tag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=3Latest News2024-02-22T11:51:19-05:00Marsha McWilsonfalsetag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/73554422024-02-22T11:51:19-05:002024-02-22T11:51:19-05:00Women who walk in the footsteps of greatness<p>Marsha McWilson is being honored at the 14th annual Women Who Walk In The Footsteps of Greatness, March 2024… </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/176838/4553b711a58682fdd4b8890a5aec36c13b836a0f/original/marshamarch2024.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="637" width="526" />Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/72825222023-10-04T05:17:39-04:002023-10-16T10:48:42-04:00Marsha McWilson Day 2023 - Anti-Gun Violence Event<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/176838/24fcc4ba8897256fa7a38f42f021097a86de628d/original/jaylanevent.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/72825212023-10-04T05:16:25-04:002023-10-08T14:00:19-04:00Marsha sings at Rihanna's father's birthday party in Vegas<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/176838/ff7aa68a2c61189eb094e3114f8d4b7985951293/original/marsharihanna.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha recently was chosen to be flown to Las Vegas and sing for Rihanna's father's birthday party. If you follow her <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/thedynamicmarshamcwilson/" data-link-type="url">Facebook page</a> you will see pictures and more!<i> </i>WKBW Buffalo also covered this story, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/blues-queen-of-niagara-falls-performs-for-parents-of-pop-singer-rihanna" data-link-type="url">here</a>.<i> Late September/early October 2023</i></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/72202932023-06-04T07:46:05-04:002023-06-04T07:46:05-04:00Marsha McWilson sings in the Caribbean on Tom Joyner's 2023 Cruise<p>Marsha McWilson has been singing on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage annual cruise in the Caribbean for many years now, and 2023 was no exception. The cruise affords her the chance to sing in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and South Florida! It's like a whirlwind tour, while she also gets to meet and hang out with various singers and music fans too. Here she is pictured with Tom Joyner. You can also see her performing on the cruise ship…</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/176838/c5a883fdf37341149fbcdefa083defc33815ce89/original/350294858-6055919817868190-1342679297717193922-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/176838/3b14fd795243c3704982385bf02d65b9059c2104/original/350946641-172294829137008-6507095271103695738-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p><p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/176838/fca25ebb6cdd14463a6ce0f7a714bd90da85d85f/original/350815247-600726021841584-4949090674055252518-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/72021332023-05-03T10:58:10-04:002023-06-04T07:44:08-04:00Rona Mae Blues song gets press coverage, radio airplay <p>Marsha McWilson has lost numerous friends and family members to "the Rona." When <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wkbw.com/news/coronavirus/vaccine-accessibility-education-for-city-of-niagara-falls-residents" data-link-type="url" contents="she was on Channel 7">she was on Channel 7</a> in Buffalo recently, she encouraged people to get vaccinated, sharing how she lost her beloved sister Vanessa to the Coronavirus. During that interview, she shared a taste of her new song about the experience of losing loved ones to "the Rona." Then Spectrum News profiled her recording of the song-- <a class="no-pjax" href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/share/nys/buffalo/news/2021/04/20/singing-the-covid-blues?cid=share_clip" data-link-type="url" contents="see the interview here">see the interview here</a>. And Buffalo's WBLK 93.7FM wrote about the song <a class="no-pjax" href="https://wblk.com/niagara-falls-marsha-mc-wilsons-new-song-on-battling-covid-19/" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a>. The Niagara Gazette published an article about the song <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/falls-singer-pens-tune-on-the-grim-toll-of-covid-19/article_f2a14aba-a98e-11eb-9f4e-572708b884fc.html" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a>. WUFO radio is playing it.</p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/72021322023-05-03T10:55:39-04:002023-05-03T10:57:20-04:00Marsha's son shot and killed January 21, 2023<p>On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Marsha McWilson's first born son, Jaylan, age 24, was shot multiple times outside Marsha's home in Niagara Falls, NY. He passed away; His killer was caught. <br><br>Here are some key links if you want to learn more: <br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://obituaries.niagara-gazette.com/obituary/jaylan-mcwilson-1087079381" data-link-type="url">https://obituaries.niagara-gazette.com/obituary/jaylan-mcwilson-1087079381</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/crime/anti-violence-rally-niagara-falls-jaylan-mcwilson/71-08bd3080-085a-4bcd-ae98-6d26492c0d8c" data-link-type="url">https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/crime/anti-violence-rally-niagara-falls-jaylan-mcwilson/71-08bd3080-085a-4bcd-ae98-6d26492c0d8c</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/a-family-in-niagara-falls-speaks-out-after-the-death-of-their-24-year-old-son" data-link-type="url">https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/a-family-in-niagara-falls-speaks-out-after-the-death-of-their-24-year-old-son</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/crime/grand-jury-indicts-buffalo-teen-in-slaying-of-jaylan-mcwilson/article_6e4d7461-83e4-58b2-89ee-036825c6b093.html" data-link-type="url">https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/crime/grand-jury-indicts-buffalo-teen-in-slaying-of-jaylan-mcwilson/article_6e4d7461-83e4-58b2-89ee-036825c6b093.html</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/crime/falls-police-charge-suspect-in-the-murder-of-jaylan-mcwilson/article_2362adb4-9dcc-11ed-b68a-63fc266fda44.html" data-link-type="url">https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/crime/falls-police-charge-suspect-in-the-murder-of-jaylan-mcwilson/article_2362adb4-9dcc-11ed-b68a-63fc266fda44.html</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/family-of-niagara-falls-shooting-victim-choose-life-and-not-hate-crime-shooting-say-something/71-9ed90146-13dc-4432-9847-f08d359c30e6" data-link-type="url">https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/family-of-niagara-falls-shooting-victim-choose-life-and-not-hate-crime-shooting-say-something/71-9ed90146-13dc-4432-9847-f08d359c30e6</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2023/01/23/153848/updated-niagara-falls-police-investigating-fatal-shooting" data-link-type="url">https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2023/01/23/153848/updated-niagara-falls-police-investigating-fatal-shooting</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/crime/two-young-mens-lives-have-been-destroyed/article_14140f1f-30f1-5358-9029-ca292494ba7f.html" data-link-type="url">https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/crime/two-young-mens-lives-have-been-destroyed/article_14140f1f-30f1-5358-9029-ca292494ba7f.html</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/crime/suspect-in-jaylan-mcwilson-murder-pleads-not-guilty-at-arraignment/article_df1ca266-9e9f-11ed-bc10-d7aa3a88bc83.html" data-link-type="url">https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/crime/suspect-in-jaylan-mcwilson-murder-pleads-not-guilty-at-arraignment/article_df1ca266-9e9f-11ed-bc10-d7aa3a88bc83.html</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/crime/arrest-made-niagara-falls-homicide-jaylan-mcwilson/71-934cbc91-e8c8-470a-a332-c9206652fec8" data-link-type="url">https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/crime/arrest-made-niagara-falls-homicide-jaylan-mcwilson/71-934cbc91-e8c8-470a-a332-c9206652fec8</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/amherst-man-arrested-in-connection-with-saturday-evening-murder-of-24-year-old-man" data-link-type="url">https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/amherst-man-arrested-in-connection-with-saturday-evening-murder-of-24-year-old-man</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/24-year-old-dies-after-shooting-in-niagara-falls-crime-wny/71-4e8ba668-4f9b-432e-838a-3daa8c2acdcf" data-link-type="url">https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/24-year-old-dies-after-shooting-in-niagara-falls-crime-wny/71-4e8ba668-4f9b-432e-838a-3daa8c2acdcf</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/crime/suspect-sought-in-murder-of-man-on-south-avenue-saturday-evening/article_5810dd08-9b72-11ed-893c-df4be1064673.html" data-link-type="url">https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/crime/suspect-sought-in-murder-of-man-on-south-avenue-saturday-evening/article_5810dd08-9b72-11ed-893c-df4be1064673.html</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wgrz.com/video/news/crime/man-shot-fatally-outside-family-home-in-niagara-falls/71-00ee7081-2d2a-424f-b4aa-2617393d6245" data-link-type="url">https://www.wgrz.com/video/news/crime/man-shot-fatally-outside-family-home-in-niagara-falls/71-00ee7081-2d2a-424f-b4aa-2617393d6245</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/marsha-mcwilson-thankful-for-community-support-following-sons-death/article_4c7b4476-b867-11ed-a6a8-037afc9b28e8.html" data-link-type="url">https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/marsha-mcwilson-thankful-for-community-support-following-sons-death/article_4c7b4476-b867-11ed-a6a8-037afc9b28e8.html</a></p><p> </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/71239052022-12-16T09:25:51-05:002023-04-25T21:35:47-04:00Batavia Downs: Another Successful Christmas Concert<p>Marsha McWilson's Motown Christmas concert at Batavia Downs, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, was a success. Taking place on December 15th, the concert featured Joshua Vacanti from NBC's The Voice, as well as Harper Sinclair, Cameron Connor and the New Beginning Music Ensemble led by Ella Robinson. Songs like "Silent Night," "Someday at Christmas," and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" wowed the crowd, as did Marsha's Etta James' impersonation on "Tell Mama" and "Anyway You Want It, Let It Roll." Marsha's new Christmas CD was for sale ($15) at this event, as well as new "bling" t-shirts ($25) featuring her name and face. If you would like to own the CD or a t-shirt, please use this website's contact page to inquire about getting your hands on 'em! </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/71220952022-12-13T09:27:46-05:002022-12-13T09:27:47-05:00Marsha McWilson honored in Niagara County, Dec. 6 is her day! <p>The Niagara County Legislature recognized local celebrity Marsha McWilson at a meeting in 2022. She was lauded for her “outstanding contributions to the community.” </p>
<p>Niagara County Legislator Jeffrey Elder read a proclamation declaring Dec. 6 as “Marsha McWilson Day.” </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/ddc10697db0ea79f28c6cde441bad90cc88a947d/original/marshalockport.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Pictured, from left: Elder, McWilson, Legislature Minority Leader Chris Robins, Legislator Chris Voccio and Legislator Mark Grozio. </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/71220942022-12-13T09:24:55-05:002022-12-13T09:24:55-05:00Entertaining Seniors at Christmas<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/7d83ecb13edf45d8b37979adc85dd91c624614aa/original/bromptonheightsmarsha.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha helps make the season more merry as she sings "Etta" songs at Brompton Heights senior home, Dec. '22! She got a pic with Santa and Mrs. Claus! </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/70797822022-10-12T09:53:34-04:002022-10-12T09:54:37-04:00Blues Queen of Niagara Falls/Marsha McWilson Day October 5<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/d9040e399d58cc00c23677fa0d87bef0350f5857/original/14.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />October 5, 2022 was a fantastic day for singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, community activist and the first Black woman to be inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame. </p>
<p>Marsha McWilson, the woman of many titles, received two proclamations from Mayor Robert Restaino, one declaring her BLUES QUEEN OF NIAGARA FALLS and the other designating October 5, 2022 MARSHA McWILSON DAY. </p>
<p>“I am humbled to receive this award. Never thought in a million years that I would have my own day and be named BLUES QUEEN OF NIAGARA FALLS!” McWilson added, “You can’t sing the blues unless you’ve been through something, and I’ve had my share, but God has turned them into blue skies for me.” --Reporting and Photos by Kim Webster<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/4d7c573407bae3d44a40a11149235f410c30b1c1/original/12-marsha-and-mayor.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/70285492022-08-01T18:06:04-04:002022-08-01T18:06:04-04:00Kim Webster's Marsha Concert Recap July 2022<p>The Paul Robeson Theater located at 350 Masten Ave was the perfect “intimate” venue for singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur Marsha McWilson. Her July 29, 2022, concert there was a smashing success! </p>
<p>Yao Kahlil Newkirk was MC for the “affair.”</p>
<p>“I’m so honored to sing for you this evening,” she said with a smile. The stage set resembled a classy nightclub with roundtable and side seats for VIP guests. A ceiling chandelier was accented by two candelabras on each end of the set.</p>
<p>Ms. McWilson began the evening with a variety of songs from her Gospel roots including: “Lean On <br>Me,” “Oh Happy Day,” “Mary Don’t You Weep,” “How I Got Over,” and while off stage sung <br>an a’cappella version of “Yes Jesus Loves Me” joined by her on stage son Cameron. “I taught <br>him that song when he was 7-years-old,” she proudly said.</p>
<p>Floors vibrated as the audience stomped their feet and clapped their hands reminiscent of a traveling Church Revival while Ms. McWilson sang “God Is Trying To Tell You Something.”</p>
<p>A heartfelt moment was experienced by all when she dedicated “Amazing Grace” to Brenda Cunningham <br>who recently lost her husband Melvin Cunningham. <br><br>“I am going to have a musical experience with you,” and the evening was just that as Ms. <br>McWilson reflected on her song “Balance” which she performed for Tyler Perry. He was so <br>impressed that he chose her, from among 3,000 entrants, as the winner of the 2017 Tyler Perry <br>Movie Search Challenge. He also gave her an acting role on the acclaimed “If Loving You is <br>Wrong” cable TV series. She told stories of other life changing moments then took us to the <br>“Hole in the Wall,” and gave us “Down Home Blues,” spending our “Last Two Dollars,” making <br>us “Crazy.” “Tennessee Whiskey” was artfully changed to a song about decadent desserts and <br>we danced to “Tell Mama” and “Let it Roll.” <br><br>Other artists included songwriter, producer, sound engineer Cameron Connor performing his hit <br>“Suga Kream,” gospel artist Marchon Hamilton, Carlos Morgan, and Yao Kahlil Newkirk. <br><br>Interpretive dancer Jacqui Cherry performed as Ms. McWilson sang “Summertime” off stage. <br><br>Ms. McWilson was tearfully surprised when Mayor Byron Brown declared July 29, 2022 <br>MARSHA McWILSON DAY in the city of Buffalo, NY.</p>
<p>If you were privileged to see this One Woman Show by 2020 Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame awardee Marsha McWilson you know it was truly spiritual, entertaining and packed…standing room only! </p>
<p><br>PHOTOS BY Kim Webster:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/df77cff6970c811863746325bc1fa4156602ef92/original/9-brenda-and-marsha-dedication.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Marsha McWilson with Mrs. Brenda Cunningham </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/e1fc3c81160548188243715b32bf92c5f3e013f2/original/2-mm-and-rc-2-copy.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Ron Cunningham brother of the late Melvin Cunningham who the show was dedicated to </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/5509c4f35a9b455dc34d227f3378e05ff09f543a/original/mmc-certificate.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Marsha McWilson with certificate </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/5d1f341ef6c0b5bfc5d63b01474eee079eb2c281/original/28-mm-blonde.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Marsha McWilson</p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/70272252022-07-30T12:56:18-04:002022-07-30T12:58:34-04:00Bald For Bucks?!<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FGtfEDOGJbY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/FGtfEDOGJbY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FGtfEDOGJbY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br>Marsha helped out with Bald For Bucks! </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/70272232022-07-30T12:52:53-04:002022-07-30T12:52:53-04:00Marsha McWilson Day declared in Buffalo<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/4d313da7acd3057456a2423366a8bf6d8a5f40a7/original/296792214-10221303728244558-8554077897272896190-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/69441002022-04-08T14:36:37-04:002023-12-10T13:26:43-05:00Marsha McWilson sang at The Grammys in Vegas 2022<p><strong>Marsha Marsha Marsha!</strong> Marsha McWilson ended up at The Grammys in Las Vegas 2022 to not only celebrate her birthday, but also sing not once but twice for a Grammy afterparty crowd of music industry bigwigs! She met a lot of rich and famous people, including Rihanna's dad who runs Fenty. While in Vegas, she wowed crowds with her outfits as well as her performances of "Proud Mary" and "I'd Rather Be A Blind Girl." It was a whirlwind of a trip! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/e2d1f07697635d8bea5ea42ab64fc3f50454399c/original/img-8922.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/687ece66e13f7ae3da0b6b9ad0b2e15e478d6b09/original/img-8924.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/38298cc10ccfeb17a5caf695c4caa35e8c7f0691/original/img-8928.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/970c74a846655c5158dda8708d303bcf3176e83a/original/img-8926.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/4baf625f56fa6575948c4e7fdaf7955c1f5048be/original/img-8925.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/1814ec9875a47b2356e0a687065f14199fd101f7/original/img-8927.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/f9ed1956de1029c716b823e13b7647e8ab1faa9c/original/img-8929.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/67871762021-10-26T10:44:07-04:002021-10-26T10:44:07-04:00Marsha McWilson in new "Fight For Good" documentary <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/2591e36cdfc971c31e32d772b0398e50554773d2/original/marshadoc2021.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Marsha McWilson is in a new documentary about COVID and vaccines called "Fight For Good: One Body One Soul." The documentary, screened at Niagara University, tackles the Community Health Center of Buffalo's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info, here's the link: <a contents="https://buffalodocumentaryproject.com/one-body-one-soul/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buffalodocumentaryproject.com/one-body-one-soul/" target="_blank">https://buffalodocumentaryproject.com/one-body-one-soul/</a></p>
<p> </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/67785962021-10-17T09:50:21-04:002023-12-10T13:08:31-05:00Marsha McWilson's Triumphant Batavia Downs Performance October 2021<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="SD4DorwHLkk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/SD4DorwHLkk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SD4DorwHLkk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The Coronavirus Pandemic pretty much shut down public performances for a year or so. During that time, Marsha lost several friends and family members to the virus, including her sister Vanessa, who was always so supportive of her sister's musical performances. During 2020-2021, Marsha has been seen on TV interviews and on 3 billboards in Buffalo and Niagara Falls advocating for vaccines. <br><br>Has she missed performing in front of live audiences? You bet! So she made her triumphant return to the stage on Oct. 14, 2021 at <a contents="Batavia Downs Gaming &amp; Hotel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/" target="_blank">Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel</a> in Batavia, NY, strategically halfway between Buffalo and Rochester.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/555f1bf68c04cca4b6c3bffbd433d771589c2a8f/original/img-3933.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Drawing a crowd on a Thursday night, event organizers were very happy with how everything turned out-- Marsha's fans ate at the complex's bar-restaurant before the show, were entertained for 90+ minutes with Marsha's energetic, casino-style show, then gambled on the slot machines (if they chose to), and many even stayed overnight in the adjoining hotel for a night away from "the real world." By the way, fans came from as far away as Connecticut to see Marsha perform! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/30130d306da4776f3ae3438bca1d007496a40748/original/img-3937.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><a contents="Mark Weber" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://markweber.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Mark Weber</a> emceed the show, introducing the band to start the night off-- Brandon Sherman-Josey on keys and vocals, Tone Cummings on bass, Delvin Payton on drums and vocals, and Reggie Dumas, musical director and lead guitar... with background singers Lekeisha Whitman, Love Harmony, and Kelly Dumas pictured here:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/943b5415b716095b92ae48085aacfee7bc1e94be/original/img-3955.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The three background singers took the spotlight, opening the show with a medley of Motown hits including "Heatwave," "Come See About Me," "You Keep Me Hangin' On," "Stop In The Name Of Love," and "Dancin' In The Street." Then the band played Stevie Wonder's classic, "Superstition," as Marsha made her way to the stage singing "I'll Take You There," followed by "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" and "Let's Stay Together." <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/1feb6dbc5534424773dcd75b96a62f752e514de9/original/img-4027.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha's son, Cameron, impressed the crowd with his on-point Michael Jackson-like vocals on "I'll Be There" and "I Want You Back." He joined his mom on her self-penned "<a contents="Rona Mae Blues" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2704779/rona-mae-blues">Rona Mae Blues</a>" song, an ode to all those we lost to Coronavirus (and to all those missing those we've lost). <br><br>Marsha sang her most popular original, "<a contents="Balance" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/879133/balance">Balance</a>," which really touched the hearts of many in the audience who agreed they too need a "balance" in their lives.<br><br>For "Midnight Train To Georgia," Marsha did a costume change to look like Gladys Knight, and then joked around with three Pips from the audience who did their best to keep up with her on backing vocals. The crowd enjoyed that! <br><br>While Marsha retreated backstage to change into her Aretha Franklin look, the tight band got the crowd dancing with Rick James' "Super Freak." <br><br>Marsha owned the stage as she portrayed Aretha, the Queen of Soul, singing "Freeway of Love," "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman," "Rock Steady," and, of course, "Respect."<br><br>Marsha was changing into her Etta James look backstage when Love Harmony and her fellow singers got the crowd dancing the "electric slide" with A Taste of Honey's 1970s jam, "Boogie Oogie Oogie." </p>
<p>Marsha, known for her similarity to the late-great Etta James, returned to the spotlight to sing Etta's "<a contents="I'd Rather Go Blind" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/879130/i-d-rather-go-blind-etta-james-cover">I'd Rather Go Blind</a>" and "At Last." Tons of couples danced in the aisles to the beautifully romantic rendition of "At Last," which was and is always a crowd favorite! </p>
<p>The band played Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" to allow Marsha one more transformation. For the finale, she took on the persona of the legendary Tina Turner, and together with her backing singers, they did "Proud Mary" justice. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/f139a6432df0461f55a11e0edac11611eac6fd15/original/img-4020.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/2663905884e275ea7f3ca5b7f13d03806b768416/original/img-4018.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>After the show was over, many people lingered in the venue to chat with one another as well as to meet Marsha and take pictures with her. They scooped up her latest CD, "Rona Mae Blues," for $15. <br><br>Want to stay up-to-date on Marsha McWilson? "Like" her official Facebook page, here: <br><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/thedynamicmarshamcwilson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/thedynamicmarshamcwilson" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/thedynamicmarshamcwilson</a></p>
<p> </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/64589752020-10-19T12:59:45-04:002021-08-05T14:46:21-04:00Marsha McWilson in the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/3879bca1396315f68cc942af3d34c5df6978f3ec/original/img-1620.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />2020 has been an odd year for the world, let alone entertainers who are used to getting out there among fans and singing their hearts out. Though Coronavirus has messed up so many people's event schedules, Marsha McWilson does have some good news to share...</p>
<p>October 2020 news: Western New York entertainer Marsha McWilson has been inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Additionally, she is in the new “Who’s Who In America” book and was recently honored as a prominent woman in her community at a banquet given by God’s Woman Vanessa Scott Outreach Ministries, Inc. <br><br>Nice! </p>
<p> </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/58031102019-06-25T10:01:40-04:002021-09-02T01:57:22-04:00Marsha on Netflix? Yes! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/01a71ee7f9e7464371290ff733f6774e9f35b1e8/original/marshafirstimpression.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>If you have Netflix, look up the movie "First Impression." Marsha is in it! </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/58030872019-06-25T10:00:05-04:002023-12-10T13:08:25-05:00Female Artist of the Year award<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/bc9f03504cb07c122e992d29e0ea241b8b2c653d/original/marshaaward.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha recently won "Female Artist of the Year" from Power 96.5FM and the Black Music Month Conference Awards! "This is such a blessing," she said. "I did not think I was going to win. I'm so shocked." </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/57116852019-04-08T13:23:08-04:002021-09-20T14:21:45-04:00Marsha celebrates turning 50<p>Marsha had a Cotton Club/1920s/Juke Joint birthday party in Niagara Falls to celebrate her 50th birthday and it was standing room only! There was food, song, dancin', and, of course, a good time had by all. It was also the first time Marsha did her stand-up comedy act. Here are some pics from the big party! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/be57f125996b7ef536e87b8b922449aab4adc4de/original/img-4910.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/a51430139c5036a04ca78b642dbf97f58b0039ba/original/img-4878.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/43ea556c09d01cfebdda4a52d41eeee4d7637711/original/img-4906.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/6eaf337ef7c12088159cd3a99b597400ddb2027d/original/img-4883.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/1da20a87f3326c23b8b81986a26dba89d470b7b8/original/img-4886.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/5a08820619d6fa65d7da0cfee4e79e08649befde/original/img-4926.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/3322413b69f31c8ef7748893f8a9753c24f9e373/original/img-4922.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/4b30603b3c33a8a96bccea415895191bfbd7e371/original/img-4861.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/57116842019-04-08T13:17:09-04:002022-03-22T20:06:21-04:00Seneca Niagara Casino March 2019<p>Marsha performed 3 sets at the Seneca Niagara Casino in March 2019 and the crowd went wild! It was a hit! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/44592fb125eaac1052229777ed49580b972ff859/original/img-4640.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/109d22bf55c2fc10009f2b360064935e54ce1d97/original/img-4628.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/3244c3237eba1cce4367dec27f7d064e6adf1d97/original/img-4630.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/44592fb125eaac1052229777ed49580b972ff859/original/img-4640.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/ae83e1e1bf04178ab4da344065201b6bfb779301/original/img-4654.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/52109552018-05-01T00:39:13-04:002018-05-01T08:56:12-04:00Fantastic Voyage Cruise<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/a961059fb4372ec38813d5ccb4fdb9436ac8cd83/original/marsha-on-cruise-ship.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha McWilson is currently on the Fantastic Voyage Caribbean cruise, singing Etta James songs for people on board the big boat. This cruise also features music concerts by The O'Jays, The Isley Brothers, SWV, En Vogue, and Anita Baker, among plenty others! Marsha is super excited because Jacque Reid interviewed her for the "Inside Her Story" segment on the <a contents="Tom Joyner Morning Show" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tjms.com/stream/" target="_self">Tom Joyner Morning Show</a>, airing 5/1/18 between 8am and 8:30am! </p>6:22Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/50892402018-02-20T13:02:18-05:002018-02-20T13:02:18-05:00Our Lady of Peace Lewiston<p>Marsha has been entertaining seniors at Our Lady of Peace, an assisted living facility in Lewiston, New York. Most performers sing at an audience, but Marsha finds ways to sing with her audiences. For instance, she takes the classic Gladys Knight song, "Midnight Train To Georgia" and involves the crowd. Imagine little old ladies making the moves "The Pips" would make... Marsha gets them to "toot toot" the train horn, raising their one arm in the air, as well as rolling their arms like wheels to the left and to the right, and, of course, clapping along as best they can. She even "auditions" her back-up singers, making them copy her going up and down the scale: "mi mi mi mi mi..." Now, you had to be there to fully appreciate this, but let me tell you: the seniors had a blast. They were singing along, making their dance moves, and smiling. Isn't that the point? Even the staffers and visitors were like, "Who is this Marsha McWilson? She brings the joy!" True story: one person told Marsha that her performance got a woman singing, a woman whom she has never even heard speak in years! That's the power of music, folks, especially when it's delivered by fun-loving, caring Marsha McWilson. </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/50880682018-02-19T19:21:20-05:002021-10-18T09:30:16-04:00Marsha sings for Johnny Gill; meets him and Chaka Khan<p>Well, this was unexpected! Marsha went to see Johnny Gill perform, and sure enough, she ended up singing for him! Johnny passed Marsha the microphone and was blown away by her dynamic vocals. You can see for yourself-- the picture quality isn't the best, but you get the idea.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="68nkQ5gVk3k" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/68nkQ5gVk3k/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/68nkQ5gVk3k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Marsha also got to meet Johnny Gill in person.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/51ae38a6412f659c82dfb5a035d23d629f58a955/medium/marshajohnnygill.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>She's always meeting famous singers, you know? A month before Gill, she met up with Chaka Khan! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/9cacd6f843d143fb187c2559a0fa2e4b1f8c2137/medium/marshachaka.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/48970662017-10-18T15:40:54-04:002017-10-18T15:44:19-04:00Menopause The Musical<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/d3e0ba660e140ec3a23bd9740b57f5451462feaa/original/menopause.jpg?1508355566" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Marsha loved seeing <strong>Menopause: The Musical </strong>and enjoyed hanging out with the cast! Of course she sang with 'em! If you saw "A League of Their Own," the Madonna baseball movie, you'll recognize Megan Cavanagh who played Marla Hooch in that popular film! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmmcwilson1%2Fvideos%2F10210031383242978%2F&show_text=0&width=267" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="267"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmmcwilson1%2Fvideos%2F10210036896220799%2F&show_text=0&width=267" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="267"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmmcwilson1%2Fvideos%2F10210036917261325%2F&show_text=0&width=267" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="267"></iframe></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/47631752017-06-30T18:09:24-04:002021-12-24T02:17:57-05:00Tom Joyner Cruise<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/bf48d3390cb7abf912350913a83790264301c9b8/medium/tomjoyner.jpg?1498919336" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="with Tom Joyner" /></p>
<p>Marsha is a regular on the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise each Spring. She's very social, so you can bet she met quite a few notable people you might know, like Tito Jackson, Bobby Brown and Sherri Shepherd, who called Marsha "amazingly talented!" She also enjoyed hearing concerts by artists like Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, and Mary J. Blige. Interestingly, aboard the cruise Marsha kept getting compliments on her fashion-forward outfits. Bobby Jones even mentioned her clothing choices from his stage, inviting her to sing, too! While on board the Carnival Dream cruiseliner, Marsha participated in the actors' workshop alongside Rodney Perry. She also took pics with people like radio mogul Cathy Hughes, former BET exec Stephen Hill, and fellow actors from various Tyler Perry shows.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/6ae2a4c6e604cdcaaa0ad32da1ddb57fa268650a/medium/bobbybrown.jpg?1498919386" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="with Bobby Brown" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/e938ecf5b65c02c8cbaf8938f6a5606b4e99c253/medium/sherri.jpg?1498919437" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="with Sherri Shepherd" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/76dda983744ab8ad227b02a4aa89dda26b368719/medium/bobbyjones.jpg?1498919471" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="with Bobby Jones" /></p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/46166612017-03-04T15:29:59-05:002017-03-04T15:29:59-05:002017 so farMarsha's 2017, so far, included two concerts at the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls for Valentine's Day. Perhaps the most unique thing that happened there? She got the Hard Rock Cafe employees Jody and Justin to rock out with her on stage with their smokin' cover of "Come Together" by The Beatles. If you follow <a contents="Marsha on Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/thedynamicmarshamcwilson/">Marsha on Facebook</a>, you can find that video. <br><br>Meanwhile, Marsha went to the TCT TV studios in March where she performed three songs for the TV show "Celebrate." You can see her version of Tamela Mann's "Take Me To The King" on the main page of her website. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/7262171805f5908cf33ea774b4276a84876f66fe/original/marshatct.jpg?1488657670" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/45065462016-12-11T22:20:28-05:002023-12-10T13:04:53-05:00The Vegas Style Christmas Show<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/3d942b8bdb501ad6bf1d82881d716c0511e39860/original/dec2016-1058.jpg?1481512255" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>December 10th, 2016, was a concert like no other! Marsha teamed up with Vegas entertainer Richie Derwald to put on quite the show. The day before the concert, Marsha went on AM Buffalo to tell the people of Buffalo and Niagara Falls about the show. As you can see from the photo above, it was nice weather for December in Buffalo-- no snow on the ground! <br><br>On AM Buffalo, Marsha sang "The Christmas Song" and "Tell Mama." She had the host of the show, Linda Pellegrino, dance with her on "Tell Mama," along with Mike Volpe, who helped coordinate her Christmas concert at Niagara Catholic High School. <br><br>Now if you didn't get to the show, you missed a spectacular one! Richie Derwald involves his whole family in putting on a Vegas-style musical revue. That means his wife Debbie impersonates Cher and Dolly Parton and does a medley of songs from <em>The Sound of Music</em>, aided by her two daughters. Richie, meanwhile, tackles songs from Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, and Elvis, complete with the bedazzled jumpsuit, thank you very much. His twin sons appeared with their dad-- in Elvis jumpsuits, too--eliciting lots of "awwwws" from the crowd. The little boys even sang their rendition of "This Little Light of Mine."<br><br>Besides the Derwald family, Marsha invited the vocal harmony group Steadfast, and they sang their version of "Silent Night" like the Temptations would. And, to keep it interesting, Marsha had her backing singers lead a crowd line-dance to the song "Wobble." <br><br>Then it was time for Marsha to get the crowd going with Christmas songs like "Santa Baby" and "Merry Christmas Baby." She surprised the crowd by covering Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were," which sounded brilliant-- Babs would be proud. With a couple wig and costume changes, Marsha transformed into Aretha Franklin ("Respect"), Gladys Knight ("Midnight Train to Georgia"), and Tina Turner ("Proud Mary"). She had the crowd tapping their toes, shaking their shoulders, and dancing, too. Of course, she "did Etta," complete with "At Last" to finish up the night. <br><br>When will her next big concert be? Time will tell; one thing's for sure-- if you love "oldies but goodies," get on Marsha's mailing list so you'll know when her next big show happens. Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/43798872016-09-19T15:45:30-04:002021-09-29T13:15:56-04:00Marsha McWilson sings with Claudette King<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/80129bceacbb5f1cd558784fd245f88619621b58/original/marshablues-298.jpg?1474314198" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha McWilson organized the Gospel Blues Brunch, an 8-hour extravaganza, as part of the Niagara Falls Blues Festival, held in downtown Niagara Falls, NY, on September 18, 2016. Not only did she perform several times, including rousing numbers with Claudette King, the daughter of legendary bluesman B.B. King, but she also hand-picked a dozen acts to come to the stage and perform for the capacity crowd. <br><br>The Gospel Blues Brunch started off at Noon with music from Richie Derwald, dressed in his Elvis jumpsuit. He sang classic songs like "Oh Happy Day" and "How Great Thou Art" in the style of Elvis Presley. Marsha followed with several songs including a cover of Tamela Mann's "Take Me To The King." The band Jesus Centered Music, as well as the Caribbean sounds of Oral Roberts, delighted those in attendance. The female harmony group Favva and the male harmony group Steadfast provided heavenly vocals, while Ezra Scott and his band brought some muscular funk to the proceedings. To keep things interesting, liturgical dancers from The Potter's House danced for the crowd and Cathy Townsend, from Chicago, sang "What A Difference A Day Makes" in a smooth, jazzy style. Gospel singing pioneer Jimmy Smith, Angel Vox (a sibling group from Uganda by way of The Congo), Ella Robinson and the New Beginnings Choral Ensemble, Men in White, Uncle Willie, The Beautiful Music Band, and even Marsha's son, Cameron, all performed at this day-long event. Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/42218492016-06-09T15:15:06-04:002017-01-14T11:07:05-05:00Festival at the Falls June 17th, 2016Marsha sings at the Festival at the Falls outside of the Seneca Niagara Casino on Friday, June 17th, at 5:30pm. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/bf48a83ed212a73fdcd149157eb9c3a23aa4a01d/original/fullsizerender-13.jpg?1465499550" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/da546080bccfe4adcd6f02850f217f14b9600f87/original/fullsizerender-14.jpg?1465499551" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/41778232016-05-12T12:50:26-04:002021-07-08T07:29:29-04:00Marsha McWilson and Shirley Caesar<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/73b5a4dfe5079b69a9334f9336f0a94d49f62800/original/marshashirley.jpg?1463071624" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Marsha always seems to meet famous people wherever she goes. Here she is with the legendary Gospel singer Shirley Caesar. They spent time together aboard the Tom Joyner Celebrity Cruise in the Caribbean. <br><br>Can you believe Shirley is 77-years-old? She looks great! The eleven time Grammy Award winner is known as "The First Lady of Gospel Music," and she has been recording songs since 1951!Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/41778222016-05-12T12:47:34-04:002017-01-14T11:07:05-05:00Tom Joyner Celebrity CruiseMarsha just got back from the Tom Joyner Celebrity Cruise where she was a featured performer! Read about it <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/night_and_day/marsha-mcwilson-keeps-momentum-going-after-successful-cruise-performance/article_97a13d38-1847-11e6-9c84-2fa487da6acb.html">here</a>.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/7e81cdf8ec88688c1247be9f9a5a49c717a53683/original/marshacruise.jpg?1463071615" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/41759392016-05-11T16:27:04-04:002016-05-11T16:27:04-04:00Upcoming Concerts<p>Calvary CME Church Women's Missionary Society and Buffalo Charmettes present Marsha McWilson in concert, with a reception, on Friday, May 27, at the Buffalo Convention Center. Time? 7pm. Donation? $30. Tickets? Call 716-832-7542.<br><br>Marsha will sing on stage at the Glen Park Art Festival on Sunday, July 31st, at 4pm...the fest is on Glen Avenue between Mill and Rock Streets in walkable Williamsville NY...</p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/40462642016-02-17T14:00:11-05:002017-01-14T11:07:05-05:00Awards Dinner Honoree<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/6b080269cf230765153b84dca78853e07ef3d150/original/marshainbox.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/40363632016-02-11T12:41:44-05:002017-01-14T11:07:05-05:00Reviving Etta James<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/a6805ff937a69a779a62bab1c33bfe825998bfd8/original/marshacover1.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/8411e292ad8c14477e0a501b3a22d3a3d3cd72f4/original/marshacover2.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/40363612016-02-11T12:35:44-05:002021-12-23T06:25:44-05:00Balance and Nik Wallenda<span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/6ad9c00f848b74a0ae9b14387e6ca92453efa538/small/balance.jpg?0" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></span>Marsha was shopping today when she came upon tightrope walker Nik Wallenda's book, "Balance." As many of you know, Marsha wrote a song called "Balance." Did you know that the Mayor of Niagara Falls gave a copy of the song to Nik Wallenda? Marsha talked with Nik about her song, and he appreciated it. Now there's his book named... "Balance." Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/40363242016-02-11T12:12:37-05:002022-05-21T13:11:28-04:00The Cover of The Niagara Gazette<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/7e28d7ee49aa0e9f8a5f148017e2692a9c7efeab/original/marshatotes.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Marsha made the cover of The Niagara Gazette newspaper! She is helping to promote recycling in Niagara Falls, along with the "Totes McGoats" character that has become a worldwide viral sensation. Marsha and her husband Howard are in the video to help promote recycling efforts in Niagara Falls; go to the 10 minute 56 second mark of this video to see them:<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8oKc4kfoCjA" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/8oKc4kfoCjA/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8oKc4kfoCjA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/40179032016-01-31T22:56:29-05:002022-05-22T13:20:57-04:00Valentines Day 2016<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/ffb2d0db1437c5360363728cc6bcde935744e348/original/marshavalentines.png?1454298734" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Singer Marsha McWilson will perform her tribute to Etta James this Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, at the Hard Rock Cafe, 333 Prospect St., in Niagara Falls, New York. The event starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. There’s no cover charge and all ages are welcome. Call ahead (716-282-0007) to reserve a table. </p>Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/39038512015-10-22T08:04:51-04:002017-01-14T11:07:04-05:00Breast Cancer Awareness Event<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/fda1274368189df083865cf4a6e5408dd40f5cc8/small/marshapink.jpg?1445515248" class="size_s justify_center border_" />Marsha encourages ladies to take their health seriously. She sings at the Breast Cancer Awareness Event in Niagara Falls each October. In 2015, it's Oct. 23rd, and held at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 9th St., in Niagara Falls, NY. The event is free and open to the public, starting at 5pm with a reception, followed by Marsha and other singers at 6pm. People are encouraged to wear pink.Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/38888092015-10-08T14:20:24-04:002015-10-08T14:20:24-04:00From Gospel to BluesMarsha got her start singing Gospel music at the young age of 6. Ever since then she has sung for church folks at services, weddings, anniversaries, convocations, and even funerals. Interestingly, though, the Gospel music world essentially does not support her. Even after recording her song "Balance" and selling tens of thousands of copies of it, she'd approach churches and ask if she could be part of their programs only to be turned away. This got very discouraging. She thought, "I've done what the church wanted me to do: I stayed in school, got married, had kids, didn't do drugs, didn't mess around with anyone else's husband...and yet the church would rather embrace someone out of jail or with 15 kids."<br><br>One day about four years ago, Marsha went to the Niagara Falls Blues Festival. She heard a man singing "Don't Let The Devil Ride." Marsha found the concert promoter, Toby, and told him she could sing that song well. He gave her the opportunity to host a "Gospel brunch" at the festival. At that first one, she sang "At Last," the Etta James' classic, and that's what sealed the deal for her foray into singing Blues. Toby and his wife danced to that song, and from then on, Marsha was given time on the big stage, where the audience instantly loved her.<br><br>Marsha found that the Blues audience welcomed her with open arms, as opposed to the Gospel audience which did not. Marsha will tell you that she has lived the life of a Blues singer, anyway, as she has had to endure the loss of so many loved ones, including her parents and siblings. Ever the fighter, Marsha takes Blues music and sings it with all her gusto, and audiences respond accordingly. They see and feel her pain, but they also notice that she's not stuck in sadness or bitterness. Indeed, Marsha uses Blues music to ultimately take her audience to church, albeit one that's not stuck in the backbiting Gospel world. Marsha's able to sing songs like "Amazing Grace" after singing Etta James songs because the Blues audience is fine with that; in fact, they ask her to do inspirational songs.<br><br>Marsha is a church girl who has been somewhat rejected by the church and the Gospel music world. Rather than trying to win their approval, she has taken her talent to another audience, all the while bringing a little bit of church to them. In the end, Marsha can sing Gospel, jazz, Blues, or whatever. One thing's for sure: she will deliver a powerful performance you won't soon forget.<br><br> Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/38552642015-09-15T00:28:18-04:002022-01-07T00:15:28-05:00Niagara Falls Blues Fest<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/2eacdd3c180d4f26560b9a57570949483cfb8142/original/nfallsblues-205.jpg?1442291218" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Niagara Falls Blues Festival 2015...Marsha sang for the Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning, getting the crowd involved with songs like "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, As I Lay My Burdens Down" and "Amazing Grace." Even Niagara Falls' Mayor Paul Dyster sang along!<br><br>Later on in the afternoon, Marsha and her band and back-up singers performed songs like "I'd Rather Go Blind," "At Last," and "I'm All The Way Over." The weather was rough-- rainy, cold, and wet. Despite the weather, people did show up, dance in the rain, and enjoy themselves. Marsha McWilsontag:marshamcwilson.com,2005:Post/38395892015-09-02T13:08:43-04:002017-01-14T11:07:04-05:00Lewiston NY<span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/176838/e22e5c9e3e3566a3cab4706d501ecadb3a2df2bc/original/marshalewiston-054.jpg?1442291588" class="size_l justify_center border_" />If you didn't catch Marsha at her Lewiston show recently, you missed a standing-room-only crowd that got up and danced! It was quite the party, featuring Etta James' songs, B.B. King songs, "The Wobble" dance, "The Electric Slide" dance, a 50-person Gospel choir, several costume changes, five background singers, two bands-- when Marsha puts on a show she puts on a show! One person commented "We lost Lance Diamond but we found Marsha McWilson." Yep.</span>Marsha McWilson