Singer/songwriter Rebecca Martin to perform

RUMFORD -- The Rumford/Mexico area residents are in for a treat in March when critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and Rumford native Rebecca Martin returns to her hometown to perform at 49 Franklin on Thursday, March 10 for the first time since leaving Rumford for New York City.

Martin, along with featuring Larry Grenadier, will be doing a benefit concert for the Hope Association. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets for this special concert event are $10 until March 9, ($12 day of show) available at Bartash's and All that Jazz on Congress Street in Rumford or online at www.49franklin.com. For more information, call 369-0129.

Rebecca first hit the New York City music scene in the early 90's with her group "Once Blue" on EMI Records.

Their self-titled release gained national attention, touring the states with Shawn Colvin, Lisa Loeb, Sarah Mclachlan, Squeeze and many others. The group, and Rebecca on her own have also performed on national television programs that include David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Rosie O’Donnell.

Embarking on a solo career in 1998, Rebecca has enjoyed a solid reputation among listeners and within the industry firmly built upon her instantly recognizable voice and numerous albums of original songs. A critic's darling, the New York Times has selected her solo efforts as being one of the best of the year numerous times. Nate Chinen of the New York Times recently wrote, “As jazz singers go, Rebecca Martin exudes the plainest sort of poise, almost radical in its utter lack of flash…in her forthright way with melody and her blending of jazz conventions with singer-songwriter ideals, Ms. Martin has influenced a school of younger vocalists."

Martin has performed on notable stages all over the world that includes Carnegie Hall, the Village Vanguard, Tanglewood and many others. At 49 Franklin, she will be accompanied by her husband and world-renowned jazz bassist Larry Grenadier (Brad Mehldau Trio/Pat Metheny/John Scofield).

"Coming back home to perform and to help to raise money for the Hope Association is something I am looking forward to," says Rebecca. "Having had a child with delays due to Sensory Processing issues, I understand how important it is for places to exist to help in either early intervention or by offering ongoing support. It's an honor for us to lend a hand in my hometown in this way."