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Songstress continues to produce after five decades

Grammy-nominated singer Maria Muldaur shows no signs of slowing down her tempo.
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Maria Muldaur was born in Greenwich Village in New York City and attended Hunter College High School.

Even after five decades of touring around the world, singer-songwriter Maria Muldaur has no plans slowing down.

“It beats working in an office,” Muldaur told the News Bulletin.

Since 1974, the American songstress has released 40 solo albums, toured relentlessly and received multiple Grammy nominations.

“It is what I have loved to do all my life,” Muldaur said.

On Wednesday, she will be performing at the Queen’s.

“I think it is a lovely town and I am looking forward to being there,” Muldaur said about Nanaimo. “I seem to have some loyal fans there over the years.”

The New York State singer’s stop in the Harbour City is part of her Way Past Midnight Tour, which has already taken her through California, Oregon and Washington.

Muldaur was born in Greenwich Village in Manhattan and began her career during the 1960s.

In 1974 , her song, Midnight at the Oasis, reached number six on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and was nominated for two Grammy Awards.

The Way Past Midnight Tour, celebrates the 40th anniversary of Midnight at the Oasis.

“It was a wonderful happy accident that happened,” Muldaur said about Midnight at the Oasis.

“While I was in the midst of  exploring all the various forms of American  roots music, I wasn’t looking to have a big hit.”

Since the release of Midnight at the Oasis, Muldaur  has released a staggering 40 albums, including Richland Woman BluesI Am a WomanLouisiana Love Call and Southland of the Heart.

Despite  all the albums, she has plans to eventually release another, but is focusing on her current tour.

“I have several ideas for a new album,” she said. “But I thought this would be a good opportunity to step back and look at all the wonderful musical opportunities that I have had.”

When Muldaur looks back at her career, she is grateful for all her success.

“I look back on several things,” she said. “Getting to make music with all these amazing people ... they were definitely the most thrilling.”

Maria Maldaur performs at the Queen’s on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $26 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, please visit www.mariamuldaur.com.

arts@nanaimobulletin.comTwitter: @npescod