A Celtic Fairytale Fantasy
“Mearra ~ Selkie From The Sea”

Enjoying a terrific run on PBS in 2016, Linda Marie Smith’s debut performance of “Mearra~Selkie From the Sea” is quickly becoming an annual broadcast. Filmed at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago by Chris Olsen of Kai Harding Inc., it premiered in March of 2015 on PBS WYCC in Chicago and has been broadcast to almost 40% of PBS audiences across America.  See "upcoming shows" for details!

Throughout the performance, Linda’s original songs play alongside the beautiful cinematic animation created by Catherine and Sarah Satrun, adding layers of richness to this joyous and emotional tale of love, loss and transformation.
Linda Marie Smith © 2017

Library Life - MEARRA ~ SELKIE FROM THE SEA
by Linda Marie Smith © 2014 - Quartet

Linda Marie Smith’s quartet performing in a more intimate setting for the Mount Prospect Library’s cable show, "Library Life" with Cathy Cushing.
Linda talks about her creation and enchantment with,
“Mearra ~ Selkie From The Sea”.
Linda Marie Smith © 2014

• • A Celtic fairy tale fantasy
• • A timeless love story
• • A musical, magical, multimedia event

The ancient Celtic tale of the Selkie is the setting for Mearra—Selkie from the Sea, a musical multimedia extravaganza. Audiences of all ages are drawn into this unforgettable family friendly presentation based on the story of a mythical seal with the mysterious ability to metamorphose into a human being.

Infusing Linda Marie Smith's original, richly orchestrated songs with evocative, hand-drawn, animated images (created by the spectacular Catherine and Sarah Satrun), Mearra—Selkie from the Sea presents an enigmatic and bittersweet story of love, loss, and transformation that begins with Mearra, a young Selkie maiden, who falls in love with a lonely fisherman (Ian) who is equally entranced by her supernatural beauty. Mearra bids farewell to her life in the sea, marries Ian, and starts a family. However, seven years later, the sea inexorably calls for Mearra's return.

Her son Morlo also a Selkie, feels the strong pull to live in the sea with his mother. Ian and daughter Ffion, who are connected to the land, must stay behind when the day of the inevitable departure of Mearra and Morlo arrives. Despite the difficulty of this moment, the family knows that their love will be everlasting and will keep them together forever.

Smith says "Mearra's story is a relevant experience for all human beings. Love is the most important thread in the human existence. We yearn for it, we risk our lives for it, we succumb to it, we thrive in it."

With a genre-crossing vocal style that encompasses a folk/rock sensibility, Linda Marie Smith’s music is romantic, soulful, earthy, and mystical, with lyrics and melodies that weave colorful stories of curious places and intriguing people. Linda has been compared to the likes of Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan and Celtic music composer Loreena McKennitt.

Mearra ~ Selkie from the Sea transports listeners, inviting children and adults alike to use their imaginations as they enter an enchanted world that has inspired writers and composers like Yeats, Synge, and Arnold Bax for centuries.

The highly evocative, semi-symphonic "Ian's Song" sets a mood of Celtic mystery. "Mearra" follows, and the listener is swept up in an expansive cloud of orchestral colors created by strings, percussion, and synthesizer that conjures images of sea, sky, and a wild, rocky coastline. The melodic line and tastefully expressive phrasing of Linda Marie Smith's vocals effectively carry the story while never distracting from it. "All This and More" delivers a change of pace with something of a Nashville country sound, which effectively introduces a human element into the watery, mystical world of the Selkie, while "Water Green—Blue Sky" returns to the impressionistic colors of the sea. The jazziest number on the album is "Heaven Knows," with its upbeat rhythm set by piano, concertina, and enthusiastic hand clapping. The purity of Linda Marie Smith's voice is perfect for the mystical "Seals of Silver and Gold," whose lyrics pose questions for listeners to ponder. "Surrender to the Sea" opens with a piano interlude reminiscent of Claude Debussy, and the vocal line proclaims, "I hear them calling," offering a hint of what is to come.

Other highlights include "One More Kiss," with its luxuriant background of the string ensemble blending with waves of haunting electronic sounds, and "To Be With You," a heartfelt ode that employs the sweeping sound of the suspended cymbal to introduce the second verse, which ponders the mystery of ocean and Selkie, as the humans go in search of Mearra.

"Smith's original, richly orchestrated songs are complemented by evocative, hand-drawn, animated images that help tell this enigmatic and bittersweet story of love, loss, and transformation." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

"Once again, Linda Marie Smith has shown herself to be an extraordinary artist inspired to creatively and deftly weave an engaging story with her music and use of visual art. Mearra, Selkie from the Sea tells a story that will take you away!"

~ Lilli Kuzma, host of "Folk Festival" on 90.9fm WDCB Public Radio

"It's such a beautiful tale that's brought to life with the perfect mixture of theater, score, and vocals. I highly suggest." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ AJ Garcia, http://shakefire.com/review/linda-marie-smith-mearra-selkie-from-the-sea


"MEARRA is thoughtful song-craft lushly orchestrated by studio-caliber musicians and expertly produced by Rich Rankin; and it's all carried by Smith's clear and rich and compellingly emotive vocal." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Gregory Carter, Chicago Indie Music Live


"Linda Marie Smith's new concept album Mearra: Selkie from the Sea is one of the most original concept albums that this critic has ever heard." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Phil Sayblack, Phil's Picks


"Haunting and heartrending, Mearra - Selkie from the Sea is highly recommended." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Midwest Book Review


"Although this is not a children's CD, it makes a beautiful bedtime CD for my daughters." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Motherhood Moment


"Linda Marie Smith has such a lovely voice and the stories on the album are truly beautiful and inspiring." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Take it From Me


"The music instantly transports the listener to a mythical time." [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Texas Kitchen

Mearra Selkie From The Sea is a brilliant example of folk music with a good strong story and a genuine love for the mythology that forms the album's subject matter. [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Paul Foxon, Bucket List Music Reviews

... a set of gentle, lush tunes with the lilt and air of Ireland about them. Smith’s refined alto voice fits perfectly, leading the tunes with an earthy, storyteller's vibe. [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Independent Clauses

The music moves along like the gentle flow of water as Linda's vocals are soulful and pure. ...transport you to a simpler time when everything works together in unison... as you are easily swept up by the music. [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ J. Pasinski, JP’s Music Blog

It is the beauty of this album that Smith captures in story and music the intricacies of life, not just as we know it but as it can be imagined. The beauty does not stop there, however. Smith has created an orchestral coup, the songs floating in a sea of wonder, the production mesmerizing, the aura at times overwhelming (in a very good way). [READ FULL REVIEW]

~ Frank Gutch Jr.-Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange/Peterbough Folk Music Society

2022

Kankakee Farmers Market
Saturday August 13th
9:30am-11:30am
(market is 8:00-12:00)

Rob and Linda will be touting their stuff
doing songs from their Festival Set

Skokie Backlot Bash
Sunday August 28th
12:30pm-1:30pm
Beer Tent!
Yes!  There will be beer:)

Prairieview Lutheran Homes
Farmers Market, Quilt Auction
and general Good Times!
Saturday September 10th
11:30am-1:00pm
403 N 4th St
Danforth, IL 60930

Currently recording "Frida - A Woman Who Dared"
The story of 20th century female Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as told in and through her art.

2021

It's Women's History Month, and I'm thrilled to be celebrating with and sharing the virtual stage with these two incredibly talented singer/songwriters SUE FINK and JANE GODFREY. The Virtual Dream Café was created and is hosted by my dear friend and songwriter extraordinaire Sue Fink. Of course, we all miss performing for a live audience, but the Zoom format is the next best thing, and you don't have to leave your house!

2020

Currently writing and developing "Frida - A Woman Who Dared"
The story of 20th century female Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as told in and through her art.

Past Shows

Lincoln Square
Ravenswood Apple Fest with Linda & Rob
Saturday, 5th @ 12:00PM
in Lincoln Square!

Giddings Plaza
4733 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Skokie's Backlot Bash with Linda & Rob
Saturday, August 24th @ 2:00PM
Beer Garden!

Glenview Community Church
"Mearra ~ Selkie From The Sea"
Saturday, January 26th @ 6:30PM

1000 Elm Street
Glenview, IL 60025

University of Chicago
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
"Mearra ~ Selkie From The Sea"
Wednesday, 10:30AM
Logan Center

SCHOOL MATINEE
915 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60630

Linda Marie Smith & Peter Zeldow
"Somebody Else's Songs
and a few of our own!"
WISHBONE NORTH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th AT 7:00 PM
Chicago, IL

KANKAKEE FARMER'S MARKET
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd
9:30 in THE MORNING 'till NOON
Schuyler Avenue & Merchant Street
Kankakee, IL  60901
with ROBERT ARENDT
Originals and Select Cover Songs

BARRINGTON AREA BOOK CLUB
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th AT 10:30 AM
PRIVATE PERFORMANCE OF
"THE TRIUMPH OF ARTEMISIA"

SCHAUMBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
"MEARRA~SELKIE FROM THE SEA"
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH AT 2:00 PM
Schaumburg, IL

Mearra~Selkie From The Sea
WDCBCOLLEGE OF DUPAGE FOLK FESTIVAL
Performance of Complete Show in Lobby
TUESDAY, JUNE 20th AT 7:00 PM
followed by On-AIR Radio Interview 8:30ish
Glen Ellen, IL

Mearra~Selkie From The Sea
FREMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th AT 7:00 PM
Mundelein, IL

Mearra~Selkie From The Sea
PARK RIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
THURSDAY, MARCH 16th AT 7:00 PM
Park Ridge, IL

The Triumph of Artemisia
POPLAR CREEK LIBRARY
SUNDAY, APRIL 23rd AT 2:00 PM
Streamwood, IL

2016 Shows

Mearra~Selkie From The Sea
NILES PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 AT 2:00 PM
NILES, IL

OHIO ARTS PRESENTERS NETWORK - SHOWCASE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18th at 9:30 AM
MAINSTAGE SHOWCASE #3
FAMILY & EDUCATION PROGRAMMING

MID-ATLANTIC PERFORMING ARTS MARKET
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND AT 9:30 AM
SHOWCASE #2
CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMMING

PBS Air Dates 2016:

Boston
WGBH 2
June 26th, Sunday @ 7:00PM
June 27th, Monday @ 5:00AM

Cincinnati, OH
WCET/WPTO
CETArts Channel
March 18th, Friday @ 8:00am, 1:00pm & 5:00pm
March 19th, Saturday @ 10:00am, 3:00pm & 10:00pm

Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM
KNME
March 19th, Saturday @ 3:30AM

San Francisco, CA
KCSM
March 2oth, Sunday @ 9:00PM
March 21st, Monday @ 2:00am

Los Angeles, CA
KLCS
March 21st, Monday @ 8:00PM
March 22nd, Tuesday @ 3:00AM
KVCR March 27, Sunday @ 9:00pm

Philladelphia, PA
WHYY March 17th, Thursday @ 3:00pm
WNJS
March 31st, Thursday @ 9:00pm
Aplril 2nd, Saturday @ 3:00am
WNJT
March 31st, Thursday @ 9:00pm
Aplril 2nd, Saturday @ 3:00am

New York/New Jersey, N.Y.
WNJB Saturday 4/2 @ 3:00am
WNJN Saturday 4/2 @ 3:00am

Performance:

"THE TRIUMPH OF ARTEMISIA"

July 24th, Sunday @ 2:00pm
Rolling Meadows Library
3110 Martin Lane
Rolling Meadows, IL
(847) 259-6050

Performance:

"Mearra"
March 19th, Saturday @ 1:00pm
Morton Grove Library
6140 Lincoln Avenue
Morton Grove, IL
(847) 965-4220

"Mearra"
March 20th, Sunday @ 1:00pm
Vernon Area Public Library
300 Half Day Road
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 634-3650

PBS Air Dates:

Indianapolis, IN
WFYI
March 27th, Sunday @ 7:00pm

New York/New Jersey, N.Y.
WNJB Thursday 3/31 @ 9:00pm
WNJN Thursday 3/31 @ 9:00pm

Performance

"Mearra"
March 30th, Wednesday @ 7:00pm
Poplar Creek Library
1405 S. Park Avenue
Streamwood, IL
(630) 837-6800

PBS Air Dates:

South Bend-Elkhart, IN
WNITDT2
3/16 Wednesday @ 10:00PM

Orlando, FL
WDSCDT
3/17 Thursday @ 8:00PM
3/18 Friday @ 12:00AM

Austin, TX
KLRU
Q Channel
3/17 @ 10:00pm

Flint-Saginaw, MI
Q-TV Children
3/11 Friday @ 8:00PM
3/11 Friday @ 11:00PM

Tucson, AZ
KUAT Ready TV
3/11 Friday @ 10:00PM
3/12 Saturday @ 5:00AM

Fargo-Valley City, ND
KCGEDT4 & KFMEDT4
KJREDT4 & KDEDT4
3/11 Friday @ 8:00PM
3/12 Saturday @ 2:00AM

Minot-Bismarck, ND
KBMEDT4 & KDSEDT4
KSREDT4 & KWSEDT4
3/11 Friday @ 8:00PM
3/12 Saturday @ 2:00AM

Salt Lake City, UT
KUENDT
3/13 Sunday @ 8:00PM

Chicago, IL
WYCC
Sunday March 13th @ 5:00PM
Monday March 14th @ 4:00AM

Performance:

"Mearra"
March 13th, Sunday @ 2:00pm
Wheaton Public Library
225 Cross Street
Wheaton, IL
(630) 668-1374

PBS Air Dates:

Charlotte, N.C.
WNSCDT3
3/14 Monday @ 6:00AM

Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
WNEHDT3, WNTVDT3, WRETDT3
3/14 Monday @ 6:00AM

Columbia, S.C.
WRLKDT3, WRJADT3
3/14 Monday @ 6:00AM

Savannah, GA
WJWJDT3
3/14 Monday @ 6:00AM

Charleston, S.C.
WITDVT3
3/14 Monday @ 6:00AM

Myrtle Beach, S.C.
WHMCDT3, WJPMDT3
3/14 Monday @ 6:00AM

Augusta, GA
WEBADT3
3/14 Monday @ 6:00AM

Syracuse, New York
WCNY Plus
March 14th, Monday @ 9:00PM

Los Angeles, CA
KLCS March 6th, Sunday @ 7:00PM

San Francisco, CA
KRCB
March 2nd, Wednesday @ 8:00PM
March 3rd, Thursday @ 1:00am

PBS Broadcast - Reaching 80% of Colorado!
Let the other 20% know what they're missing :)

Denver/Colorado Springs
CPT12  February 26th MIDNIGHT
(actually 12:00AM on the 27th)

Here's a link to the listing:

http://www.cpt12.org/schedule/program-details/?pgm=Mearra--Selkie-From-The-Sea&series=242769308

Performance:

"Mearra"
March 1st, Tuesday
WDCB 90.0FM - College of DuPage
Concert @ 7:00pm
Radio Interview @ 8:00pm

2015 Shows

WYCC PBS CHANNEL 20!!!!!!!!!!!

MEARRA ~ SELKIE FROM THE SEA
The Debut Concert filmed at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY,
MARCH 7^TH @ 7pm
MARCH 8^th @ 8pm
MARCH 12^th @ 3am
March 15^th, 4pm

TUESDAY, JULY 21^ST, AT 7PM
MEARRA ~ SELKIE FROM THE SEA
PROSPECT HEIGHTS LIBRARY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19^TH AT 7:00 PM
MEARRA ~ SELKIE FROM THE SEA
ROLLING MEADOWS LIBRARY

SOME PAST 2014 PERFORMANCES

MEARRA ~ Selkie From The Sea
SPECIAL SUNDAY MATINEE
DECEMBER 7th AT 3:00PM
The Old Town School of Folk Music
Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall
4544 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60025
call for tickets 773.728.6000

LINDA MARIE SMITH
discusses her influences
on SWEET FOLK CHICAGO with Rich Warren
Saturday November 29th, 7:00 to 8:00 PM98.7 WFMT Radio
STREAM

APPEARING on FEARLESS RADIO
Wednesday December 3rd at 1:00 PM
www.FEARLESSRADIO.com

Catch Linda on RADIO ONE CHICAGO
Stream

WLUW 88.7 FM
from
Thursday November 13th at 6:30 PM

Listen to Linda on RADIO DEPAUL
Buffalo Bro Radio 1/2 Hour from
Sunday November 23rd at 9:00 AM
http://radio.depaul.edu/#/schedule

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Voice: 773.736.7300