Melissa Ferrick(I)

Melissa Ferrick is an Americana singer-songwriter, actor, writer, and booking agent. Melissa is known as someone who thrives in the industry because she's worn so many hats in it. Her ability to notice, understand, and address what needs to be done has proven to be her most valuable asset. As a musician, she's shared the stage with Morrissey, Joan Armatrading, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Paul Westerberg, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, k.d. Lang, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, and many others. Besides her stunning improv abilities, as an actor she's played roles in independent short films, musicals, and plays. Melissa has live and taped TV experience. As one of the few openly queer artists in the 1990s, she navigated and challenged the sexism, homophobia, and rigid gender expectations of the music industry. Her journey not only paved the way for future generations of artists but also created a space where they could express their identities and be celebrated on their own terms. Melissa is a proud member and supporter of organizations that assist artists in recovery from addiction. As a Professor at Northeastern University, they teach courses on songwriting, creative entrepreneurship, music business, and the psychology of creativity. Melissa's released eighteen albums over the last thirty years and has won numerous songwriting, production, and performance awards. She holds an Ed.M from Harvard University.