Cris Williamson at the me and thee on Friday March 13

On Friday, March 13th, Me & Thee Coffeehouse presents one of the best-selling independent musicians of all time, Cris Wiliamson. Decades before indie labels were the norm and years before women had any real access to the industry, Cris Wiliamson was busy changing the face of popular music. Her stellar vocals and compelling persona are regarded legendary for good reason. Birdsong at Morning opens the show. Doors open at 7:30 PM for this 8:00 PM show at the me&thee coffeehouse which is located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford Street.

In 1975, the twenty-something former schoolteacher, Cris Williamson, recorded The Changer And The Changed, for her brainchild, Olivia Records. The first woman-owned woman-focused record company. Her music and voice quickly became the soundtrack of a movement, and was the cornerstone of what would become known as “women’s music,” music created, performed, and marketed specifically to women. Today, that recording, The Changer and the Changed, remains one of the best-selling independent releases of all time and Cris is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

For Cris, the music became the vehicle for something larger. Her lyrics appear on a regular basis in books and thesis papers. Her albums are part of the curriculum for women’s studies courses, and thousands of people who may not even know her name join their voices in “Song of the Soul” around campfires and places of worship. She is embraced by women. She is sampled in hip-ho. Her music is used by midwives welcoming life into the world, while hospice choirs sing her songs in tender sacred escort. Today, with 30+ full albums to her credit, Cris continues to tour the acoustic circuit adding new material at each juncture. Her performance career includes three sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and the headlining of many of the great folk festivals, including Newport, Kerrville, Moab and Vancouver.

“Most lives have many chapters, some more than others. The members of Birdsong at Morning fall into the latter group, with long histories in the music business countered by extensive experience in business, media, and academia. A series of afternoon get-togethers comprised of semi-retired musicians coalesced into the ensemble now known as Birdsong at Morning. The leader of the group, Alan Williams, often performs solo these days. His powerful songwriting, compelling voice, and masterful arrangements make for an amazing listening experience.

Tickets for the performance by Cris Williamson with Birdsong at Morning opening are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets are available online at www.meandthee.org and can be purchased in person at the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore or the Arnold Gallery in Marblehead. The Landing Restaurant at 81 Front Street, Marblehead offers a 10% discount on dinner if you show your ticket or receipt. Enjoy a meal before the show! As at all me & thee coffeehouse events, refreshments are available, including homemade pastries, coffee, and teas. The me & thee has a handicapped-accessible entrance and an accessible bathroom, is a smoke-free environment, and is easily reached by MBTA bus. The me & thee is one of the oldest continually running acoustic coffeehouses in New England, and probably the country. It has been and will always be a volunteer, non-profit organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead. For information and directions, call 781-631-8987 or check the website at www.meandthee.org.