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Anna Rose's
Media Column 23 Feb 2007 Tamworth
Country Music Festival
Another of
my festival highlights was a triple treat and it happened at
Tamworth Services Club on Wednesday, January 24. When Maria Forde
(as support) stepped on stage after being introduced by Eric, and
started singing and talking to the audience, I was absolutely
enchanted. She was the perfect entrée to the main course. Her Irish
wit and wisdom was a sheer delight – and I just loved the story she
told about her grandmother, who when giving Maria her engagement
ring, said: “To be sure, me darlin’ … it’s not as if you’ll be
getting one of your own now!”. That led into the title track, Rough
Diamond, from one of Maria’s collection of albums. Another highly
recommended disc.
"Tamworth
festival 2007 at the end
of January, two concerts at a new venue for us, the Tamworth
Services Club. … the concerts were very well received, probably no
doubt in part because we had a class opening act, one Ms Maria
Forde, well known to you Aussie readers. A very accomplished singer
and songwriter."
Eric Bogle
Tullamore
Irish Festival 2007
Those who
attended the concerts by Maria Forde in the Presbyterian Church,
said it was the highlight of the Festival, all three concerts we
well attended with people turned away from some performances, as
the church was filled to capacity. This beautiful church with
outstanding acoustics, just simply enhances Maria’s
talents.
The
Ecumenical Service on Sunday last year attracted 80 people, this
year numbers swelled to 240. This again was a very moving
experience, with local people participating along with Maria Forde,
Jim Brown and the Dancers.
Coordinator,
Robert Edwards
Maria
inducted as Legend of the Lake on July 22nd 2006
The Lake
School of Celtic Music, Song
and
Dance
at Koroit has previously
inducted "Legends" Billy Moran, Fay and Morgan McAlinden and Dennis
O'Keeffe in recognition and celebration of their work.
In his
introduction, Felix stated that, in being inducted as a Legend of
the Lake, "Maria is joining fairly elite company … she has been
tutoring at the Lake School for five years and has been an absolute
delight to have here - her students walk around on air after their
classes."
 The
audience was entertained by Lillian, Sile, Ruth and Cathy
before the
speeches.
In an
emotion filled voice, Marion O'Hagan paid tribute to Maria:
"I have
known Maria for over 20 years and what a delight it has been to
witness her develop into not only an outstanding entertainer
/ songwriter/teacher
but also a
remarkable person with compassion, selflessness,
kindness and respect for everyone she meets."
"At 15 Maria was singing at weddings, church and community
functions. She acknowledges and is extremely appreciative of the
support, encouragement and hands on training she received from Fr
Kevin Dillon."
"By the
late 80's Maria was singing at the Dan O'Connell or as we all know
it the "Dan" along with Paddy Enright. Sean
McLernon and Billy
 Moran. The
Normandy was also a thriving pub at the time and Maria had a
residency there on Wednesday nights. Her career was taking off in
leaps and bounds."
Maria
experienced her first national tour with Dingle Spike a
traditional group from London with a Kerry background. I thought I
would burst with pride when Maria was announced and walked on to
the stage at Dallas Brooks…she sang as I had never heard her
before. Her rendition of Amazing Grace was indeed amazing and one
could have heard a pin drop. I sat there that night and knew that
without a shadow of a doubt we would be going to hear a lot more of
this remarkable 22 year old."
"In 1990 Maria left Australian shores and ventured on a tour of
Ireland starting off in Dublin and later moving on to Connemara,
and it was there that she realised she had the gift of song
writing. Maria had been invited to a friends wedding and was sad
that she would be unable to attend she decided to write a song as a
wedding gift.
 Imagine
receiving "Will you dance with me" as a wedding gift. The song was
first recorded in the kitchen of Kylemore Abbey. Not only has the
song been very good for Maria, it has indeed been good for other
singers who have recorded it. Not only in Australia but
internationally it has become one of the most popular wedding
songs. Many have recorded it but no-one sings it like
Maria."
"I know
Maria loves performing at festivals and holding workshops, she
thrives on the knowledge that music makes a difference to people's
lives. It is said that we are all given gifts and how we use them
is our gift back to God. I am sure God is delighted with the way in
which Maria is using her many gifts."
"As I said at the beginning she is selfless, compassionate, kind
and respectful I add to that generous, considerate and
inspirational. I love her sense of humour and her ability to mimic.
It all adds up to the fact the she is a pleasure to be around."
"That Maria
Forde is inducted as Legend of the Lake is recognition of her
contribution to the Lake School and a tribute to her passion,
dedication and commitment to the Art of Music and song. Like those
before her, a worthy Legend of the Lake."
 Maria and
Marion with hosts, Bruce and Wendy from Micky Bourke's Koroit
Hotel, hold the picture of The 2006 Legend.
A highlight
of the night was listening to Maria sing - by herself,
 and with
previous Legend, Dennis O'Keeffe
After the
formal proceedings, the session went 'til late.
On Thursday
10th August, Maria and Felix accepted a cheque on behalf of the
Lake School from Ambassador Declan Kelly.
Bendigo Folk
Club - May 2006 Concert
"Our main
act on the night was Maria Forde. She performed to one of our
largest Friday night audiences in the history of the Bendigo Folk
Club. Maria's Performance was well received by all."
"Her concert
at the Folk Club exemplified her performance abilities and her
excellent vocal capabilities. Her repertoire contained her own
remarkable songs equating closely folk/country genre. From her
first song Maria rapidly built an excellent rapport with her
audience. At the end two encores were demanded by the audience, a
very rare event, even at the Bendigo Folk Club."
"A great
night was had by all. Of those who had not seen Maria before, I
think all would be new Maria Forde fans."
Simon
Dillon, Bendigo Folk Club Committee
Monday, 8
May 2006 8:34 AM
Maria
Thank you for letting us know about Friday night we had a great
time and felt as though we were welcomed into a family group. You
were magnificent and we all felt blessed to be able to benefit from
your gifts. Looking forward to going to the next night. Thank you
from all of us.
Regards, Robert
Thursday, 27
April 2006 7:14 AM
I just listened, several times, to "Will You Dance With Me" and
love it. No one I know is getting married, but I just came across
your website and wanted to hear your song. It must make for many
happy tears at weddings.
Patrick
Springfield,
IL. USA
Tim Cox
ABC radio, Tasmania said about Maria Forde's album "Next":
"Fans of well-crafted, beautifully-sung songs will adore Maria
Forde's 'Next'. It's a little bit country, a little bit Celtic and,
hell, a little bit rock and roll but it's an entirely gorgeous trip
through the Australian landscape, with travelling companions like
(Tasmania's own) Phil Manning providing able
assistance."
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