Revelry and the Healing Power of Music with Marilyn Walker

In the magical realm of children's music, singer-songwriter Marilyn Walker is embarking on a delightful, yet profoundly meaningful, journey for children of all ages. So, take your inner 8- year-old by the hand and join the fun October 22, 2023, at eTown Hall in Boulder, Colorado, as Marilyn releases her first album, "At the Jamboree." The event promises to be a joyous, spirited celebration—a true jamboree that captures the essence of a gathering filled with revelry and the healing power of music. 

“Music is this amazing thing that binds us and helps us find health and togetherness,” Marilyn says as she prepares for the show. “I do what I can do every day to have the most fun and make it the most effective show for everyone.” 

An internationally known scientist for most of her adult life, Marilyn’s background is as rich and diverse as the themes on the album. “I’ve done work in renewable energy. Work in ecology. I’ve had a toy store and a children’s bookstore.” And, when her destiny called, she answered with a twelve-song creative journey that she co-wrote with her inner 8-year-old and a non-profit project with a mission to use music as a conduit for change. 

The album is more than an album and the release party is more than a concert; it's a testament to the power of music to bring people together, to inspire change, and to touch hearts. Marilyn recognizes that being together is fundamental for well-being and that music is a potent conduit for fostering connections. 

“Being together and feeling part of community is a huge part of our health,” Marilyn explains. “Health is at the core of my values. Healthy humans, healthy planet, healthy species, healthy ecosystems. Music is the great unifier of all. Every single song is either about a plant or an animal – or some living thing, or it references them.” 

Marilyn will be joined on stage by the Joyful Ruckus ukulele group. They'll kick off the show and then back Marilyn on several songs throughout the night. "I'm truly thankful to have Joyful Ruckus alongside me,” Marilyn says. “They bring an incredible energy and unwavering support to the stage."


“Music is the great unifier of all. Every single song is either about a plant or
an animal – or some living thing, or it references them.” - Marilyn Walker


Chris Dropinski from Joyful Ruckus says, “I’m so honored to be part of the show. Marilyn's storytelling is inspiring as she brings the most interesting things to life in a way you've never thought about it before, through well-chosen lyrics and catchy tunes. Her sense of humor and engaging banter add a playfulness to a very entertaining experience for all ages.” 

Now in a phase in life where she can give more of herself, Marilyn's primary goal is to leverage the power of music to bring about positive change in the world. To begin with, all proceeds from "At the Jamboree" will be directed towards Boulder nonprofit TGTHR (to end youth homelessness). 

“TGTHR is doing amazing, amazing work,” Marilyn explains. “They have an effective model with the intention to end youth homelessness. Homelessness is heartbreaking.” 

This initiative is made possible through Marilyn's Boulder-based nonprofit, Connected by Music, which operates under the mission of "Musicians impacting the lives of women, children, and vulnerable youth." 

“The most joyous thing I can imagine doing is Connected by Music,” Marilyn says, and her commitment is evident as she channels her life experiences and dedication to songwriting to give back to the community. 

When asked why the focus on TGTHR, Marilyn says, “On some level, I can relate. My father moved out when I was eight. Then, my mother fell into alcoholism. So, I was on my own a lot. I had to solve a lot of problems for myself. I would wander around looking at houses and would fantasize that inside of those houses were families and those families were whole. And, that everyone came home and was nice to each other, supported of each other, and that the kids felt loved and taken care of. Because I wasn’t experiencing that. I was experiencing feelings of abandonment and feelings of having to care take my mother.” 

By starting small, Marilyn is determined to help people find hope, come together, and feel good. “At the Jamboree” is just the beginning. 

Produced by Grammy-nominated producer John McVey, “At the Jamboree” offers a cornucopia of musical surprises and is supported by favorite musicians from the thriving Boulder music scene, including Margot Krimmel, Christian Teele, and Eric Moon. Caribbean steel drums, Hawaiian ukuleles, and an oompah-style polka groove create an experience where magic and mischief coexist. 

As you step into the world of "At the Jamboree," you'll encounter songs that delve into topics that don’t normally get much musical love, including mycelium, cephalopods, and globetrotting donkeys. A prolific, witty, and intelligent songwriter with a boundless imagination, Marilyn's songs exude relatability, uplifting energy, and playful adventure, and invite introspection, urging us to ponder pressing global questions. 

It'll be an evening filled with heartwarming and catchy songs. You'll likely discover these tunes stay with you, replaying in your mind long after the final curtain falls. 

Marilyn's vision extends beyond the album release; she plans for more shows, merchandise, and a continuous effort to raise funds and awareness. She strives to help people find hope, especially in a world where hope can sometimes feel scarce. 

As Marilyn takes the stage, and you join her in song, dance, and reflection, you'll be part of a magical jamboree that celebrates the joy of music, the beauty of nature, and the spirit of unity. “At the Jamboree” is an adventure for all ages, a reminder that that regardless of our age, we all carry a childlike spirit within us, dreaming of a better world together. 

“I know there’s magic in just coming from a place of love and generosity and seeing what the universe asks you to do,” Marilyn eloquently expresses.

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The Power of Music as a Unifying Force for Good with Rebecca Folsom