Posted inVol. 50 No. 1

Fariña: Lyric Legacy

April 28, 2024
Mimi Fariña at the Bread and Roses benefit concert, September 9, 1975, Berkeley Community Theater. Photo by David Gans, creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Mimi Fariña at the Bread and Roses benefit concert, September 9, 1975, Berkeley Community Theater. Photo by David Gans, creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.

Hennessy’s “Lyric Dulcimer” remains on display at Bread & Roses

By Marian Hubler

Bread & Roses Presents is celebrating its 50th anniversary of “Hope & Healing Through Live Music” in 2024. The nonprofit organization serves as a giant hub in the San Francisco Bay Area connecting audiences in social service settings with musicians and performing arts groups. Founded in 1974 by singer-songwriter/guitarist Mimi Fariña, the organization produces over 500 concerts a year for a wide variety of children and youth, adults and seniors who are isolated in institutions including special needs schools, adult recovery centers, skilled nursing facilities, and veterans hospitals.

The "Lyric Dulcimer," made by Terry Hennessy for Mimi Fariña, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bread & Roses. Currently on display at the Bread & Roses conference room. Photo courtesy of Marian Hubler of Bread & Roses Presents.
The “Lyric Dulcimer,” made by Terry Hennessy for Mimi Fariña, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bread & Roses. Currently on display at the Bread & Roses conference room. Photo courtesy of Marian Hubler of Bread & Roses Presents.
Close of up of the "Lyric Dulcimer" headstock, with "Bread & Roses 25" and Hennessy's mark inlaid. Photo courtesy of Marian Hubler of Bread & Roses Presents.
Close of up of the “Lyric Dulcimer” headstock, with “Bread & Roses 25” and Hennessy’s mark inlaid. Photo courtesy of Marian Hubler of Bread & Roses Presents.

Bread & Roses grew out of a simple idea that people most in need of uplifting would benefit greatly from the healing connection provided by direct heart-to-heart connection through live music. Mimi began her legacy by gathering her musician friends to do concerts for those close by who were disadvantaged. Though she died in 2001, the organization she founded endures with its vibrant and steadfast mission. The name was inspired by a 1912 poem by James Oppenheim called Bread and Roses which says “Hearts starve as well as bodies, give us bread, but give us roses.” 

The dulcimer that the late Terry Hennessy hand-crafted for Mimi in honor of the Bread & Roses 25th Anniversary is symbolic. Her husband and musical partner, the late Richard Fariña, was known for his innovative styling and musical arrangements. Many of their iconic songs such as “Pack Up Your Sorrows” featured Mimi and Richard accompanying themselves on guitar and dulcimer, which was an important part of their iconic folk-based sound. 

Hubler is Vice President of Communications/Producer at Bread & Roses Presents. To volunteer or make a donation, or for more information about the Bread & Roses current program, visit breadandroses.org.