Taj Mahal to Headline U.S. Congressional Festival Honoring Musicians Who Are National Treasures
05/23/2006 07:01AM
Contributed by: WMC_News_Dept.
Washington (District of Columbia), USA - As a group of
elder but hardly retiring American musicians return from touring France -- and
their hero's reception on major stages -- they prepare to travel to Washington,
DC, for The Congressional Blues festival, honoring musicians who are national
treasures. Headlined by
Taj
Mahal, the only three-year-old but growing festival is set for one night
only: Wednesday, June 21, 6:30-11:30 at Mellon Auditorium, announced Tim Duffy,
president of Music Maker Relief Foundation.
"In its third year, and sponsored by Volkswagen, the festival provides
a national stage for this great art form, that is truly an American creation and
revered internationally: roots music. Our blues artists are our national
treasures," said Ryan Costello, festival founder and director.
Tickets will be free and made available by online lottery
here.
Taj
Mahal, the Music Maker Relief Foundation's most visible, renowned and long
time spokesperson will headline the event. He's a tireless promoter of roots
music and a citizen of the world and unofficial godfather to the Music Maker
Relief Foundation. The Grammy Award winning musician (Senor
Blues,
Kulanjan, etc.) will introduce and jam with Music Maker artists
Beverly Guitar Watkins (of Atlanta), Mudcat (Savannah, Georgia), Cool John
Ferguson (St. Helena, SC, and Durham, NC) and the up-and-coming discovery The
Carolina Chocolate Drops (from Durham, NC).
Also taking the stage are Congressmen and Senators, who have played for Willie
Nelson's Farm Aid and troops in Iraq: The Second Amendments. They include Collin
Peterson (D-MN) - Guitar and Vocals; Jon Porter (R-NV) - Keyboards; Kenny
Hulshof (R-MO) - Drums; Dave Weldon (R-FL) - Bass; Thaddeus McCoter (R-MI) -
Lead Guitar.
Proceeds go to Music Maker Relief Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated
to helping the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern musical traditions
gain recognition and meet their day to day needs. Today, many such musicians are
living in extreme poverty and need food, shelter, medical care, and other
assistance.
Music Maker's aid and service programs improve the quality of recipients'
lives. "Our work affirms to these artists that we value the gifts of music
and inspiration they have delivered to the world. The mission is to give back to
the roots of American music." Criteria for recipients is they be rooted in a
Southern musical tradition, be 55 years or older and have an annual income less
than $18,000. Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public
charity under IRS code 501(c)3. Programs include Musician Sustenance -- grants
to meet basic life needs and emergency relief. Musical Development -- grants and
services for recipient artist professional development and career advancement.
Cultural Access -- supports the preservation and proliferation of American
musical traditions. New Orleans Musician's Fund -- assistance to musicians
affected by Hurricane Katrina.
* The night before the festival June 20th, is a free screening of the
fall-release DVD documentary on the efforts of Music Maker Relief Foundation and
its artists: Drink House to Church House: Songs and Stories from the Roots of
America 8:30 p.m. at the Avalon Theater, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington,
D.C. Admission is free for this one time screening; reserve seats by calling
919.643.2456.
For additional information:
World Music Central
http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20060523070142103