A little over a month ago, I wrote about my friend Star La’Moan, aka Marla Stone Lyons, who was dealing with a terrible disease and would be leaving us sooner than we’d like.
I’m saddened to report that Star La’Moan left us on November 3, 2023.
As my friend Sabine reminded me, Marla was all about music – musicians, singing, playing and performing. She had a big warm personality, and was able to bring a lot of people together. It seemed like each time I’d see her and her band, the Kitchenettes, there were more players, and more guest performers joining her onstage.
It was a fun scene and truly an honor to collaborate with Marla.
Did I mention that she loved LOUIE LOUIE and this documentary project of mine? It seemed like every time I’d see her onstage, she’d perform LOUIE LOUIE for me… just cuz!
Today, I’m re-posting her performance of LOUIE LOUIE from her last show at Poet and the Patriot, a cool pub in Santa Cruz with some amazing history that unfortunately shut down permanently in 2020.
Star La’Moan & The Kitchenettes – LOUIE LOUIE! (reggae style 2018)
Before she made her transition, Marla wanted to ask that anyone that wanted to donate to honor her memory would do so with Clearity or UniteForHer, two organizations that provided support for women with ovarian and breast cancer.
Big thanks to all the dear friends of Marla that provided comfort and support during her final journey, with a special shout-out to Bob Lyons, who provided almost three years of home care and the incredible Marlastarla journal at CaringBridge.org
We’re going to miss our dear Star La’Marla!
I leave you with some assorted favorite images of our Star… (different from the earlier favorites from previous blog post)
… and a special cinematic production starring Star La’Marla!
Facing Mortality – an enchanting short film created by Marla and Holger Blech with a soundtrack by Becca Stone!
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Reference Links:
Clearity Foundation (Clearity.org) – support for women with ovarian cancer
The MarlaStarla Journal at Caring Bridge
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marlastonelyons/journal
Marla’s Stone Lyons Productions – her official webpage
https://stonelyonsproductions.com/
Star La’Moan Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/alarm.notes
Louie Report – Lotsa love for Ms. Star La’Moan!
https://www.louielouie.net/blog/?p=13630
My name is Harmila Earth. I have known Marla since our days at SJSU in the 70’s. Integrated Circus dance troupe and many more improvisation events. I was blessed to see and visit her a few months before her passing. I danced at her wedding and will always love how and who she was. I didn’t know until now.
It’s always good to hear from friends of Marla. She is absolutely missed.