MARIAN MASTRORILLI:
Vocals & Guitar

Marian's musical life began in 6th grade with a "cool" flower-covered electric guitar and amp (with tremolo!). As a "child of the 70's," she blissfully sang along with Queen, Elton John and Led Zeppelin - until anyone walked into the room.

In the late 80's, voice & guitar classes at the New School in Manhattan helped move Marian out of her room and into NYC's CBGB's Record Lounge, The Back Fence & Trocadero. In '95 Marian formed the duo Mercury Rising, playing at Downtime, CB's Gallery, Orange Bear, Baggott Inn, etc.

The duo grew into the band Project Mercury in winter '98, and appeared at showcase venues Nightingale Bar, Elbow Room and the Lion's Den. In October '98, Charlene Donohue and her violin came on board, and the band edited down to take on the coffeehouse crowds at Eureka Joe's, the Gaslight, Hillside Cafe, and Sun Music Company.

Life and love have fueled some interesting lyrics, like Beach Musings, a tribute to the Jersey shore and Rest of Your Life, a song of hope. Marian's influences include said 70's rock gods; quirky goddesses Kate Bush, Dar Williams and Tori Amos; and a mix o'men like Damien Rice, The Decemberists, R.E.M., Ben Folds and Joe Jackson. To hear what this mix adds up to, check out these songs and visit the MUSIC page:

Patience: demo MP3 of one of Marian's newer originals
Love.com: Project Mercury live performance video

At Palisades: the Palisades Amusement Park Historical Society set Marian's tune to video

Awards are a happy part of the story. Faded Leather received Honorary Mention in Billboard's International Song Contest. In 2002, Marian was a winner of the New Jersey Folk Festival new songwriter showcase award. How Did You Get Like That? won a Billboard Certificate of Achievement in 1998.

Marian is a volunteer for Musicians On Call.

Photo credit: devinphoto
.
See more photos of Marian.




GIG ACTIVITY

THE SLEWFOOT PROJECT
Marian had the pleasure of recording harmonies with this gang of Americana musicians in 2012 on their new CD Torn, and sometimes joins up with them at local gigs. Next up:

Friday, June 21st, 9:00-11:00pm
Clover Leaf Inn
479 Western Highway, Orangeburg, NY
845-359-5999



MARIAN + CHARLENE = PROJECT GEMINI
After a much-too-long hiatus, we are dipping our toes back in, introducing a new song (and new cover tunes), and making friends with many old favorites.

Marian & Char at Dylanfestm

Saturday, June 22nd, 8:00-10:00pm
Starving Artist Cafe

249 City Island Avenue
City Island, NY
718- 885-3779

Yummy casual menu available, BYOB. Arrive early - City Island gets crazy in the summer! Call for reservations. Pass-the-hat admission.




THE MARIANETTES
Cover classic rock/pop band featuring musicians at Sony Electronics. Peter DiIorio-electric guitar & vocals, Glenn Govier-bass, Nick DiLello-guitar & vocals, John Vourtsis-drums, Dom Esolda-keys & vocals, Andy Munitz-violin. Performing the likes of Springsteen, R.E.M., Joe Jackson, The Eagles.

marianettes