Marcia Deihl is a singer/songwriter who has been a cultural worker/performer in the Boston area for forty years. In 2006, Smithsonian Folkways reissued “And Ain‘t I A Woman?," a 1977 recording by her former socialist-feminist women‘s string band, The New Harmony Sisterhood Band. "Union Maid" from this CD was used in HBO's 8th episode ("Comrades Unite!") of "Enlightened" with Laura Dern.
She is known for her music in history workshops, bizarre song parties, originals, such as "I'm Settled," and parodies. Now retired (thanks to a union pension), she brings social justice music into the mainstream via the Trojan horse of humor.
She has shared the bill with Pete Seeger and has shared the stage with Charlie King, Bright Morning Star, Hazel Dickens, and Patty Larkin.
A member of People‘s Music Network, she has performed for the Radcliffe Union of Students, the Cambridge Women‘s Commission, the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, the Cambridge Peace Commission, and Veterans for Peace.
As a writer of essays, poetry, and memoir, her latest publication is “Biphobia" (Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, Routledge, 2010).
As a writer of essays, poetry, and memoir, her latest publication is “Biphobia" (Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, Routledge, 2010).
She is also a music transcriber who can turn any folk mp3 into sheet music at a reasonable fee. Her most recent project was transcribing 18 songs for Charlie King's songbook, "Songs for the Current Millennium," 2013.
She has a B.A. in Music History and Education from Boston University, an M.A. in Feminism and Folk Music from Cambridge-Goddard School for Social Change, and a Certificate in Publishing and Communications from Harvard University.
WATCH:
"When We Sing of Santiago"
Marcia's YouTube link
LISTEN TO:
"I'm Settled"
WATCH:
"I'm Settling"
WATCH:
"I'm Settling"
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Marcia about the time she wrote "I'm Settled" (1979)
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"Marcia's love of the sixties and the seventies is a love of the aspects of those decades which were about “love, not war,” “the beloved community,” a struggle for justice and the dream about overcoming and walking together in equality and the specifics of Cambridge life at that time. Marcia is a wonderful chronicler/historian of her own active participation in so many movements which are part of Cambridge’s history.”
–Abe Rybeck, Theater Offensive, Boston, MA
"If you miss the protest songs of the past, if you wish for a singer attuned to today’s issues, Marcia Deihl is your woman. Her performances offer a clear and captivating voice, lyrics laced with humor and bite, and a spirit ringing with freedom and justice for all."
–Martha Collins,
author of "White Papers," "Blue Front," and other books of poetry
"Marcia Deihl holds music and memories in her heart and mind, blessing us with when she lets rip with song and story to refresh our spirits, connect us to community, and lift us from the daily grind of our lives. Thank you, Marcia!"
–Sue Hyde, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Director of the Creating Change Conference
