Music Maker 25
Gospel:
The Branchettes
with special guest Phil Cook
Sunday, December 8, 2019 | 1:00 pm
The Fruit
The ‘Music Maker 25’ package — which provides access to all seven ‘Music Maker 25’ shows at The Fruit — and single tickets, including $10 Duke student tickets, are now on sale. Packages and single tickets can be purchased online, via phone at 919-684-4444, and in person at the Duke University Box Office, Tuesday through Friday, 11 AM to 6 PM.
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Ninety minutes before each concert, visitors are invited to experience 25 years of Music Maker Relief Foundation history at an extensive exhibition chronicling the organization’s work.
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The Sunday proceedings at Music Maker 25 celebrate the gospel tradition. The Branchettes are a Johnston County, NC duo comprised of vocalist Lena Mae Perry and pianist Wilbur Tharpe, who are devoted to sharing the songs and congregational hymns that live in their hearts. Having previously tapped Perry for his own Southland Revue shows and in other collaborative efforts, gospel’s influence on Phil Cook’s inimitable vocal delivery is unmistakable. Aquarium Drunkard praised his 2018 album People Are My Drug as a vital product of our times, adding that “the Durham-based singer/songwriter clearly views his mission as a celebratory one, recognizing that the work required right now is good work to do.” In recent years, Cook has also worked with Hiss Golden Messenger and Mavis Staples, an indication of his impressive range. Cook joins The Branchettes for a special collaboration.
Music Maker 25 is made possible, in part, with support from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Music Maker 25 is proud to be a part of Come Hear NC and the Year of Music in North Carolina, as well as the Smithsonian Year of Music.The Branchettes 'Silent Night'
“[T]hat perfect blend of gospel, blues, folk, country, soul, and rock and roll that needs no label to market it. It’s just the real deal.”