Boo Hanks and Dom Flemons Express the Blues on tour

When 83-year-old Boo Hanks was asked what the blues is, he replied: “Hard times, disappointment, and mistreatment.”  When asked if he could elaborate he said, “No.”

Hanks doesn’t need to elaborate on his description of the Blues – his music speaks for itself. And there is no better way to hear his Piedmont style blues than live at one of the shows he’ll perform with Flemons. Hanks and Flemons will be performing at the World Café in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 15, at Joe’s Pub in New York City on August 16, at Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, on August 17 and 18, and at the Hamilton in Washington, D.C. on August 19.

Here's video of the duo:



Veteran Bluesman Boo Hanks has been playing the blues for over sixty years in his home community on the North Carolina/Virginia line. Since joining Music Maker Boo has had a chance to play prestigious venues across the country, and now he's going out on tour with Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops to promote their collaborative album "Buffalo Junction." Boo and Dom formed a lasting friendship and partnership from the day they met at Music Maker Relief Foundation's offices, creating music that truly crosses generational lines.

Hanks is a partner artist of Music Maker, while Flemons is a Next Generation Artist. Through Next Generation partnerships, MMRF fosters the continuation of Southern traditional music among younger generations of musicians. Buffalo Junction is a collaborative album that does just that.

Living Blues Magazine writes, "North Carolina's Music Maker label has been digging up obscure and blissfully eccentric blues and traditional music characters for most of their 17-year existence."

Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3. Music Maker aims to keep our Southern culture vital by directly supporting senior (over 55) American roots musicians in need, expanding their professional careers, and assisting Next Generation artists in the development of their professional careers. Since the organization’s founding in 1994, Music Maker has assisted hundreds of musicians who represent the traditions of Blues, Gospel, Old-Time String Band, Jazz and more. Music Maker’s programs ensure the talents of these cultural treasures are accessible so that our rich musical heritage can be shared with the world and preserved for future generations.