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
merry christmas my friend, thanks for adding me and for th music, I used to live over yer back wall, would be intrested to know if my childhood fort is still there, take it easy
Love the Mother Glasgow track with sumptuious strings!! Rare ! Looking forward to seeing you on the road with A Wee Home From Home and hearing Mother Glasgow in it's true context.
Just a quick word to say that 'The Saint' kindly played me the animations you cobbled together for your songs the other week, great stuff Michael and well done (Andrew's never looked better). Hope all's well.
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".
