Becoming Human ~ Songs of observation, realization & transformation
Vocalist/guitarist/percussionist Marji Zintz fronts Becoming Human, a newly formed trio (and sometimes quartet), which performs music composed by guitarist Jim Kunkel and bassist Mickey Kopchak. They explore and inhabit many genres across the musical spectrum, from folk to jazz, modal to avant-garde, spiritual to classical to Brazilian. They honor the space and each other’s unique and evolving “voice,” creating and holding a fertile ground for conversation, interplay, improvisation, and emotion.
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Marji brings a long and diverse performance resume, working in myriad settings since the 1970s as a vocalist and guitarist. She has performed in voice-double bass duets with such notable players as Mike Richmond, Jay Anderson, Josef Pelletier, and Vin Warner. She also worked in a progressive jazz-based ensemble that included Erik Lawrence on reeds and Jim Kunkel on guitar, often using her voice as one of the horns. She has worked in collaboration with improvisational vocalists Victoria Christgau and Shula Ruth Weinstein in a mostly a capella recording and performance project called Sister Sound, and has arranged, recorded, and performed with many other innovative musical projects over the years as well as performing extensively as a soloist. She teaches guitar and coaches voice and harmony in the Hudson Valley.
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Versatile guitarist Jim Kunkel has composed music for independent films and documentaries such as the Aspects of the Arts series profiling poet Dan Masterson and artist Frederick Franck. As leader and sideman, he has performed and recorded since the late seventies, including a quintet that performed many of how own innovative compositions. Jim has a lengthy list of musicians who have studied with him over the years, many of whom have gone on to enjoy a successful music career.
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Mickey has been playing bass professionally since the age of 10. Known not only for his sensitivity and presence, Mickey expands the sonic assignment of the bass by tastefully and creatively employing a multitude of interesting effects, creating rich and expansive soundscapes, as well as reaching emotional depths. Because of his versatility, expertise, and dedication to excellence, he is widely sought after and has performed and recorded with jazz and pop artists throughout the northeast.
Links
Website
Music
Appearances
Contact Info
Location: Ulster County, NY
Website: www.becominghuman.us
Email
Phone: (845) 657-3111
Alternative email address: marjimusic@gmail.com
Videos
Healing Song (Excerpt)
| Calendar for Becoming Human |
![]() Friday 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Music in the Garden on the Main Stage with Marji Zintz, Brendan O'Shea Americana, Acoustic. all the stuff you love! | Colony Woodstock Beer Garden 22 Rock City Road Woodstock, NY See Map |
Originally from Killarney, Ireland, BRENDAN O'SHEA is a Woodstock-based singer-songwriter whose acclaimed recordings and live performances have earned international praise. A veteran of New York's songwriter scene, he has shared stages with artists including Glen Hansard, The Frames, Cowboy Junkies, and Elliott Smith, and has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
MARJI ZINTZ Hudson Valley vocalist and guitarist MARJI ZINTZ blends the intimacy of folk, the sophistication of jazz, and the heart of the singer-songwriter tradition. Known for her warm, expressive voice and skillful guitar work, she brings fresh life to beloved songs while creating performances that are both deeply personal and universally inviting. As The Folk Project notes, Marji puts "an indelibly personal stamp" on every song she sings. Learn More! | ||
![]() Saturday 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Celebrate Summer! with Marji Zintz Acoustic, Americana. Originals, contemporary, Whatnot, etc. | Arrowood Farms Brewery & Distillery 236 Lower Whitfield Rd Accord, NY See Map |
Join me for a relaxed Saturday afternoon of live music at Arrowood Farms & Distillery 💛
I’ll be playing from 2–5 pm—bringing a soulful, feel-good mix of songs to accompany your afternoon. It’s always a beautiful place to gather, unwind, and connect. Kids and dogs are welcome, so bring your people (and your pups 🐾), grab something delicious, and settle in for a while. Marji on the Interweb | ||
![]() Saturday 7:00 pm | Featured Performer with Marji Zintz Acoustic, Contemporary. Originals, contemporary, Whatnot, etc. | New Paltz Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild 90 NY-32S New Paltz, NY See Map |
One of the sweetest shows I get to play is when I am asked to be the featured performer at one of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild chapters! It's always an enthusiastic "yes" for me!!! Not only is it a wonderful room to listen to music, but if you perform, too, it's a warm, receptive audience!
The open mic sign-up starts at 7 pm, the open mic performances start at 7:30, and I'll do a set somewhere around 8:30 pm. Here are the details: Open mic performances will be available to all. The cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Sign-up begins at 7, and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30. This chapter has a new home: The Redeemer Lutheran Church, 90 NY-32 South, New Paltz, NY. Here's a link to a map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yyLSvAaMdpqLuVKS7 For more information, contact the president of the New Paltz Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVSongwriter@gmail.com Marji on the Interweb | ||
![]() Sunday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Sunday evening music... with Marji Zintz Acoustic, Americana. all the stuff you love! | The Print House 1070 Main Street Fleischmanns, NY See Map |
I'm looking forward to spending Sunday afternoon and evening at The Print House in Fleischmanns!
From 4–8 pm, I'll be sharing a wide-ranging mix of favorite songs—folk, jazz, Americana, classic pop, beloved singer-songwriters, and whatever musical adventures the moment inspires. My favorite kind of performance is one that feels less like a show and more like friends gathering around a shared soundtrack, and The Print House is the perfect place for that. Come enjoy great food, good company, and a relaxed Catskills evening filled with music. Whether you stay for one song or four hours, I'd love to see you. Sunday • 4–8 pm The Print House • Fleischmanns, NY Marji on the Interweb | ||
![]() Friday 6:30 pm | Saugerties Sunset Concert Series with Marji Zintz, with Jim Kunkel & Mike LaRocco, and Catskill Mountain String Band Acoustic, Folk/Traditional, and Jazz. originals, contemporary, whatnot, etc. | Tina Chorvas Waterfront Park 85 East Bridge Street Saugerties, NY See Map |
Two performers ~ two sets ~ one sunset ~ NO RAIN!
And...a MAJOR holiday with fireworks & everything! In Saugerties, where the river meets the mountains. This will be the second date of a beautiful concert series that takes place the first Friday of each month, June, July, August, and September. And, what a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July! Brought to you by the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce and Town and Country Liquors, it will be held at the beautiful Tina Chorvas Waterfront Park. Bring your chairs or blanket and get ready for an evening of fine music overlooking the water. This concert will feature the always entertaining Catskill Mountain String Band playing bluegrass, old time country and fiddle tunes on guitar, fiddle, dobro and bass. Marji's web site | ||
![]() Sunday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm | Brunch on the Salon Stage Show with Marji Zintz, with Mike LaRocco on percussion Acoustic, Contemporary, and Singer-Songwriter. all the stuff you love! | The Towne Crier 379 Main Street Beacon, NY See Map |
Brunch with complimentary music performed by yours truly with Mike LaRocco on percussion! Don't miss it!!!
Performing scintillating songs from the Salon Stage while you enjoy a simply scrumptious brunch from their yummy menu! Be there or be 🔲! (It's OK if you're 🔲, really.... come anyway! We don't judge!) See you @ the Crier! Reservations are highly recommended: 845-855-1300 (ask for a table near the music)! Visit Towne Crier's Website to learn more | ||
![]() Saturday 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm | Music Festival in Rosendale! with Marji Zintz, with Mike LaRocco on percussion, and more than 100 other performers on 8 stages! Acoustic, Folk/Traditional, and Roots Music. etc. | Rosendale Street Festival, Café Stage 434 Main Street Rosendale, NY See Map |
Join Marji Zintz & Mike LaRocco at the Rosendale Street Festival!
One of the Hudson Valley's most beloved summer traditions returns with more than 100 bands, eight stages, over 100 vendors, parades, kids' activities, film screenings, and great food. Marji and percussionist Mike LaRocco bring their blend of acoustic favorites, warm harmonies, and joyful musical connection to this family-friendly, volunteer-run event. Proceeds support the music departments of the Kingston, New Paltz, and Rondout Valley school districts. Bring a lawn chair and spend the day surrounded by music, community, and summertime magic. Marji's Website | ||
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