MMRF Artists say "Thank You" for instruments!

Ten Instruments have been donated to artists this year! Generous donors have made it possible for Music Maker to donate ten instruments to artists in need this fiscal year. The instruments, six guitars, a keyboard, a clarinet and a saxaphone, are tools the artists need to continue contributing their art and enriching our culture. Albert White received a Gibson Johnny A guitar, replacing his aging electric guitar and giving him the instrument he needs to increase his performing abilities at regular gigs with Beverly "Guitar" Watkins in Atlanta. Shelton Powe received a 1910 George Washburn guitar, making it possible for him to succeed at promoting his upcoming release, Carolina Blues & Gospel. See our Digging Through the Stacks this week to listen to Shelton rocking out! We are so grateful to these donors who are improving our artists lives by giving them the tools they need to create their art! Listen: Shelton Powe - Duck Diving Blues Digging through the stacks: Shelton Powe This week's dig is from Shelton Powe's upcoming album, Carolina Blues & Gospel. "Duck Diving Blues" is a country blues standard, recorded by artists from Taj Mahal to Sleepy John Estes. The lyrics and style of the song are familiar, but Shelton infuses it with his own style. He follows in the footsteps of his elders, continuing the tradition of Carolina Blues. Shelton's debut, Carolina Blues & Gospel, is a collection of traditional blues and spirituals showcasing his guitar style reminiscent of Curley Weaver and the Piedmont region. If you're in NC, check out Shelton Powe at The Eddy Pub in February and in March at St. Anne's Chapel in Tarboro. Keep an eye out for his album coming in March! For now, enjoy the track! -- Aaron & Corinne Quick Links: Website Merch Music Music Maker on Blues Cruise #18! Cruising on the Blues Cruise? Don't forget to look for Music Maker Founder Denise Duffy, she would love to see you and say hi! Also stop by the Silent Auction, where you can bid on three pieces of art by Georgia artist Miz Thang, AND an American Delux Fender Stratocaster, that will be personalized for the winning bidder by Grammy-winning recording artist Bonnie Raitt! Are you a Blues Society and cruising? Let us know! Denise wants to sit down and talk with you about bringing more live Blues to your area! Contact corinne@musicmaker.org to chat about Denise's schedule! And remember, if you're not going on the boat, Thursday, January 19th (by 5pm) is the last day to purchase a Blues Cruise raffle ticket! Click here to get them while they're still here! Justin Robinson, formerly of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, has new album! Five Head Records is releasing Bones for Tinder this week, a new album from Justin Robinson & the Mary Annettes. Bones for Tinder will be Justin's first release with the new group, and his first release since winning a Grammy in 2011 with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The album includes almost all original material; it is a bold departure from Justin's work with the Drops, bringing in elements of hip-hop, folk, classical and more, all in one cohesive package. Throughout the recording the group keeps one foot firmly planted in the past but takes a big step forward. Click here to find out more! Photo of the Week Etta Baker and Cora Phillips by Susan Mullally

Upcoming Shows: Click here for more info on upcoming events 1/28 - Ironing Board Sam - NC Museum of History 2/03 - Ironing Board Sam - The Blue Note Grill, Durham, N.C. 2/03 - Boo Hanks - The Eddy Pub, Saxapahaw, N.C. 2/10 - Ironing Board Sam - The Eddy Pub, Saxapahaw, N.C. 2/12 - Boo Hanks - PineCone presents Music of the Carolinas 2/17 - Shelton Powe - The Eddy Pub, Saxapahaw, N.C. 2/24 - Big Ron Hunter - The Eddy Pub, Saxapahaw, N.C. 3/09 - Pura Fé, Deer Clan Singers - UNC Pembroke 3/10 - Shelton Powe - St. Anne's Chapel & Event Center, Tarboro, N.C. 3/23 - Leyla McCalla - Carrboro Arts Center 4/14 - Big Ron Hunter - North Dakota Museum of Art Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day to day needs. We present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations.