Murphy Sara

The Local Seeker
June 10 2011

THE ARTIST
Singer/songwriter Sara Murphy is no stranger to the stage. Having performed since the age of five, Sara has been deeply involved in dance, theatre and music. She has toured in the U.S. and Canada as a soloist with several choral groups, performance show choirs and a modern dance troupe. She has also worked as a choreographer, a choral director's assistant and a producer.

Sara was a Vocal Semi-Finalist in the Canada Wide Youth Talent Search. She was the 'anthem girl' for the AHL hockey games. She was a lead performer with Glen Theatre Productions. She has been a regular with the Arts in the Park series and the Canada Day festivities. You also may have seen her open for the Barstool Prophets at their wildly popular Reunion Concert or as part of a Songwriters Organization of Eastern Ontario (SOEO) "Songwriters Showcase".

Some of Sara's more recent performances include the Mayor's Celebration of the Performing Arts, the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage, the Spirit of a City CD Launch, Liberalpalooza, and the Haiti Benefit. An accomplished performer, Sara has graced stages from the Ottawa Ex to Disney World and many places in between.

THE MUSIC
Intense. Articulate. Passionate. Sensual. These are just a few of the words that describe Sara the person ..... and the music she creates.

Although she was trained classically in voice and piano, Sara's passion for world, rock and pop music can be felt in her songwriting. Her soothing, sultry style effortlessly blends indie folk rock rhythms with a hint of world music influence. Tender and emotional live performances are her trademark, carrying audience members deep into the pulsating heart of every organically-delivered song.

In 2010, Sara released a brand new 4-track EP with producer Todd Huckabone at Mole Man Studio to follow up her 2003 self-titled debut album. Todd has worked with many talented musicians including Graham Greer and Tyler Kealey.

The EP 'Bites' includes the song "Teacher'', which was also featured on the Agape Centre Initiative Feed a City Compilation CD. The reggae-inspired song was included on the CD which boasts tracks by Choclair and successful Canadian metalcore band Fathom Ties.

MOVIN' AND SHAKIN'
In 2009, Sara produced the hugely successful "Rock the Cure" Benefit Concert & Silent Auction, which saw rockers and participants raise over $8000 for The Canadian Cancer Society.

Sara was inspired to hold the fundraiser after she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2008, and her sister with ovarian cancer shortly after. Also in 2009, Sara produced the "Spirit of a City" Compilation CD with the help of engineer Roy Nichol at Dreambuilder Studios in Cornwall. The CD features 16 songs from Cornwall area musicians and was sold to raise funds for the local hospital. To date the CD has raised over $5000 for the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation to go towards purchasing diagnostic equipment.

Sara has appeared as a guest speaker for the Canadian Cancer Society. She spoke frankly about her experience battling the disease, an how meditation and positive visualization have played a important role in her healing process.

THE SURVIVOR
After suffering hoarseness and several other symptoms, Sara was diagnosed with thyroid
cancer in 2008. She underwent surgery followed by radiation treatment in 2009 and was given an excellent prognosis.

Sara's sister received a cancer diagnosis just weeks after her own, and this triggered her
decision to fight back by putting on the "Rock the Cure" fundraiser .She enlisted the help of her musician friends Graham Greer, Nick Seguin, Steph MacAlear and the Sam Hill band to perform for the event, which took place just 2 weeks after her surgery. That night, over $8000.00 was raised for the Canadian Cancer Society, thanks to the incredible
generosity of the people of Cornwall and area. .

Surgery brought with it a huge risk of damaging her vocal chords, and the fate of Sara's singing hung in the balance. This vibrant young lady, however, couldn't be held back from her passion- making music. She headed into the studio to record 'Fool's Gold' just 4 short months after having thyroid surgery.

Despite the fact that her voice had not yet fully recovered, Sara decided to leave the recording of 'Fool's Gold' as it was. For her, it would forever serve as a humble reminder of the battle that she was fortunate enough to have won. Sara's sister Leah continues to battle the illness and remains in our thoughts and prayers.