Critically-Acclaimed Folk Artist Mara Levine Signs National Recording Deal With Preeminent Tennessee Label Bell Buckle Records

Levine Will Celebrate With A Digital CD Release Concert Broadcast Hosted By The Philadelphia Folksong Society On June 7

Chart-Topping Folk Performer Mara Levine, whose latest album Facets Of Folk hit #1 on the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ charts and had nine songs featured among the Top 20, has announced that she has signed a deal with renowned TN-based label Bell Buckle Records. According to Levine, this new partnership was the “logical next step in the evolution of my career”.

The New Jersey-based independent artist, who was hailed as “the new standard bearer for folk music” by the Midwest Record, says that her goal in joining Bell Buckle’s family of artists is twofold – to help her reach a wider audience with her music, while also exploring other genres and diversifying her style.

“After working independently for many years, I’m so excited for this opportunity”, said Levine. “Bell Buckle Records is the perfect team to assist me with getting my music out to a much broader audience. I am deeply rooted in folk music, however the past few years I’ve been studying and doing some performing and recording in the bluegrass genre. I love that Bell Buckle embraces multiple genres and, under their mentorship and support, I can see myself growing musically and working on projects that cross over between folk and bluegrass.”

Bell Buckle Records, which is also home to such esteemed artists as Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers, Crandall Creek, singer-songwriter Daniel Crabtree and many more, is owned by veteran roots recording artist Valerie Smith.  Located in the historic town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, thelabel provides full marketing, video production, photography, promotion and social media support to its clients, as well as digital music servicing and artist development. Smith is known in the industry as a creative entity who thinks outside the box and recognizes that no two artists are the same.

“I’m excited to be adding such an established folk/grassicana artist to our roster at Bell Buckle Records”, said Smith. “I believe that Mara will add depth to our talent base and catalog offering for our customers and radio DJs. Mara is definitely someone that I have been looking forward to working with.  Her voice is unique, her recordings are beautiful and her talent as a musician is undeniable.  I look forward to seeing what she has coming next and I am excited that it will be with Bell Buckle Records.”

Levine will celebrate her signing news with a special encore presentation of her CD release concert, which will be hosted by The Philadelphia Folksong Society Digital Concert Venue on Facebook, Sunday, June 7at 4 PM EDT. Being broadcast virtually in lieu of a follow-up live performance due to Covid-19, Levine’s CD release concert co-bill with the acclaimed Long Island Trio Gathering Time was taped at PFS last year.

Called “one of the best singers of her generation” by Christine Lavin, Levine received high praise for this record release concert thanks to their powerful performances, which included her most popular songs with themes of social justice “By My Silence” by Ellen Bukstel and Nick Annis, “Daughters and Sons” by Tommy Sands and “You Reap What You Sow” by Susan Shann (which all debuted at #1).

“I am extremely grateful for the support of the Philadelphia Folksong Society, who have been working nonstop to help artists convert their cancelled live concerts to digital performances during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Levine.

Advance registration is required with a $5 or more donation for the artists requested at the time of registration. Register and pay at https://pfs.org/digitalvenue/ NOTE, this event will only be hosted on Facebook.

Once tickets are purchased, attendees will receive a confirmation e-mail and will need to click the link in that e-mail to the private event in advance to “Join” the group at least 1/2 hour prior to the concert and will be admitted about 15 minutes before the show on June 7.

Mara Levine and Gathering Time Performing “You Reap What You Sow” by Susan Shann at PFS  Live Video: Mara Levine & Gathering Time

For more information about Mara Levine, visit www.maralevine.com