Celebrating mothers in song

“She’s Speaking,” a new YouTube channel for women songwriters, is hosting “In Celebration of All Mothers,” a live online tribute to mothers and grandmothers on Facebook Live, Thursday, May 6, at 7 p.m.

“Moms make the world go around; they deserve to be celebrated more than just one day a year,” said Sisters poet and songwriter Beth Wood, co-founder and host of She’s Speaking. “So, this is an invitation to all mothers and grandmothers — and anyone who’s ever had one — to join us on the Thursday before Mother’s Day for a special heartwarming concert especially for you.”

This free Facebook Live event is open to the public and features live performances by nine singer-songwriters from all over the USA, including: Bre Gregg of Red Bird Soul; Kristen Grainger of Kristen Grainger & True North; Beth Wood, Susan Gibson, Mai Bloomfield, Emily Aldridge of Tall Dark Whimsy, Natalie Jean, Karyn Ann, and Naomi Laviolette.

These nine artists will perform original songs inspired by mothers and grandmothers. As examples, multi-faceted Maryland singer-songwriter Natalie Jean, who is fluent in several languages, will sing in Haitian Creole.

“It is a song that I wrote about my own mother that talks about the beauty of the ‘Marabou’ woman (chocolate skinned),” Natalie said.

Susan Gibson of Texas will share her touching tribute to single mothers, “Me and My Miracle,” and Kristen Grainger, Oregon, will perform a new song, “Stop Me If I Told You This Before,” about her mother coping with months of isolation during the pandemic.

The event is free (donations for performers gratefully accepted) on Facebook, @shesspeakingsongs. No tickets or registration required. Donors who give $20 or more at the event are automatically entered in a drawing for a gift card for an Andante Vineyards’ tasting experience for four adults, valued at $150.