Fall 2025

124 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5 René Marie has had the calypso beat of Harry Belafonte’s iconic, joyful and inspirational music and social messaging filling her ears since childhood. She is excited to share that irresistible vibe with the Monterey Jazz audience. Photo: Joe Boggess/Courtesy of the artist P eople say that music is a healer, and it heals us, and we heal others with it,” this thoughtful and inspirational vocalist says. “That’s what distinguishes us from non- artists.” René Marie grew up listening to her father’s collection of Harry Belafonte records. “I’ve been singing Harry’s songs my whole life. He was admired and looked up to by so many black people. And so, it’s with great pride that she brings this tribute to Belafonte to the Jimmy Lyons Stage on Sunday at 6:45 pm with her virtuoso seven-piece band. “This calypso music grabs a hold of you and won’t let go…which is so lovely about singing this music live. I’m raring to go. I’ve seen some videos of Harry, and he’s so joyful. It’s a real thing. It’s not a show. That’s what I’m trying to accomplish. This is an expe- rience, not a show.” In her teens, René Marie sang with a few R&B bands in her native Virginia but stepped away from music to concentrate on family. However, at the end of the 1990s the muse struck her again, and she embarked on a career that has seen innumerable stage appearances and 11 recordings. “Something happens when you get up on stage and start making music with some- one,” she explains. “Another part of your per- sonality comes to life.” “Music can make you cry or make you laugh…it’s up to us as musicians to put that joy out…the audience gives it back and that com- pletes the circle.” M O N T E R E Y J A Z Z ~ A R T I S T S P O T L I G H T RENÉ MARIE & EXPERIMENT IN TRUTH SUBLIME VOCALIST WITH AN EYE ON THE PAST