With our 25th anniversary upon us, we reflect on some of the musicians that have been with us since the beginning. Essie Mae Brooks has been a Music Maker partner artist since 1995. Her original, soul-filled gospel music was born out of an agrarian life deep in Central Georgia in the town of Perry, right […]

As our partner artists get older and they are unable to perform as much, if at all, due to aging related issues, they become susceptible to isolation. Research links isolation to a variety of physical and mental ailments, and these impacts are especially acute for senior citizens. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with high […]

Our newest partner artist, Mary Lane, is no stranger to struggle. Born in 1936, in Clarendon, Arkansas, she grew up picking cotton until moving to Chicago where she became a staple on the Westside Blues scene, playing alongside greats such as Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James, and Junior Wells. At 83, and with very few gigs, […]

We recently sat down with donor and volunteer Carey Barnes to ask her about her Music Maker experience and why our mission resonates with her. Carey is part of the generous team of donors who provided the $25,000 match for Giving Tuesday. Save the Date: Giving Tuesday is December 3 – all gifts will be […]

“The blues is the truth. It’s an everyday reminder of your life, a different type of Gospel,” says Music Maker discovery artist Charles Jacobs. For 25 years, and usually 6 nights a week, Charles played up and down Bourbon Street wowing regulars and tourists with electrifying prowess on his guitar and a voice born deep […]