Marirose Powell, Hero On The Frontline: Music Is Good Medicine Part 2
By Patty Castillo Davis
Marirose Powell currently lives in Lodi, a Stockton native, former Modesto resident, whose face is familiar in the Central Valley music community. A former constant in the downtown Modesto festival scene and in most every venue therein, it is a sure bet you have heard her during a solo acoustic piano serenade, fully electric with her dynamic band Marirose and the Gypsies or in Mystic Moon, the magical Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks tribute band she fronts. Since now residing in northern parts of the valley, Marirose entertains audiences frequently at Woodbridge Crossing and in the various wineries and outdoor music festivals of that area.
Music is not Marirose’s occupation. In fact, many people at her place of employment don’t even know she is an accomplished Performer.
Marirose is a Nurse.
In 1988 the personal tragedy of losing a daughter led to a career as an EMT influenced by the belief that “If I could save just one child, somehow I would feel less pain.” This grief did not cease but it did set her onto her career path in the medical field. A few years later she enrolled at Delta College and earned her Associate degree in Nursing and in 1992 began work as a Charge Nurse at Dameron Hospital in Stockton in the Coronary Care Unit. Powell was satisfied with her position but was convinced by a colleague, Genetta, who worked in the Burn Unit, to return to school together and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This journey continued straight on through into six years of education and culminated in a Masters of Science degree in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner certification. This was difficult pursuance because she lost her mother near the end of the term and was very close to not completing. She isn’t sure how she found the perseverance to finish.
At press time, Marirose is in a new position as a Nurse Practitioner in the ER after serving 11 years as House Supervisor at Dameron. This job puts her throughout the entire hospital and stepping in wherever needed, keeping things running smoothly.
During this time of COVID-19, Marirose expresses it has been very different, they have faced many challenges with regard to protective gear and supplies to meet the special procedures that go into treating patients with Coronavirus, especially in the ICU. The most difficult situations come as a result of the working relations with families who are unable to visit their loved ones, in which it becomes stressful and heartbreaking.
The music and the frontline do not ever coincide, although Marirose can see a future when she can work as an on-site stand by Medic during musical performances. In the meantime, she is content and holds great pride in BOTH of her roles.
Marirose
has accrued many music accolades-one Best Americana MAMA award, two Producer’s Choice Awards and five Los Angeles Music Awards. She has given shows at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in Hollywood and both Hard Rock L.A. and Las Vegas. A standout in her performance career has been opening a show for Michael McDonald at the Gallo Center for the Arts. She adores Elton John and her style of piano is heavily influenced by him.
Before the indiscriminate nature of COVID-19 dimmed the lights global wide on all live performance, Mystic Moon had lucrative shows scheduled into late Fall at the Lodi Beer Fest and State BBQ Competition, Black Oak Casino, Windmill Cove, Lodi Grape Festival and the Michael David and Macchia wineries. California forecasts Phase Four reopening procedures, a complete end of the state’s stay-at-home order which will allow for concerts, conventions and sporting events to resume and may coincide with the Fall. Like she sings in Mystic Moon-“It’ll be here, better than before, yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.”
Marirose especially misses the weekly open mic at Woodbridge Crossing where she shares her original compositions and states that maybe she has a Livestream in her future. She hopes that the time for human contact resumes soon, she says “people need people”. She would also like to say that at this uncertain time we need to remember to be kind to each other no matter what our views are on this Pandemic, we can still be respectful.
Beatles or Stones? Definitely Beatles, she’s a huge fan of lush harmonies.
For information on music, CDs and merchandise please visit mysticmoonpro.com Facebook.com/Marirose Powell.
