Part of the Music in the Garden Series
Co-sponsored by Music Maker Relief Foundation
 

Music Maker Relief Foundation is a non-profit based in Hillsborough, NC, dedicated to helping the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of the blues gain recognition and meet their day-to-day needs. The organization is currently commemorating its 20th anniversary and, in celebration, has collaborated with Duke Performances’ Music in the Gardens for a fine series of multi-artist summer concerts.

Self-taught electric guitarist Cool John Ferguson was born in the Sea Islands of South Carolina, and his Gullah heritage and the gospel music of his upbringing inform his approach to the blues. A frequent performer at blues festivals around the world, Cool John was named “most outstanding guitarist” by Living Blues Magazine two years straight. The legendary Taj Mahal had this praise for Cool John: “He is among the five greatest guitarists in the world — he ranks with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, and Django Reinhardt.” Cool John is joined in this Gardens show by harmonica player and country belter Sam Frazier, Jr., who hails from Edgewater, Alabama, a small coal mining camp outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Sam's first harmonica was gifted to him by blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson, and he’s been featured on the Country Boy Eddie Show and the Johnny Otis Show.

Music in the Gardens concerts take place rain or shine on the lawn behind the Gardens' Visitor Center. Lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets are encouraged. Dogs are not allowed. Outside food and beverages, including beer and wine, are permitted and also will be available for purchase on-site. The lawn will open at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.

Music in the Gardens presentations are excluded from Pick-Four discount.