Michael Marra was brought up in the Lochee district of Dundee. His first public performance was at an NCR Christmas party in the 1950s. Although predominantly known as a songwriter, Michael has worked extensively in theatre, radio and television. To most he is a solo performer touring the length and breadth of Britain, performing in arts centres, theatres, folk clubs and village halls. He has opened for such diverse performers as Van Morrison, The Proclaimers, Louden Wainwright III, Barbara Dickson and Deacon Blue.
In recent years he has performed both in Washington DC and Melbourne, Australia in the show 'In Flagrant Delicht' which was devised in collaboration with poet and playwright Liz Lochhead. In theatre Michael has written original music and worked both as an actor and musical director. His own operetta 'If The Moon Can Be Believed' was performed at Dundee Rep to sell out audiences, and he recently collaborated with Graham McLaren of Theatre Babel on a new production of 'The Demon Barber' for Perth Theatre. Michael has also performed original songs with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish National Orchestra, Concerto Caledonia, Mr McFall's Chamber, and his own Quintet.
Last year Michael was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Dundee University in recognition of his contribution to the cultural profile of his home town.
For bookings/enquiries please contact John Barrow - jb@stoneyport.demon.co.uk
Hello Mike, Just to say what a rare pleasure it was to hear your gig on Saturday at the Bongo, and indeed to do a couple of songs at the start, (I am a Bevvy sister). Thanks alot for having us, that was a treat ! Beautiful music and a moving marraige, yourself and MacFalls. There were a fare few tears fae ma glass eye I can tell you. When's the MacFalls/Marra album out? Hope to catch you again soon. All the very best Kaela Rowan
Michael, When we did the gig at the Angus in Dundee, way back when. I've never quite forgotten the "Mafia" song, even when eh'm makin a cup o' coffee or sumthin'. Have you possesed this Clement Park hoose or "what". Wha drew the "Oor Wullie" on the wall in the big bedroom upstairs? I thought it might have been Eddie, but you're all capable of that. Reading in your Biog about your first gig at the NCR reminde me of mine. The Douglas Mother's Group, your band was Frances Carlin, Ricky Zaravcac, and I think, Joe Lannen?. My band was, yir ct the end of ousin Roddy, Wayne Hutton, Bertie (Eh'm smert than maist c"""t") Donaldson and meh wee humble sel'. At the end of the night, I apoligised to your mother for Not being a Catholic. She said "We pray for you too". How good is that as a 13 year old. Never forgot it. You will always wear a suit of "Lincoln Green".
Thanks for connecting. Good to meet you in cyberspace. First saw you doing 'They Fairly Mak Ye Work' along with Graeme Valentine at the Rep. Had to learn the song, of course. Both come a long way. You still sound better than me!
Thank you for the add. Caught you on the tele on burns night playing green grow the rashes o, your performance of that song was my favourite of the show, loved it!
Hope to catch one of your gigs, hope you like a couple of my tunes too!
Enjoyed a marvelous account of your Dec 27th gig from my friend James Shearer who told me of your Alice's rendition of 'Monkey Hair' Thanks for your signiture which James asked from you and stapled onto a United scarf as a momento of the gig! James told me he hopes to set up a Bebo account to drop you a line.. Looking forward to seeing you at Braco in February' Keep mining at that great seam of song you so prolifically plunder!! Thanks, Bob.
Wid ye be kind enough tae sing Green Grow The Rashes oan the coming Saturday night. Ma ghaist wull be attending the event tae celebrate ma 250th birthday and I dae luv the way ye sing that song o' mine.
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