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 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.
WE ARE VERY SAD... WE DON'T HAVE WORDS TO SAY ANYMORE... OUR SINGER AND DOBRO PLAYER ENRICO MICHELETTI IS DEAD. GOODBYE ENRICO KEEP THE BLUES ALIVE WHEREVER YOU ARE!!!!
Hey Miriam! I'm listening now your beautiful songs and your silky voice! I have to find your records somewhere! Thanks for add! Greetings from Torun! Chris
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