On Oct 1, so many of you joined us in celebrating another year of ROOTS music programming. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took part in celebrating the community that makes the work of Roots of American Music (ROOTS) possible. With a full house, wonderful food inspired by the flavors of New Orleans, a musical raffle, a silent auction, and programming, together we filled the space with music, connection, and a shared belief in the power of the arts. The evening was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when people gather around a shared purpose.

We’re incredibly grateful to partner with @ingenuitycleveland this year and bring the Music Meadow Stage to the festival!

We’re so excited to share three days of incredible music with you all, featuring an amazing lineup of artists from across Cleveland and beyond.

On Thursday, October 1, we’re hosting DEEPLY WOVEN, an evening of music and celebration at Brother’s Lounge in Cleveland to benefit ROOTS programming. Like a musician weaving notes into a song that moves and connects, DEEPLY WOVEN brings together live local music, a New Orleans-inspired menu, and a silent auction to advance the ROOTS mission.

Wednesday, September 23, join Charlie—2019 Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Contest winner—for a look at the life, legacy, and music of Woody Guthrie.

We're excited to share a few updates from the ROOTS board!

The 2026-27 school year is fast approaching, and with that, we are thrilled to announce that we are welcoming interest forms for Classroom teachers interested in Stop the Hate: Youth Sing Out songwriting workshops in their middle and high school classrooms.

On Wednesday, August 26, join acclaimed blues musician Kristine Jackson for a special evening honoring Robert Lockwood Jr., Cleveland's legendary blues master and one of the most influential guitarists in American music.

When David Mayfield takes the stage on July 22 to celebrate the music of Bill Monroe, he'll be joined by someone with a remarkable Monroe story of his own.

Roots of American Music continues its new Masters of American Music series—an ongoing concert and storytelling experience celebrating the artists who shaped the foundations of American music.

Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, the series brings audiences into an intimate setting where music and storytelling come together, connecting listeners more deeply to the history behind the songs.

For the July program in this series, David Mayfield will perform the music of Bill Monroe.

The evening reflected everything the Masters of American Music series strives to create: meaningful conversations, memorable performances, and opportunities to connect audiences with the people and stories behind America's musical traditions.

Contact programs@rootsofamericanmusic.org if you would like to have a music residency in your learning environment.

Join us June 24th at Visible Voice Books!

Ray Flanagan and Mary Frances Hurt will have a night of music and conversation to celebrate the music of Mississippi John Hurt at Visible Voice Bookstore stage one May 27, 2026