Meet Magdalena ”Maggie” Velasquez of Jacksonville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Magdalena ”maggie” Velasquez

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
March 2007, co-worker, now friend Julie Wyrick heard me singing at the copier. She insisted on taking me along for an audition for musical theater. No experience, other than a 3rd grade play, I began an amazing 10s year of musical theater. (Although, not that first audition) It was a Wonderful experience. Met so many amazing friends, now family. My calendar went from blank to full. I had no idea all this was around me. Certainly never thought I would be singing on a stage and wearing too cool costumes.
Halloween is a fun day for me.
I used to sit at home with my boys every weekend thinking, “what will I do when I retire?”
Theater friends invited me to Weddings, baby showers, get togethers. Lots of memories and Great Friends.
That’s where I met Lisa Allen. We had performed in several shows together, but she had another singing journey in mind and invited me to join her in that journey. After several Rock bands in the Bay Area, California, Lisa decided to form her own band.
GLORY had a Great start in California, then Covid shut everything Down.
We had an opportunity to visit Jacksonville, Florida and said, Yes Please!
I packed up my cats January 2021 and said Hello Jax!
I visited the open mic at the American legion post 129, meeting my first friend, singer songwriter, Eric Goldstein who then introduced me to many of Jacksonvilles finest musicians. Everyone so welcoming and music you just had to sing along to. Blessed to call them my friends and family now as well. After Lisa’s arrival we were invited to audition for a band called BedRock. A big hair, 80’s band. We had two rehearsals before we all got Covid and lost the founding member. His wife has kept his dream alive and we performed with BedRock for about a year while Lisa put together, our CA now, FL version of the band, Glory.
Glory Jax has a Great band, our musicians are Top Notch, thanks to Lisa’s hard work and dedication. We have been enjoying a busy year. Glory is a tribute band to female artists in the music industry.
Those songs that keep you on the dance floor and singing all the way home.
When not singing with the band, I enjoy singing at the many Open Mics here in Jacksonville. Gives me a chance to catch up with my Jax friends and listen to More amazing young artists that Jacksonville has to offer. I mean talented folks out there you must see and hear.

I stay active with my church community, volunteer when I can at the animal shelter and hope to start my own pet sanctuary for the ones who never get picked. The Seniors or the injured. I realize many say this all the time, WHEN I win the Big lottery, 😉 I’m buying an island and clearing every shelter across America! Animal lovers welcome. I’m going to need help.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The entertainment field can be tough. For someone who had never experienced what comes with putting yourself out there, some days were a just frightening. So many do not recognize boundaries.
Fortunately, I’ve lived long enough to know, life gives you what you can handle.
Performing is physically and emotionally demanding. Late nights, eating habits interrupted, miss loved ones, achy bones and feet and way too many colds.
You have to often, take a deep breath and know, it’s NOT personal. Tough skin is required.
Your nervousness, never stops. Or well, mine does not. But then, you hear the roar, the applause. The little boy who asks for your autograph or asks their Mom to ask the singers if theyll take a Selfie with him.
Yeah, I cried alot after shows.
Or, after a gig as the last couple is leaving and stops to say they had a great time with us. Your feet somehow magically stop hurting.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a retired Administrative Aide, Secretary, Office Manager, Caregiver, Medical Assistant, Pet sitter, Dog Walker, pt. Time cashier and soon to be Security officer.
A jack of all trades if you will.

I LOVED-being a medical assistant, back in the 70’s. I felt I made a difference at the end of the day. I loved gaining the confidence of a child patient, and having them say, “you didn’t hurt me with the shot”. Those 10 years were the most rewarding years ever.

I’m proud of the fact, that my two boys have grown to be two, hard working young men and I can proudly say, not one day of problems, ever. I am truly Blessed.
Working on myself to maintain a positive attitude and constant smile, I believe, is what sets me apart. There is no better feeling, for me, than to just stop, compliment a stranger and see their face light up. It only takes a second and the warm and fuzzy feeling inside? Priceless!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Life is full of risks. But as we mature, we hopefully learn how to maneuver through each. There will always be mistakes, but that’s how we learn.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.
Risk taking is believing in yourself. Again, possible mistakes, but you have to try. If you don’t? You will always wonder what if?
Like the lotto, you can’t win unless you play.

If we don’t take risks, we stand still. And I totally understand if you are not a risk taker. It can be stressful.
Just do your research, listen to your heart, listen to your gut, hand it over. Youll know when, then do it! We can always try again. Some things are worth it. Choose wisely.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggie.velasquez1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maggievelasquez6239