Miriam Backhouse is a singer / songwriter based in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, South Africa.
"Mim" was born in Lewes, England, and feels most validated when singing the English - speaking folk tradition from around the world. Her annual tour of the UK is always a sell-out.
She is part of a group of artistes in South Africa who have started a tradition of telling SA stories in music and song. Fiona Tozer, Tony Cox, Syd Kitchen, Nibs van der Spuy, Guy Buttery, Bill Knight to mention a few.
She plays guitar, autoharp, viola and recorder.
With Fiona Tozer she formed the Durban Folk Club in 1986.
In SA she works with husband, piano player John Erasmus. Mim and John perform theme programme educational entertainment for 3 to 9s. She has written accompaniments for many of these songs for teachers who cannot play an instrument themselves, and books of the words and music are available through their company Matriarch Music.
Their glove puppet shows are always in demand. Suzy, Granny and Christopher Crocodile are household names in KZN.
They also "rock'n'roll", and sing Broadway songs and other great standards for the "Silver" age group !
Eve Boswell invited her to join her singing studio in 1988, and they taught Eve's voice production method, and devised shows for the students. Eve died in 1998.
She was Anna in Steven Stead's direction of 'The King and I' amongst other stage shows.
Miriam has researched ways that sound and colour balance our 'vibes', and produced a cd of music to restore the energy centres of our being, with a workbook.
She has studied Laban movement, and, together with John, and Barbie Daniel, produced Mim's Minor Movement, a workbook with 4 cds of music to move to.
Miriam Backhouse's career was officially re-launched at Splashy Fen 2008, to wonderful accolades from both faithful and new admirers.
"Gypsy without a road" from Mother Earth Music www.motherearthmusic.co.uk
is a classic, and her other recordings are in great demand.
She has led a fullfilling life, and in May 08 celebrates 60 years as this persona.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
A great set at the Chase Folk Club on Friday. Wonderful singing of course. Also it didn't escape my attention that you know your way round the fret board and the tuning pegs. Lovely playing and an excellent sound.
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
So sorry Miriam that is terrible news. What is wrong with this world, cant a girl go and enjoy Splashy without coming home to find she has been burgled. Grrrrr
This years festival is headlined by Billy Bragg (Friday), Seth Lakeman (Sunday) and Peatbog Faeries (Saturday) with many more top artists also performing.
Online!
