Our capacity to give grows through giving, and my appreciation for Music Maker continues to grow the more I’m involved in supporting the mission. It’s truly a mission for all of us. These amazing musicians represent us—as individuals and in relationships, rooted in history and and resonating through our living culture. They share talents from […]

Listen: Santa Claus is Coming to Town Ironing Board Sam entertained the crowd at our annual Musical Gathering in November with some holiday spirit – in the form of his own joyful take on some Holiday classics. This live track, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” was one of our favorites – Sam puts his […]

In 1992 Denise and I drove from Winston-Salem to Tarboro, NC, to meet Piedmont Bluesman George Higgs. At the time it seemed like a big trip – a four-hour drive east. We had heard George at a concert in Greensboro in 1988 but had not heard about him performing anywhere else since then. Meeting with […]

Listen: Cool Yule   Cool John Ferguson’s Holiday album is full of traditional Christmas tunes given a good dose of “Cool” guitar prowess. It also features an original song, “Cool Yule.” We play this so much during December – it’s just classic and perfect for those days you need some amazing guitar and some non-cheesy […]

Please give Ben Payton a warm welcome to Music Maker! Payton, of Jackson, Mississippi, is an acoustic blues artist with strong roots in the Delta. As a teenager in the 1960s his family moved to Chicago, and he took advantage of the city’s vibrant blues scene, playing with artists such as Bobby Rush. He put […]