2011 showered Mary Verdi with gratitude when she was asked to sing at our nation’s Pentagon in Washington, DC. As she sang ‘Here at Home’ in the courtyard Mary recalls watching hundreds of uniformed millitary walking toward the stage from all directions. ‘I was so excited, I had to really concentrate on my lyrics because my pride for our service men and women was just overwhelming.’
One conversation with Mary Verdi and you know right where her interests lie-
Precious LOVE! She loves life. Surrounded by family and friends, Mary is able to capture the true essence of life: Love! Mary knows why God put her on this planet. Her job is to use her voice and her writing skills to soften hearts with her inspirational songs.
She was raised in the Midwest. Danville, Illinois is her home town where she stepped onto the stage at age 3 and began piano lessons at the age of six. Her father, the late William Handley was a successful Symphony Conductor and her grandfather was a Concert Band Conductor. It was a natural progression for Mary to take this musical career path.
Graduating from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee Mary was hired to choreograph and coach various country music artists: Reba McEntire, Forester Sisters and other young country artists. This experience helped Mary realize that her calling was to be on the stage once again. Relocating to Austin, Texas allowed Mary to form her first band. Mary was featured in the Austin Folk Festival before relocating to New England. Now in New England, Mary is happy to be surrounded by such talented musicians and fellow writers. ‘I love being close to Tanglewood and being able to sit on the lawn and enjoy James Taylor with my sweetheart’, said Mary.
Her first debut CD, Ocean for Travel has now sold over 6,000 physical copies and even more digital copies (thanks to CDBaby and iTunes!) and continues to touch hearts!
Living in the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts, Mary has created Verdi Music as a grass roots company. Verdi Music has grown and is now enjoying internet sales and connections with folks from Australia, Ireland, Mexico and Canada.
While in New England, Mary has had the opportunity to be an integral part of her community by releasing Here At Home, which is her 2nd CD that supports the welcoming of Berkshire Soldiers returning from war. She has helped the Veteran’s Office of Pittsfield, MA gain much attention with Patriotic Celebrations throughout the year: 4th of July Parade, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. This is a cause that Mary will always hold dear to her heart.
May 19th, 2007 was an awesome day for Mary when was asked to sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park, Boston, MA for the Red Sox and Atlanta Braves!
Because of Mary’s dynamic show, she has opened for Broadway’s own Ben Vereen, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and the nationally acclaimed touring show ‘Sister’s Late Night Comedy’. Mary is most comfortable on stage and loves to feel the stage lights on her face and hear her band begin her love songs. Purchase her CD, Precious Love, your heart will be touched forever.
Each year, Mary Verdi’s ‘Christmas at the Colonial’ show draws families from all over the Berkshires to be a part of a very special night of nostalgia. Mary created this show which will enjoy their 3rd year and includes two showings, so that families can enjoy a show that includes a sing along of old favorites, dancers, children’s choir, bell choir, full band with strings and horns and also features area performers. Last year, ‘Christmas in the Berkshires’ CD was released at this show! This Cd includes ‘Breath of Heaven’ and Mary’s original ‘Christmas Time’.
