Marblehead, Massachusetts, is set to welcome back one of its own, Amanda Maffei, a talented musician who will grace the stage at the renowned me&thee coffeehouse on Friday, April 4th. This performance is particularly significant as Amanda brings with her a powerful song, “Run Boston Strong,” a poignant tribute in the lead-up to the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon tragedy. Amanda’s request to share this song is a heartfelt gesture to remember those lost and to offer solace to everyone affected by the devastating events of that day.
To delve deeper into Amanda’s musical journey and artistry, her website offers a rich resource. Furthermore, a captivating video captures Amanda and her fellow musicians performing “Run Boston Strong,” providing a glimpse into the emotional depth of her music.
Amanda Maffei performing at me&thee
A Lifelong Love Affair with Music
Amanda’s connection with music is deeply rooted, beginning in her early childhood. She fondly recalls her first original composition, an instrumental piece titled “The Elephant and the Ant.” This playful tune showcased her early creativity, with the elephant’s heavy steps represented by the piano’s lower keys and the ant’s scurrying movements by the higher notes.
As a teenager, Amanda found music to be a powerful outlet for her emotions and reflections. This period of introspection fueled her songwriting, and some of these early creations have been refined and now feature in her contemporary performances.
Her musical landscape is rich and diverse, drawing inspiration from a wide array of artists. Influences range from the storytelling of James Taylor and Carole King to the poetic artistry of Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading. She also cites the soulful sounds of Bonnie Raitt and Anita Baker, the innovative arrangements of Quincy Jones, the harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel, and the dynamic vocal performances of a young Michael Jackson as formative influences. Amanda specifically credits learning phrasing techniques by repeatedly listening and singing along to Michael Jackson’s records.
Defining Amanda’s Musical Style
While Amanda describes her musical style as primarily folk/pop, she embraces the challenge of exploring diverse musical genres in her compositions. This versatility is evident in her collaborations, including a jazz-infused piece that, according to a respected Boston-based jazz saxophonist, bore a resemblance to the work of jazz legend Thelonius Monk. This comment highlights Amanda’s ability to blend genres and push creative boundaries, making her music uniquely engaging.
The Heartfelt Story Behind “Run Boston Strong”
“Run Boston Strong,” Amanda’s moving tribute song, emerged from a place of deep empathy and reflection following the Boston Marathon bombing. She explains that the song essentially “wrote itself,” with the melody and lyrics taking shape organically. Inspired by a local Hopkinton minister’s prayer service held shortly after the tragedy, Amanda was particularly moved by the accounts of the events at the marathon finish line. She contemplated how she herself would have reacted in such a situation, leading to a profound sense of solidarity and understanding for all those affected.
Amanda felt a strong connection to Martin Richard, the youngest victim, and his family, especially his mother. Having been a marathon qualifier herself in 2013 (though she didn’t register due to injury) and having experienced the exhilaration of crossing the finish line on Boylston Street with her family in previous years, the events resonated deeply. She vividly recalled standing near the targeted shops with her stepchildren as their father completed a marathon.
The attack shattered the celebratory atmosphere of Boylston Street, a place usually filled with encouragement and the culmination of immense personal effort. “Run Boston Strong” became Amanda’s way of processing these emotions and offering comfort.
Reflecting on the journey of sharing “Run Boston Strong,” Amanda has gained significant insights into the power of music as a service to others. She values the collaborative spirit it has fostered, the joy of performing for audiences, and the process of allowing others to contribute their own interpretations to her work. This experience has deepened her appreciation for the collaborative nature of music and the inspiring force of the creative muse.
Looking Ahead: Music and Connection
Amanda expresses heartfelt anticipation for her performance at me&thee. This venue holds a special significance for her, representing a touchstone from her teenage years. She looks forward to sharing her music with friends from her past and alongside esteemed musicians Sally Rogers and Bill Staines, creating a memorable and meaningful evening of music and connection.
