Haskell “Whistlin’ Britches” Thompson from Winston-Salem, NC has been diagnosed an aggressive form of throat cancer and the prognosis is not good. We are incredibly saddened by this news; all our thoughts and prayers are with Whistlin’ and his loved ones. While he is excited about his recently completed album Clickin’ King of Hip Poppin’,  Whistlin’ Britches is not able to actively promote his album or play his scheduled live performances. If you would like to send your thoughts and wishes to Whistlin’ Britches, please send them to:
c/o Cornerstone Living Assistance Center
PO Box 12937
Winston-Salem, NC 27117

Photo by Jimmy Williams

Captain Luke, Big Ron Hunter, Ironing Board Sam and Bubba Norwood will be performing at Warehouse Blues on July 29, 6 - 8 p.m. The free, family friendly series continues with this powerhouse lineup —come out and brave the heat for this awesome show!

Warehouse Blues is sponsored by Durham Parks and Recreation in partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.; Downtown Durham Inc.; and Durham Central Park.

Other Warehouse Blues shows:
8/5 - Alabama Slim & Boo Hanks
8/12 - Cool John Ferguson

Ironing Board Sam is on Facebook, and he wants to be your friend! Visit his page to friend him and get updates on appearances, great photos and more!

Photo by Jimmy Williams

Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen was interviewed by the Durham Herald-Sun’s Cliff Bellamy, in advance of her performance on July 22 at the Warehouse Blues Series (sponsored by Durham Parks and Recreation in partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.; Downtown Durham Inc.; and Durham Central Park.)

Pat talks about the origins of her name “Mother Blues,” her career, and working with Music Maker. To read the article, click here!

Photo by Jimmy Williams

Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen, John Dee Holeman and Bubba Norwood will be performing at Warehouse Blues on July 22, 6 - 8 p.m. The free, family friendly series kicks off with these wonderful performers—come on out for a great evening of blues!

Warehouse Blues is sponsored by Durham Parks and Recreation in partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.; Downtown Durham Inc.; and Durham Central Park.

Big Ron Hunter and Ironing Board Sam will be playing at the Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival July 23rd in Marquette, Michigan. If you’re in the area, don’t miss these two performers! Big Ron, billed as the “happiest bluesman,” will rock his electric guitar, and Sam will thrill you with his wonderful vocals and two keyboards! 

The Hiawatha Festival is the only event of its size and scope in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Each year’s event features traditional-music styles that include bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk - including singer/songwriters - and dance. Learn more or get tickets!

Whistlin’ Britches’ new album, Clickin’ King of Hip Poppin’, (adult-content) is being specially pre-released to our supporters! A raucous recording that captures the culture and spirit of the drinkhouse through bawdy, clever toasts, percussive clicks and lowdown blues guided all along by the voice of Whistlin’ Britches, a man who “exudes utter joy when he sings,” according to MMRF founder, Tim Duffy.

Clickin’ King can be purchased here for a $25 donation to MMRF. Please note that you must purchase the CD from the link above, as it is not available anywhere else! 

Whistlin’s birthday is July 10th, so Happy Birthday to the Clickin’ King!

It is with great sadness we bid farewell to Music Maker friend and fishermen Don Delavergne of West Hampton, NY. Don was an enthusiastic music lover and an ardent sportsman. He won the Most Sailfish Award at our 2010 Fishin’ Blues Tournament in Guatemala. He was a terrific, true friend to many. We will miss his ample humor and big-hearted smile.

Every summer Music Maker hosts several college and graduate student interns to help us with our programs, and this year we have a wonderful group!

Matt Dailey is a graduate student in the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He studies archival theory & practice and currently works as an archival processor at UNC’s Southern Historical Collection. Matt is a musician, a record collector & music historian, a lapsed creative writer, and a radio disc jockey at WXYC-Chapel Hill. Matt hails from Asbury Park, NJ, and was a technical editor at an urban planning firm in Manhattan before making the southern journey. Thanks for joining us Matt!

Don’t miss Warehouse Blues if you’re in the Triangle area! Our eighth season promises to be great, with performances by Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen and John Dee Holeman kicking it off on July 22nd. All performances will be at the Durham Central Park (502 Foster Street) from 6 - 8pm. Come out and have some fun—all concerts are free and family friendly!

July 22: Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen and John Dee Holeman
July 29: Captain Luke, Big Ron Hunter, Whistlin’ Britches, Ironing Board Sam
August 5: Alabama Slim and Boo Hanks
August 12: Cool John Ferguson