Two time Grammy Award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are an American folk music duo who have been performing together for over forty years. Their newly released film All Wigged Out brings lightness, comedy, and hope, while also being honest about the challenges of living with cancer. You may not find cancer funny, but some of the eye-opening day to day rituals patients push through may have you in stitches. Add to that the sometimes odd, and sometimes silly reactions from friends and family and you get a great show.
They also discuss with Brad their careers, the art of storytelling, and their creative style to bringing their unique blend of folk, bluegrass, and roots music to audiences around the world.
More about their film All Wigged Out
Cathy and Marcy’s Website
Follow them on Facebook
Here’s their YouTube channel
More About Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer
“Spellbinding acoustic musicians, with a rare master of American roots styles.”
–Boston Globe
“As close to flawless folk/bluegrass as it gets.”
– Billboard Magazine
TWO-TIME GRAMMY® Award Winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are an eclectic folk festival on their
own terms. They have entertained the Queen of Thailand, been keynote singers for the AFL-CIO,
performed at hundreds of folk festivals, appeared on the “Today Show” and on National Public Radio.
Their superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele,
mandolin, cello-banjo, and many other instruments. Their eclectic repertoire includes classic country to
western swing, Django style jazz to old-time stringband and bluegrass, contemporary folk and original
gems. While their versatility defies a brief description, perhaps “well rounded Americana” does it best.
The duo has released 52 recordings, including “GET UP AND DO RIGHT”, which features duets of songs
by other writers such as Alice Gerrard, Tom Paxton, Ola Belle Reed and David Francey, along with a few
originals. Other recent recordings include the uke-centric collection, “WAHOO!” and “SHOUT AND
SHINE” with Appalachian tradition bearer and songwriter, Sam Gleaves. The latest, “ALL NEW” is a
double CD collaboration with friend, Tom Paxton, of 28 original songs written by Cathy & Tom,
performed live in studio.
Cathy & Marcy have achieved the status of master musicians, but are also happily known as “social
music conductors”, ready to start a jam session, mentor an up and coming artist or create an entire
music camp to help others learn to play and sing. At past music camps they have taught Kaki King and
Rhiannon Giddens banjo and through their long relationship with the Music Center at Strathmore’s Artist
in Residence program they have collaborated with and helped the next generation navigate the
professional music world.
Using Humor to Get Through a Serious Illness
When we’re faced with a serious illness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and hopeless. It can be challenging to find the light at the end of the tunnel or to see past the pain and uncertainty. However, sometimes finding a way to laugh can be the key to finding a glimmer of hope and feeling a little bit better.
Using humor to help cope with illness may not work for everyone, but for many people, it can be a powerful tool. Humor can help reduce stress, boost immunity, and promote physical and emotional healing. Here are some tips on how to use humor to help when ill:
1. Watch funny movies or TV shows: There’s nothing like a good laugh to lift your spirits. Spend some time watching your favorite comedies or find new ones that make you chuckle. Laughter releases endorphins that can promote feelings of well-being and can help you feel more relaxed.
2. Read funny books or articles: Similarly, reading humorous books or articles can also give you a good laugh and distract you from your illness. Whether it’s a light-hearted memoir, a satirical article, or a funny novel, find something that brings a smile to your face and helps you forget your worries for a while.
3. Look for humor in everyday life: Sometimes, the best humor is the kind that’s right in front of us. Look for the funny moments in your day-to-day life, whether it’s a silly joke from a friend or a comical mishap that happens in your home.
4. Share a laugh with friends or family: Spending time with loved ones who make you laugh can be a great way to take your mind off of your illness. Even if you can’t be with them in person, try catching up over the phone or video call and share a few laughs.
5. Create your own humor: Finally, don’t be afraid to create your own humor. Write silly jokes, draw funny pictures, or make up your own comedy skits. Laughter can be a powerful form of self-expression and can help you feel more in control of your illness.
