I can say with confidence that today’s guests are some of the most fun and joyous I have had the privilege to cross paths with. Described by the Boston Globe as “spellbinding acoustic musicians with a rare master of American roots styles” and by Billboard Magazine as “as close to flawless folk/bluegrass as it gets,” they truly need no introduction.
Two-time Grammy® Award Winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are an eclectic folk festival on their own terms. They have entertained the Queen of Thailand, been keynote singers for the AFL-CIO, performed at hundreds of folk festivals, appeared on the "Today Show" and on National Public Radio.
Their superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin, cello-banjo, and many other instruments. Their eclectic repertoire includes classic country to western swing, Django style jazz to old-time stringband and bluegrass, contemporary folk and original gems. While their versatility defies a brief description, perhaps “well rounded Americana” does it best.
The duo has released 52 recordings, including “GET UP AND DO RIGHT”, which features duets of songs by other writers such as Alice Gerrard, Tom Paxton, Ola Belle Reed and David Francey, along with a few originals. Other recent recordings include the uke-centric collection, “WAHOO!” and “SHOUT AND SHINE” with Appalachian tradition bearer and songwriter, Sam Gleaves. The latest, “ALL NEW” is a double CD collaboration with friend, Tom Paxton, of 28 original songs written by Cathy & Tom, performed live in studio.
Cathy & Marcy have achieved the status of master musicians, but are also happily known as “social music conductors”, ready to start a jam session, mentor an up and coming artist or create an entire music camp to help others learn to play and sing. At past music camps they have taught Kaki King and Rhiannon Giddens banjo and through their long relationship with the Music Center at Strathmore’s Artist in Residence program they have collaborated with and helped the next generation navigate the professional music world.
They’ve earned two Grammy® Awards, in 2004 and 2005 for “cELLAbration: a Tribute to Ella Jenkins” and for “ Bon Appétit!" In 2003, they were GRAMMY® nominated for their CD, “Postcards” in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. They received another GRAMMY® nomination in that category for “Banjo Talkin’”.
In 2004 the Martin Guitar Company honored the duo with their own signature Martin Guitars, the MCH-Cathy Fink Model and the MC3H-Marcy Marxer model. Influenced by Mike Seeger, Marcy re-discovered the four-string cello banjo inspiring the Gold Tone Company to make the Marcy Marxer model cello banjo, now played by Tim O'Brien, Ricky Skaggs and many others. She also designed her signature Kala Ukulele, now played by hundreds of uke lovers. Cathy is a three-time winner of the West Virginia State Banjo Contest, the first woman to take first place in 1980, and in 2018 she became the first woman to win the Clifftop Appalachian Music Festival Banjo Competition.
Cathy & Marcy have performed at hundreds of bluegrass and folk festivals, taught at 100+ music camps, appeared on the “CBS Early Show”, National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered”. They have advocated in Washington for unions, health care for children and the rights and livelihoods of artists.
In their 40 years performing together, the Washington Area Music Association has recognized Cathy & Marcy with over 60 WAMMY Awards for folk, bluegrass and children’s music. They have performed with Pete Seeger, Theodore Bikel, Tom Paxton, Patsy Montana, Riders in the Sky and a wide range of musical luminaries. As curators, performers and hosts, Cathy & Marcy have MC’d festivals, curated concert series and collaborated with a wide variety of musicians.
Cathy & Marcy have toured worldwide from Japan to New Zealand, Vancouver to New York and everywhere in between. Shows include the The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (OH), Smithsonian Institution, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. American Voices Abroad chose Cathy & Marcy with fiddler Barbara Lamb to perform in China, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu in 2013 for the U.S. Department of State.
They are not only wildly impressive, but full of joy, hope, and love, both for one another and for artistry as a whole. I hope you enjoy this conversation.
EP 19: Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer