The 40th anniversary Port Fairy Folk Festival, Maton Artist of the Year, Marcia Howard.

“I had the pleasure of performing live with my good friend Marcia Howard on many occasions both in Australia and Ireland. We also recorded her beautiful song Poison Tree together. This song was featured on the hugely successful album 'A Woman’s Heart - a decade on’ to much acclaim. Marcia has a unique voice that’s unmistakably her own and her passion for life and love shines through beautifully in her songwriting. A strong woman of heart and mind - I’m proud to know her”.
Mary Black.
Singer/Song writer/Musician/Ireland.

"The word mastery comes to mind when listening to Marcia perform. Her songs are whole and beautifully crafted. She touches the essence of what it is to be open. She can soothe a troubled soul and remind the listener that no one is alone with their feelings. I know too that she stands as a woman of her ancestral country and a custodian of the culture and wisdom of the land of her birth. Words are not enough to describe this soul... I love listening to Marcia sing. Listen and be carried”.
Liam O’Maonlai, Hot House Flowers, Ireland. ​
"In my 5 years as Casting & Music Producer on The Voice Australia, I've come across thousands of Australian singers, and Marcia Howard is among the finest of them all. Her musicality, connection and depth of experience are beyond comparison. It was an absolute pleasure and delight to be able to meet, work with and learn from Marcia during her time on The Voice Season 5."  
  ​R A C H A E L   R I G G  |  M U S I C  P R O D U C E R, The Voice Season 5

MARCIA HOWARD, Singing 'Wicked Game', in the Battle, for the top 8 for Team Delta, June 6th, 2016.

“Marcia Howard's performance at our event was mesmorising  She is a beautiful musician, with lyrics and stories that match. Marcia was very easy to work with, engaging with the audience and I would have no hesitation in recommending her”.
PAULA LEISHMAN
Managing Director | PCOA CEM & CEC leishman-associates.com.au
CONFERENCE | EVENT | ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT 

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​Photo: Melissa Smith

​PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The Maton Artist of The Year 2016.
MARCIA HOWARD.
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http://www.standard.net.au/story/3789508/folkie-40-serves-up-a-feast/
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http://www.portfairyfolkfestival.com/program/artist-of-the-year-2012/

http://www.standard.net.au/story/3786633/everythings-coming-up-marcia/​

"In 1980, I was worried when Goanna’s manager, Ian Lovell, wanted to bring my sister, Marcia, into the band. It wasn’t because of ability; she had loads of it since childhood. Marce had a honey voice of exceptional quality. I was worried about bringing my little sister into that very male dominated world of band touring. I needn’t have worried. She and Rose Bygrave were strong women and well able to handle themselves in that world and brought a feminine dimension to the band and a harsh Australian music industry.Throughout our childhood, we sang with brothers and sisters at home and in public, surrounded by the music our mother sang and played. Mum was a Port Fairy girl. Dad had a few songs under his hat too. So many musicians came and went from our family home by the Merri River, in Dennington.
I’m so glad we shared those amazing Goanna experiences together and many more since, from Indigenous Australia through to our ancestral Ireland. Marce is musically and personally brave. She has a great musical gift and an energy and exuberance to match, be it in her writing, singing or playing.She carries with her an old family tradition of music, passed down to us by our mother and many more mothers and fathers before her".
Shane Howard.
Singer/Songwriter/ Musician. Founder of Goanna Band, Australia.
It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge Marcia as this year’s Artist of the Year. This award is recognition of her generous contribution and support to many independent, local musicians and artists; her songwriting, musicianship and stagecraft; her ongoing quest to sing out for justice; her persistence and strength as a role model for all female musicians in this country; and, her beautiful, generous and giving spirit to audiences around the world.
I congratulate Marcia mindful of our deceased parents, Leo and Teresa Howard, who would be delighted that she has received this award. Over this weekend, they will be watching on with pride and clapping loudly from the great audience above. From all of her siblings – we are proud of our beautiful sister.
The Irish poet, John O’Donohue, once wrote ‘one of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.’ Throughout her musical career, there are many musicians and audiences that Marcia has helped cross over the threshold. We thank her for this gift. Long may it continue and let the music play on!
Damian Howard.
Singer Songwriter/ Musician founder of The Ploughboys, Australia.
              "One of the most charismatic, gentle, spiritual musicians Australia has ever produced". – Cliff Ellery.