Lunch and Learn Sessions will be held every Wednesday, March 17 - April 21 at 12noon at the Museum.  Bring a bag lunch and learn about the role roots music has played in the lives of each featured regional musician or singer and the importance of roots music in our communities. 

 

 

 

Melva Houston is a jazz and blues vocalist whose experience includes more than 20 years of live performances across the US and internationally.  Melva began her career with gospel performances.  At the age of 16, she moved into R&B as a backup singer for Stax Records where she recorded with R&B greats such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett and Sam and Dave.      Once Melva discovered jazz and blues, she found her musical passion and has been performing these styles for most of her career.  Today, Melva tours the US, Spain, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the Caribbean on her mission to keep jazz alive.  In addition to her concerts, Melva also conducts vocal workshops for aspiring singers.  By sharing her passion, energy and love of music, Melva has received the adulation of countless audiences around the world. 

 

 

 

New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.