News Release
November 19, 2004

Contact: Mindy Hamlin
Phone: 919-840-2100 ext. 207

RDU Presents Southern Heritage Music Series

RDU Airport, NC — Holiday travelers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport will enjoy southern musical traditions this year as the airport hosts the Southern Heritage Music Series. The Airport Authority has teamed up with Hillsborough-based Music Maker Relief Foundation to bring passengers the American musical traditions of blues, bluegrass and jazz.

The series kicks off today with a performance by folklorist and blues musician Billy Stevens.

The Airport Authority predicts that nearly 300,000 passengers will travel through RDU from Friday, November 19 through Monday, November 29.

“For many travelers, the holiday season is very hectic,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU director of marketing, customer service and organizational support. “The Southern Heritage Music Series will provide a festive environment for our passengers, while also highlighting the music and artists who played a critical role in defining American music.”

Featured artists include Abe Reid, John Dee Holeman and Cool John Ferguson. Music Maker works with and assists Southern artists, while preserving and promoting American musical traditions.

“The Southern Heritage Music Series helps preserve the legacy of America 's older musicians by promoting these pioneers of music,” said Tim Duffy, founder of Music Maker Relief Foundation.

Musicians with Music Maker will perform on some of the busiest days of the holiday season. Following is a schedule of performances for the Thanksgiving and year-end holidays. All performances are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

November 19
Artist: Billy Stevens
Folklorist and blues musician, who plays the keyboard and harmonica
Location: Terminal A

November 23
Artist: Lightnin' Wells
Mandolin, guitar and harmonica player
Location: Terminal A

November 24
Artist: Abe Reid
Bluesman who learned from the legendary Guitar Gabriel
Location: Terminal A

November 28
Artist: John Dee Holeman
Local bluesman who learned from Blind Boy Fuller
Location: Terminal C

December 19
Artist: Cool John Ferguson
Local blues legend and electric and acoustic guitar player
Location: Terminal A

December 20
Artist: George Higgs
Harmonica and guitar player
Location: Terminal A

December 21
Artist: Cool John Ferguson
Local blues legend and electric and acoustic guitar player
Location: Terminal A

December 22
Artist: Andy McKee
Jazz saxophone
Location: Terminal A

December 23
John Dee Holman
Local bluesman who learned from Blind Boy Fuller
Terminal A

December 26
Artist: Scott Sawyer
Jazz guitar
Location: Terminal A

About Music Maker Relief Foundation
Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is 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 recipient's lives. The organization's work affirms to these artists that the gifts of music and inspiration they have delivered to the world are valued.

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