I’m a music lover, like all of you reading this. From the beats and rhythms that move me, to the chords, notes and sounds, which combine so beautifully, to draw me in and affect me. And especially the lyrics, which speak to me, inspire me and inhabit my very core. Music is my lifeblood.

Short of playing or creating music itself, I simply could not exist in this world anymore, without putting my personal stamp on this passionate and all encompassing art form, one that infects us so wonderfully and touches all of our lives uniquely.

I have been blessed to exist in this great city of New York, NY, at a vibrant time musically, filled with warm, open musicians, and much blossoming talent, yet to be and already discovered. It is my distinct pleasure to share with you some of their stories, about both the art and the artists, the inspiration behind the music, and the desires and hopes of the musicians themselves. From interviews and articles, to live performances on video, (not as good as being there, but the next best thing,) I hope to bring to you, my fellow music lovers, the joy, passion, talent and beauty of this world I get to inhabit daily.

Please, please, share with me what you like, and what you don’t; what you crave more of; what draws you in – tell me how to better share with you…

And most importantly – go out and find new music yourself. Stuff by people you know or have heard of; try some by people you know nothing about. Buy it, listen to it, discuss it, and let it reach you. Go to a local club or dive, and hear someone random. Go to your favorite concert hall and see your favorite performer. Either way, embrace the spirit, and the warmth, and the vibe; experience live music, and support those who make it.

Because it’s for us they play….

The Marquee (About the site name)

The title of this website is homage to a lyric from Jackson Browne. In his epic song “The Load Out” about a musician’s life on the road, he offers this lyric: ” … till those lights come up, and we hear that crowd, and we remember why we came.”

I want to know why and how musicians create what they do. What inspired them to start, how the lyrics are conceived and crafted, the way in which the music comes alive, what they draw from creatively, and especially where they hope the music ends up, in our lives and our souls. “Before the lights come up” is as much about the process as the result. Come enjoy that story with me…