2023 Mass Cultural Council Grant Recipient
“A creatively inventive songcrafter” – Metronome Magazine
Bio
Musician and songwriter Jon Waterman has been performing his original songs along with blues, rock and country standards throughout his life. His music is influenced by intriguing characters and stories from history, the roots of the music he loves, and the diversity of the human experience. His song “Sultana” which tells the story of the Civil War steamboat disaster was selected to be featured at the Sultana museum in Marion, AR. Waterman has presented his programs “A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” and “Cro-Magnon Blues: History and Legends Through Song” in venues around the country, both in person and virtually. He has an M.A. in Popular Music History from Prescott College, an M.A. in Psychology from Kaplan University, and a B.A. in History from Northern Arizona University.
Live Music Making History Live
Jon Waterman creates and performs programs that use music to inspire enthusiasm for and a desire to explore history. The shows consist of carefully researched original and traditional songs, stories and narratives and a slide show. Each program has a historical theme, and further themes are being developed. Currently the themes are:
- A Journey through the Roots of American Popular Music
- Cro-Magnon Blues: History and Legends through Song
- The Railroad through Song
- Popular Music and Veterans
“A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” by Jon Waterman is a unique performance experience combining music history, storytelling, and original songs inspired by his research. Waterman successfully transforms fascinating tales from history into an evening-length performance that feels personal, contemporary, and politically relevant. A must see for anyone interested in American history or American music!” – Sara Swifter, Director, MAGMA, Gloucester, MA
For more information, please email [email protected]
Videos
Riddley Walker
Shows
Acton Senior Center
Tuesday, April 9 – 1pm
Cro-Magnon Blues: History and Legends through Song
30 Sudbury Road, Rear Acton, MA
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council,
a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Blandford Historical Society
Thursday, April 18 – 7pm
A Journey through the Roots of American Popular Music
2 North St, Blandford, MA
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Blandford Cultural Council,
a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Scranton Library – Johnson Community Room
Wednesday, April 24 – 6pm
A Journey through the Roots of American Popular Music
801 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT
Rochester Council on Aging – Veterans Social Group
Thursday, May 2 – 5pm
Popular Music and Veterans
67 Dexter Lane, Rochester, MA
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Rochester Cultural Council,
a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Beverly Seniors Center
Thursday, May 9 – 2pm
The Railroad in Song
90 Colon St, Beverly, MA
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Beverly Cultural Council,
a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
BATV
Wednesday, May 15 – 7pm
Popular Music and Veterans
390 Boston Rd , Billerica, MA
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Billerica Cultural Council,
a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Contact