Gigs

Mary’s first band just out of high school was a group led by Don Strand called Cassidy. The group has an out-of-print CD, their music was complex and intricate, and at the same time delightful. They once opened for Bonnie Raite and for Billy Joel. Members lived on a farm/commune outside the Twin Cities for several years. Mary sang and played guitar and flute.

As noted in her bio, Mary’s travels “criss-crossed” America on the college circuit for over 20 years - Los Angeles, Key West, Portland Oregon, and at home in the Twin Cities. She played solo or with a variety of bands. She took great pride in being well put together at her gigs, always an attractive, winsome little sprite. She was good at conversing with the audience, inviting their personal stories, and if she saw you twice, she was your friend. Even when experiencing great adversity personally, she was a positive light – engaging and encouraging. When the gig was to host an open mic, she invited all levels of folks to perform, allowed them to express their talent and appreciated their efforts. She never wanted to have enemies and wanted people to feel good about themselves. She often invited other musicians to “sit in” and/or perform a couple numbers. So many people followed her because she invited them in…

In her autumn years her main gig, lasting again over 20 years, was at the Minnesota Music Cafe. Her oil portrait of Willie Murphy hangs on their illustrious wall. On Friday nights, 5 to 7, Mary and her band the Young Relics played inside in winter, outside on the patio in summer. She loved warm weather, and patios were among her favorite places to play. She was at best a true child of nature. The Young Relics in their current configuration continue to play at Thursday Happy Hour, once per month at MMC.

Mary had two familiar mantras. One was the irreverent “Shit, Fuck, Piss”! Apparently one sister would say Shit, the next one Fuck, and the last Piss. Mary took the combo to heart. The other was when she flashed the Peace Sign, and said “Peace, Love, Dove”!

To Mary, as you cross that Rainbow Bridge, Peace, Love Dove, girl, ya done well…

We want to express a HUGE thanks to Mary’s family, who are making a real effort to provide her legacy with this beautiful website. Mary loved each of you - Mom Gayl, Brother Paul, and Sisters Lisa, Anne, Jane, Meg, Cynthia, Theresa, and Patty (deceased) - to the Moon and Back...