The Tentacles of Connection

By Amy Haeseler

On a sunny, winter morning, I sat with Belmont Heights resident, Marc Davidson, at his morning routine spot, Ubuntu, to interview him on “All Things Marc.”

Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Marc was raised in a home where melody was a constant. The "creative lightning bolt" struck in 1964 while he was watching the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. Captivated by the craft, it sparked a lifelong obsession with the medium of songwriting.

He began his formal education at Tulane University’s School of Architecture, but it was after transferring to the University of Houston in 1972 that his personal and creative lives fused permanently. At a Halloween party, he met his wife, Patti, whose ability to harmonize was instantaneous. This was the start of a marriage and musical partnership that eventually brought them to Long Beach in 1982.

When Marc retired in 2017 after years of traveling and commuting, he sought to refocus his energy entirely on the community of Long Beach. He didn't want to just live here; he wanted to design a more vibrant, accessible artistic landscape. Marc has taken on leadership roles that have transformed the city’s cultural experience.

Through his leadership at the Arts Council for Long Beach, Marc champions infrastructure and accessibility. He is a primary supporter of the Artist Registry, an interactive map and database that functions as a "Yellow Pages" for all local artists, ensuring they are connected to city opportunities. For those looking to explore, Marc recommends the Arts Council’s interactive artist map to discover hidden gems tucked away in our neighborhoods. He also oversees initiatives like Artsy Van, a mobile carrier that brings arts education directly to kids in public schools.

His influence extends to the very streets of the city. As chair of Make Music Long Beach, Marc encourages live performance by bringing musicians out of concert halls and onto the streets for everyone to enjoy. Similarly, he launched Art of Song, a monthly singer-songwriter evening that creates a dedicated space for original music to be celebrated as a formal craft.

Even in “retirement,” Marc’s schedule remains full. As past president and current instructor at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), he leads songwriting and folk jam classes. He believes that staying active is a creative act, fostering a Club of Harps with members who find health and connection through rhythm. Marc often speaks of the tentacle of community involvement: "You find your interests, you find others who share them, and you get involved," creating support and connection. Whether he’s mentoring college interns or helping a neighbor apply for an arts grant, his work is fueled by a simple love for his amazing community. He reflects, "A truly special place to land."

Come meet Marc as he chats with us about our local creative community at our April 8^th BHCA Community meeting.