Julie Shearer

Julie was such a beautiful person, I feel so lucky to have worked with her on a children's musical. Back in the early 80's, I approached the director of a children't theater at the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley with an idea for a children's musical using current pop songs. The director preferred that the music be original and suggested that I contact a parent who had some songwriting skills. That parent was Julie, and she and I co-wrote the book and music for "The Boy From New York City"....

Julie was lovely: thoughtful, warm, kind, generous. We first met in the neighborhood via our young sons. Later we connected via music one summer in the 1980s at Cazadero jazz camp. Years after music exploded in her life, she took the time to encourage me in some songwriting, too. I have joyful memories of caroling together. Thank you!

Almost 20 years together in a reading group !! What a pleasure and joy to have had Julie in my life. I was always touched by her sweet disposition, soft voice and genuine interest in people . Elena Sheehan

Such a good friend from many different parts of my life. Loved the caroling together. Thank you! Eleanore

One of my best days ever was an afternoon devoted to Julie's song catalog at Anna's in Oakland. Outstanding Bay Area musicians played at this amazing tribute that brought down the house. Her passionate dedication to the Bateman neighborhood (Alta Bates leaders actually described our community as a "slum" in need of clearance for expansion) made her a neighborhood hero. Much loved and terribly missed, she put her heart into our community. It was an honor to be her neighbor.

Julie and I met in a tent at Cazadero Jazz Camp, I think in 1981. We became instant friends, VERY close friends. One of the great friendships of my adult life. She was generous. We both were fanatic about our love of music. We both were composers & songwriters. We went to hear the great jazz vocalist Mark Murphy a number of times. Plus we went to hear Chanticleer, the marvelous male ensemble who sang splendid carols in zillion-part harmony every December. We worked together to help save Jazz...