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 the audience to the people who inspired the music we love today.

For the third event, the series continues with a tribute to Mississippi John Hurt, led by Ray Flanagan, one of Cleveland’s hardest working and musicians and songwriters. Ray has just released his debut LP on vinyl "My Mind is Burning Up" on April 3, 2026.

Mississippi John Hurt was a master of country blues guitar, known for his gentle fingerpicking style, warm voice, and timeless songs like “Candy Man,” “Spike Driver Blues,” and “Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor.” His music remains a cornerstone of American folk and blues traditions.

Flanagan will be joined by special guest Mary Frances Hurt—granddaughter of Mississippi John Hurt and founder and President of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation—who will share stories and personal reflections alongside the music, offering a rare and intimate connection to Hurt’s life and legacy.

Together, they will bring Mississippi John Hurt’s music to life through performance, storytelling, and shared experience—continuing a series that invites audiences to listen, learn, and connect.

$15 cover at the door; all are welcome.

Proceeds from the event support the mission of Roots of American Music, which educates, inspires, and connects communities across Northeast Ohio through live performances and arts-integrated music education programs in schools, senior centers, and community spaces. To learn more about ROOTS and their programming, visit: https://www.rootsofamericanmusic.org/

Justin Gorski has been playing piano since the age of 5. His music has taken him throughout the US, Ireland, and Europe. He has performed and recorded music with Irish groups, Blues Bands, Americana and Singer/Songwriters to name a few. Justin has released 7 albums of his own material, his latest coming out in 2025 entitled "this, right now". He currently lives in Lakewood, Ohio, running a Vegan Cafe and raising his three wonderful, at times, children. In his small amount of spare time, Justin enjoys napping while "doing the crossword."

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“What's better, the movie or the book?"

How does a novel change when it is adapted for the screen? What are the merits of each medium? Visible Voice Books invites you to the first meeting of our new Movie vs. Book Club, where we’ll discuss these very questions.

Join your host Isaac in discussing The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, and its 2015 film adaptation, Carol, directed by Todd Haynes. We encourage you to purchase the novel from us and watch the movie prior to the meeting (available for streaming on various platforms).

Book picks for upcoming meetings:

• 7/1 - Passing by Nella Larsen

  This is a free event; all are welcome.
  Use the form below to sign up and stay connected for book club updates (or just show up!)