by Emily Meenan
Dani Mari’s narrative, story-like songs are ear-catching and unusual to hear in this day and age. “I was very influenced by Billie Holiday at a young age and later got into Patsy Cline and a few other classic artists. I guess you can say I’m a pretty nostalgic person,” Mari explains. She originally grew up at the Jersey shore but has spent lots of time in Philadelphia and begun her musical career here.
Not only did she start her musical journey here, but lately she has been making forward leaps and bounds in the local music scene. “I was selected by the Philadelphia Folksong Society to compete with other musicians at Milkboy Philly,” Mari excitedly tells how the competition was done. “The judges based their decision off of the performance, the crowd reaction, turnout and the songs.” Thanks to that judged performance, she was chosen to perform at this year’s Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Not only is Mari playing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, she also has a few other festivals lined up, including Musikfest. Musikfest is right around the corner from Philly in Bethlehem, PA and is currently in progress! Dani Mari will be playing on the 10th, alongside many other must-see acts including Ke$ha. “I am interested to see how Ke$ha puts on a live performance,” Mari says. But not only pop-princess Ke$ha will be blowing minds that day. “I am also looking forward to seeing many great performers including Reverend TJ McGlinchey, The Wallace Brothers and Kwesi Kankam.”
Mari has a beautifully done new single, “Mirrors,” out currently with folk singer Griz. “I met Griz years ago in the Philly music scene and I have always been a big fan. I thought it would be great to collaborate on a song and I was grateful and honored when he agreed to sing on the track.” Listeners also seem to be grateful for this collaboration, which has been featured on WXPN’s “The Key.” Go stream it!
If you miss Dani Mari at one of the multiple festivals coming up, all hope is not lost! “I will be recording a collaboration project called “Lovers League” with Reverend TJ McGlinchey this fall. Our kickoff show will be at Connie’s Ric Rac on October 26th. I will also be busy performing at other shows and hosting open mics at Liberties, Sisters and Connie’s Ric Rac.” She also has some new music coming up soon, “I am working with a label called Someplace Called Brooklyn and will be releasing new music later in 2013.”
So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears opened for what Dani Mari does next, and try to catch her at Musikfest on the 10th, Philadelphia Folk Fest, or Brandywine Folk Fest!
