In the mid 90's, based in the Boulder area, Maggie toured and recorded several CDs as part of the duo Chris and Maggie. As one of the original "Women From Mars", Maggie played some excellent WFM shows with other area favourites, including Beth Quist and Wendy Woo; Maggie's contribution to the 1999 WFM CD is "Amazing". Her solo release, "OK Cafe", highlights Maggie's dynamic guitar playing, powerful voice, and inspiring songs. If you listen to Stewart Lewis, you might have noticed Maggie's background vocals on the "Flip Side" CD.
Over the years, Maggie's performed many wonderful shows at various Boulder area venues: East End Cafe/Cafe Luna, Fox Theatre, Acoustic Coffeehouse, and, of course, the venerable Penny Lane. Now a resident of Wyoming, Maggie returns to teach at the annual Song School in Lyons. An obligatory quote from a famous person - David Wilcox: "Maggie walked me through a song I thought I knew. Now the song has so much more room in it; room for wonder and sun to come through".
At the last Windsong house concert, performer Benjy Wertheimer, who played with Maggie at one of her west coast shows, offered glowing, enthusiastic praise for Maggie's performance and musicianship. "Maggie rocks", he concluded. Indeed, Maggie enjoys the appreciation and respect of her peers.
As written on one of her posters, Maggie Simpson "creates a world of musical magic - transcending the ordinary, carrying her listeners to wondrous places in their own souls". From soft, flowing ballads ("So Alive", "Weep", the deep and haunting "Lonely Watch") to uptempo pieces ("Inside Out"), Maggie writes and passionately performs her delightful songs in her wonderful, unique style - indeed, an acoustic carnival. Come and be part of the carnival!
About the musicians:
Michael Mandrell is a virtuoso guitarist from Taos, New Mexico. Recently featured on NPR's "Echoes," Michael's blend of Celtic, jazz and New Age music demonstrates just what a six and twelve string guitar can do in the hands of a real master. Michael has shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith, Kate Wolf, Spyro Gyra, William Ackerman, Shadowfax, and Townes Van Zandt.
Benjy Wertheimer (tabla, djembe, esraj, guitar, keyboards, and vocals) is a founding member of Ancient Future (the award-winning World Fusion Music ensemble) and was a contributing composer/member of the Zakir Hussain Rhythm Experience (along with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead). He has opened for such artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter, and Narada Michael Walden. Following the release of his CDs "Soul of the Esraj" and "Circle of Fire", Benjy has recently been recording and touring with Krishna Das.
Heather Wertheimer (guitar, vocals) has performed around the Pacific Northwest with Benjy Wertheimer and the groups Lonesome Taxi and HeartStrings. This is her first Colorado appearance. She was a featured vocalist in the musical "Return to Avalon", and is currently recording her debut CD, "Church of Sky" (slated for release later this fall). Her work as a therapist and yoga teacher adds a special depth to her songs.