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I am by nature an encourager and I have noticed that my affection and enthusiasm are often contagious. I love to entertain people and awaken their smiles and laughter. And I am gratified by speaking or singing words that motivate people to choose hope and happiness in their lives. Throughout my life I have trained and polished my God given talents for music, acting and dance. I am having such a good time. I’d like to share my joy with you.
My earliest memories are of entertaining, so I’ve always known what I wanted to do with my life. That alone is a great gift! Knowing who I am has directed my entire life.
On the day when I was born in 1947, I think the angels got together and delivered me to a loving and musical family. I was raised in the Methodist church and music was a vital part of life. Since age 4, I sang in church and school choirs and small vocal groups and performed as a soloist, but it was acting that held my heart. My entire family enjoyed my improvisational performances. At the age of 10 I was cast as Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore. I keenly remember my time on stage as Josephine like a virtual reality experience. It was wonderful. Junior high and high school theatrical productions followed; Annie Get Your Gun, Courtship of Eddie’s Father, and Brigadoon.
In 1954, my aunt taught me a hula dance called, “To You Sweetheart, Aloha.” I danced that hula at the talent show, which ignited many more performances, followed by education in hula dance classes. In 2001-02, I taught “Hula for Health” in adult education in San Diego.
The beatniks were on their way out and the surfers were on their way in when I picked up a guitar for the first time, in 1962. My sister also played guitar and we held hootenannies at our home. We sang “Michael Row the Boat Ashore,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and the Kingston Trio’s “MTA” song. All I needed to know were three chords on the guitar and I could lead singing anywhere! Have guitar will sing and travel.
I began my professional singing career in 1970. I had a ball singing in nightclubs throughout Southern California. I acted out each song I sang. In 1975, I recorded local and national commercial jingles for an award winning company in San Diego called Tuesday Productions. Hearing myself on the radio gave me a boast of confidence I hadn’t had before. My voice had been heard all over America.
Life was about to take a huge turn for me. It was 1984, a most memorable year. The San Diego District United Methodist Women invited me to lead music at their spring retreat in Julian, California. I cautioned them that I was a night club singer and only knew secular songs. They were not dissuaded. I tried my best to play “their” music, but I knew very few songs. Yet, because I agreed to sing, God used the time to reach into my heart with non-threatening music and to speak to me about His love for me. My life changed.
These women of faith saw the change in me and based on my interpersonal skills at the retreats, I was asked to be the Mission Coordinator of Christian Personhood for the San Diego District United Methodist Women. United Methodist Women is the largest organized group of women in the world. Admittedly, I was flattered that these sweet ladies had asked me to be an officer, but I did not think I had what it takes to serve as an officer. God assured me that I was the right person; I was to serve the United Methodist Women and grow into a deeper spiritual person. And do I did. I am grateful to United Methodist Women.
In 1986, I attended the United Methodist Church sponsored Walk to Emmaus, another life changing experience. For the next five years, I worked closely with the San Diego Walk to Emmaus community. I served on the Board of Directors for three years and headed its music program. In 1992, I served as Lay Director for the Women’s in fall retreat. These close ties gave me a strong interest in Christian theology. I needed to know more. I needed education.
I completed my college education at Christian Heritage College with a Bachelor of Science degree and followed this achievement by two years of study at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.
The education I received serves as a rock solid foundation for my programs of singing and motivational speaking. I believe that music is a non-threatening way of spreading the Word of God. People sing what they won’t say.
I am married and have four beautiful children and ten terrific and exceptional grandchildren.
Today I make myself available to commercial, industrial, film and voice over work, as well as retreats, speaking/singing engagements, and weddings. Please contact me so that we can discuss how I might share my enthusiasm and success with you. I know we can support one another in our common goals.
For further information, fees, and schedules, contact me at info@maryloushowbiz.com
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