Lighten Up

Marvella McPartland has travelled a long way musically – from opera training through the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music to belting out a bluesy rocker. She has composed music most of her life, and has toured and played in shows alongside such artists as Bo Diddley, Jimmy Buffet, Janis Joplin, Randy Newman, Otis Redding, The Smothers Brothers, Lily Tomlin and many others.

Marvella is well known for her years of performance work with the hilarious and popular musical “HotFlashes”, and has been a Music Director for both Religious Science and Unity churches for many years. Her musical talent combined with her heartfelt spirituality is a winning combination!

Rouke VanDerVeen is a guitarist and singer whose warmth and style only add to the effortless grace of his virtuoso-level musical talent.  Born in Holland, Rouke has been playing guitar for 40 years. Of those, 25 or so years have been dedicated largely to his work with “Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts”, as well as “Lighten Up” with Marvella McPartland, and other notable bands. Rouke is a guitarist to be reckoned with… but you would never know it to speak with him, and you can bet he did not write this bio as he would never refer to himself in these terms. He is a soft spoken man with a volcano of creativity to share.  If you listen… sparks fly while Rouke plays.