Preserving the soul of America’s Music
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OUR MISSION
The Music Maker Relief Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, was founded to preserve the musical traditions of the South by directly supporting the musicians who make it, ensuring their voices will not be silenced by poverty and time.
Music Maker will give future generations access to their heritage through documentation and performance programs that build knowledge and appreciation of America’s musical traditions.
PROGRAMS
CULTURAL ACCESS
Live Performances + Exhibitions + Documentation + Education
MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT
A&R + Instruments + Tour Support + Promotion
MUSICIAN SUSTENANCE
Emergency Aid + Monthly Stipends + Social Services
What We’ve Accomplished
Musician Grants
Performances
Songs Released
Artists Supported
HEAR THE MUSIC MAKERS
“We are the Music Makers” showcases the work we’ve done over our 20-year history. From the most ardent music lover to newcomers to the MMRF mission, this 2-cd album has something for everyone.
Music Maker’s exhibition programs educate and engage viewers in the cultural history of America’s music. The blues, gospel and string band traditions of the South have formed a deep aquifer of music that contemporary artists around the world draw from daily. The combination of photography and multi-media materials in each exhibit shine a light on the many unsung heroes that continue to feed these traditions in our nation and asks viewers to reflect on how poverty, geography, and age have limited the exposure of these artists, causing the widespread idea that our musical traditions have “died out”.
For a PDF of exhibit details and fact sheets, please click here
For a PDF of exhibit details and fact sheets, please click here
Blog
Sign Up for the Bullpen Mailing List & You Could Win 2 Tickets to Taj Mahal at DPAC on OCTOBER 4th!
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Sam Frazier, Jr. & Ardie Dean to be Inducted into Alabama Blues Hall of Fame!
Partner artists Sam Frazier, Jr. and Ardie Dean will be inducted into...
Tour Schedule
Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
The Petty Thieves
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
Kristi Dixon
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 7:00 pm Price: FREE
David Childers
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 7:00 pm Price: FREE
The Oblations
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
Abe Reid & the Spikedrivers
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
Amelia White
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 7:00 pm Price: FREE
Thomas Rhyant’s Sam Cooke Soul Revue
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
Stephenson Memorial Concert: The Como Mamas
at the Berea College in Berea, KY
Time: Price: FREE
Jeff Riddle
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 6:30 pm Price: FREE
Isaac Smith Band
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
The Como Mamas: Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
at the Lafayette Square Park in New Orleans, LA 70116
Time: Price: FREE
Amythyst Kiah and Her Chest of Glass
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 7:00 pm Price: FREE
Corn Potato String Band
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
The Como Mamas: Monk@100
at the Durham Fruit & Produce Company in Durham, NC
Time: 7:00 pm Price: $10 (Duke Students)/$25
Abe Reid & the Spikedrivers
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 7:00 pm Price: FREE
Clay Melton
at the The Bullpen in Durham, NC
Time: 8:30 pm Price: FREE
SHOP MUSIC MAKER
Captain Luke T-Shirt
$20.00
Etta Baker – Railroad Bill 12” Vinyl
$18.00
Ironing Board Sam: Super Spirit
$14.00
We are the Music Makers! 2-CD Set
$15.00
Captain Luke T-Shirt
$44.00
Etta Baker – Railroad Bill 12” Vinyl
$44.00
Ironing Board Sam: Super Spirit
$44.00
We are the Music Makers! 2-CD Set
$44.00
