"The Triumph of Artemisia" celebrates one of the most famous and skilled painters of the Baroque era through beautiful music and stunning visuals.
In recognition of Women's History Month
Painting during the post-Renaissance era, "The Triumph of Artemisia" celebrates one of the most famous and skilled painters of the Baroque era through a one-of-a-kind multimedia concert experience interweaving original songs, words, and stunning visuals to bring the story of Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi to life.
Linda Marie Smith’s singer-songwriter talents stem from a diverse personal background. Before Smith started performing at local clubs and coffee houses in her early twenties, she was a budding classical pianist winning state-wide championships. She then began crafting her own songs, picked up the guitar, and has not put it down since. She started experimenting with her voice and developed the unique vocal style heard on her albums today – a sound that blends folk with rock. Smith’s music is romantic, soulful, earthy, and mystical, and is best known for its lyrical and melodic freshness. By listening to a wide range of artists and musical genres, she continuously opens herself to new ideas she encounters in her auditory adventures. Her music has been compared to the likes of Natalie Merchant, Jewel, and the Indigo Girls.
“Artemisia” is Smith’s first conceptual piece. Captivated by Artemisia’s story, Ms. Smith has captured the artist’s rhythm through music and visual representations of Artemisia’s work. Themes of redemption and perseverance transcend the years and remain relevant to Smith’s own life and the lives of women today. "Life and the every day are what drive my music. I try to capture how we as human beings think, feel and react towards obstacles and struggles," said Smith. "I like to think of my music as part of the chain that encourages us all to be warriors through adversity."
Smith and her band have played many Chicago venues and have become favorites at annual festivals like Evanston First Night, Harold Washington Library Festival of Poets, Old Town Art Fair, Park Forest Summer Nights Concert Series, Long Grove Arts Festival, and Lincoln Square Concert Series. They have also toured universities across the nation. In addition to recording and performing, she teaches guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Smith is proudly sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts.
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