With Tim Taylor, Belleville, 1989 (CLICK for larger image)

     At age 17, Marlene performed for 4000 attendees at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition as well as several matinee, jamboree, and talent show appearances during her "pre-legal" - years in Thunder Bay.
     So, it was no surprise that she would begin a professional career upon her arrival in Ottawa. Not only was she able to line up guest performances with Dennis Whitty & Wheatstone Bridge and the city's 'super group' Blue Highway, but she was also able to front Baton Rouge, contribute as a member of other groups, compete individually in a number of prominent contests, and appear on a variety of club, fair, and festival showbills with some of the industry's most successful artists.
     Among Marlene's personal accomplishments are standings as a finalist at the CKBY Talent Show Finals (before an audience of 10,000) at The Gatineau Clog; the Bud Country Music Talent Search Finals, twice (Kingston and Peterborough); and the Canadian National Singing Contest, twice, at Simcoe, ON.
     Subsequently, Marlene has shared billing with the likes of Kitty Wells, Michelle Wright & Driving Wheel, Wayne Rostad, Dieter Boehme & Risky Business, Dan Paul Rogers, Baker Street, Terry Carisse & Tracks, and Anita Perras & Tim Taylor, to mention a few.

1984, Singing To Dad (CLICK for larger image)

     Previous recording sessions have produced: a 3-song demo recorded with the band 'Crosstown' at the Gloucester Music Academy, featuring the titles: 'Stuck on You', 'Funny How Time Slips Away', and 'Isn't He A Strange One'; and The Leeson Family CD's 'Xmas 2000', 'Xmas 2001', and 'Celebrates Christmas 2003'.
     More recently, Marlene has been performing live in the Belleville/Quinte region where she lives and works. In 2003, she released her debut solo CD "You Belong To Me", a compilation covering thirteen traditional country tunes, plus Jo Stafford's signature song, as title tune. A new CD is currently in the works.

     To quote some industry observers:

"Marlene knocks 'em out of the park every time, whether she's crooning the country classics or belting out the blues." Pete Walker, Music Director/Afternoon Guy, KX96 FM "Amazing covers. GREAT version of 'ME AND BOBBY McGEE'. It was tough to pick what to play!" Chris Koppin, Q 100 FM "More than a pleasure to play with a vocalist of this quality... great ability to interpret a song." Jon Park-Wheeler, Producer, Guitarist, Song Writer "HOLY S***, she's downright AWESOME!" Frank McKinley, Guitarist