Mon, 21 May 2012 12:38:14 -0800WeeblySun, 20 May 2012 09:39:11 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/05/start-on-the-street.htmlGreeting to you out there on The Internet!

Big news to report, I will be making my first appearance at this years Start On The Street June 3, 2012 in Worcester, MA! This year's Spring/Summer edition is moving location to Green Street. Check out Worcester's Start on the Street event for more information by following the link. For details on when I'll be performing hear over to the 'SHOWS' section of the page.

Hope to see you there!

-Justin
]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 08:39:06 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/05/back-from-the-canyon.htmlOn April 18, 2012 I flew to Pheonix Arizona and then drove the 200 plus miles to The Grand Canyon, and spent four days hiking and experiencing Canyon life.

There is no describing swimming in the Colorado River, climbing through a waterfall, or the feeling of accomplishment successfully hiking out. You also cannot go through an experience such as this and remain unchanged. It has a way of putting your life in perspective.

Work continues on Lost In Petrichor with a new vision and direction.

- Best Regards,
Justin ]]>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:34:21 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/03/so-i-decided-to-become-a-luthier.htmlSome of you out there may remember my black acoustic 12-string [it's been a while since I've used it live so maybe not], but you can hear it all over the place on Muse. About a year ago the top split and the bridge came flying off. After spending some time on the internet, and consulting a local luthier, I've decided to fix the axe myself. Two hours of heavy sanding, and a few mishaps with the finish later I am happy to report that the bridge is back on, and setting up. I'll update in a few weeks as to the condition after the wood glue has taken. 

-Justin  ]]>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 04:56:53 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/03/where-in-the-world-is-justin-marra.htmlFebruary was a inactive month. I took some time to work on some writing, travel, visit some ghost towns such as Centrailia PA, national parks like Gettysburg, and spend some time with family, and friends. Work continues on Lost In Petrichor and I'm heading back to 'The Old Mill House Studio' to lay down some new tracks in the near future.

Check back relatively soon as I've almost finished mixing the audio from the last AS220 show. When finished it will appear on the MP3s page.

-Justin
]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:05:58 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/01/thanks-to-those-who-came-out-to-the-show.htmlWhat a fantastic show it was last night at AS220! A sincere thank you to all those who came out last night to support the show. The set was comprised of new, old, and reworked originals from over the last ten years. It seems strange to think that it was ten years ago that I started writing songs for what would eventually become Raised By Hippies. Over the years many of them have grown up. Last night I played some new arrangements of Shadow of the Royal, and Diogenes. Look for a live recording of the show to make it's way to the net over on the MP3s page soon.

BTW I heard a great young performer [Irvin DelaRosa] last night who had such a genuine presence about him I couldn't help but stay and listen to his set. Check him out on his sound cloud page Irvin DelaRosa. If his first solo performance was any indication of his talent he's got some serious songwriting chops.

Best Regards,
Justin


]]>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:29:29 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/01/showtime.htmlToday is the day, rehearsals are going splendidly well! It's been an interesting playing through my songs for this show as many of them have grown up and taken on a life of their own. Some are going off to college, one crashed the car..."Shadow!"  Tonight's show will be recorded as per usual and eventually make its way to the MP3s section of the site.  Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces tonight.

Best Regards,

Justin
]]>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:41:05 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/01/one-week-out.htmlWe're one week away from the AS220 show. I'll be debuting the finished polished versions of Just A Little Bit Out of Place and Still Searchin' for the first time. I'm really feeling good about Thursday night. I hope to see many of you there.

If you'd like to help the cause print a copy of this poster to the right and post it in a visible place, you have my thanks! A larger printer friendly version can be found on the 'shows' page along with more information about the show.

Best Regards,
Justin
]]>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:54:55 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/01/first-show-of-2012.htmlCheck out the advert to the right, want to help the cause but you don't know how? Click on the advert, print it out, and post it in your favorite comic shop, coffee hang out, cafe, music store, college activity board, etc. You have my sincere thanks! I'll be returning home to AS220 on Thursday January 26,2012. Head over to the 'shows' page for the particulars. I hope to see many of you there!



-Justin
]]>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:10:00 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2012/01/happy-new-year-and-new-shows.htmlHappy New Year! 2012 is only four days old and things are moving right along. Lost In Petrichor is progressing nicely, the writing process has been tedious, but after years in the making the music is falling into place.

I'm finalizing a few shows with some local venues now. When I have confirmation I'll add them to the 'Shows' page, so check back soon!

To those that continue to support the cause I sincerely thank you.

-Justin
]]>Sun, 25 Dec 2011 09:09:57 -0800http://www.shadesjm.com/1/post/2011/12/happy-christmas-everyone.htmlYes, happy Christmas, merry just sounds silly...It's that time of year again. I'm here hunkered down with 'It's A Wonderful Life', a cup of hot chocolate, and getting ready for a Christmas Day dinner with the family. I hope everyone (honoring whichever event you celebrate) is warm, safe, and with those that are most important to them at this time of year.

-Justin
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