couldn’t run away from,” she said. “I tried yoga and therapy and nothing worked.” Some profound loss followed when some long-term relationships ended, and then her father suddenly passed away. “That’s when I decided that I wanted to go on this long journey to find myself.”
With no plan, Marie got in the car and drove, not sure at that point how or if music fit into her life.
“It was scary, because music has been such a core part of my identity, and I just didn’t really know who I was anymore,” Marie explained.
The trip took her to Alaska and back, and she found that, by spending time in nature and soaking up the world around her, she achieved a sense of peace that had previously eluded her.
“Traveling around the country gave me a certain perspective and helped me,” she said, noting that she often slept in rest areas during her trek. “And toward the end of the journey, I started to feel inspired to keep writing and continue with music.”
Once she was back home, Marie started playing with a Boston-based band called These Wild Plains, which eventually led her to recording the new album with them.
“It was so much fun playing and recording with them,” she said of the experience. “I don’t really like to put labels on music, but I guess you’d call this alt-country because it has a little bit of a rock vibe because These Wild Plains is a country rock band.”
Marie called the album “Signs” because, during her travels, she noticed what she saw as signs from the universe everywhere.
“If you can calm down and be aware of what’s going on around you, you start to realize that there are signs everywhere,” she said. “If you ask for signs, you get them.”
This show will be her first show of the year with These Wild Plains and her first time playing in Turners Falls.
“One thing I realized is that when I sing and connect with people, that’s what makes me feel the most alive, and that’s what makes me feel like it’s my purpose of being here, “said Marie.
“That’s something I learned on this journey — before, I was just worried about being accepted and pleasing people,” Marie continued. “But now I enjoy singing again. I look forward to this show. This is going to be a really cool show, and I think it’s going to be a fun time.”
Rosie Porter, who is performing a few shows in the area while she is back home from California, will be accompanied by Nick Green on pedal steel and AJ and Tom Del Negro on bass and drums. This will be her only full band show and this show will be the final one on her current tour of the area.
DJ Brewfoot will spin country vinyl between sets.
Rosie Porter who is performing a few shows in the area while she is here from California. This will be her only full band show and will include Nick Green (from L.A.) on pedal steel and AJ and Tom Del Negro on bass and drums. This will be the final show of their tour. DJ BrewFoot will spin country vinyl between sets.
Advance tickets are available at sheatheater.org. The doors open at 7 p.m. for the all ages show.
Songwriters in the Round Series launches at Lake Pleasant
On Saturday, May 9 at 5 p.m., the Pond Lily Project will launch the Songwriters in the Round Summer Concert Series at the historic Thompson Temple at The National Spiritual Alliance in Lake Pleasant.
“The Pond Lily Project is a community-driven music initiative that brings artists and audiences together through intentional, intimate experiences,” said Kara Kharmah, a member of The National Spiritual Alliance of which the project is a part. “Our goal is to support the music, creation and the in our community by giving local independent musicians opportunities for development and performance.”
The Pond Lily Project do this via a variety of programs including an artist in residence and artist mentorship programs and the new concert series, which will feature Helen Hummel, Carolyn Walker and Jake Klar on Saturday.
All three of these talented singer-songwriters have played throughout the Valley, and seeing them perform together will be a real treat.
This series is special because it offers more than just music. The artists will take turns playing their songs and sharing the stories and inspiration behind them. The goal is to give listeners a real look into the creative process of these songwriters and help them understand what inspires and motivates them.
Kharmah pointed out that the historic room “has a special vibe to it” in that is has fantastic acoustics and is beautifully located by the lake. “We aren’t just trying to be a venue, we are trying to create intentional community through music,” she said.
Besides this Songwriters in the Round series, the Pond Lily Project also hosts a monthly open mic on the third Tuesday of the month, a Songwriters’ Development Circle on the fourth Tuesday, and a jam in the round on the second Sunday of each month. A recording, video series and workshops are in the works with details to be announced.
Future shows in the series are on June 13 with James Bird, Melanie Blackbird and Eric Phelps and on July 11 with Pamela Means, Wylder Ayres and Kim Chin-Gibbons. There will be a finale for the entire project at the Shea Theater on Sept. 26 with artists to be announced.
Admission is on a sliding scale from $20 to $30, but everyone is welcome, no matter their ability to pay.
This show will be held on the second floor of the historic Thompson Temple Sanctuary at the National Spiritual Alliance in Lake Pleasant. Please note that this space is not accessible.
All Pond Lily Project events are sober and all ages. Proceeds go to benefit the National Spiritual Alliance to support the upkeep of the sanctuary. There will be an opportunity for a psychic reading and reiki session after the performance for those interested.
The Pond Lily Project receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Commission, the Montague Cultural Commission and various sponsors.
Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.