The Earl Scruggs Center is excited to welcome Melissa McKinney, frontwoman of the Asheville-based band MAMA, to the stage for the November installment of Roots Music Revue. A singer, songwriter, and educator, McKinney brings a distinctive voice and a deep appreciation for the musical traditions that continue to shape the sounds of the American South.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, McKinney has made her mark in the regional music scene through her work with MAMA, a band known for its blues-inspired sound and engaging performances. Her music reflects the enduring influence of the blues, a genre whose emotional depth, storytelling, and rich musical traditions have helped shape generations of American roots music.
McKinney’s accomplishments with MAMA include an impressive second-place finish at the 2026 International Blues Challenge and a first-place win at the 2025 MerleFest Band Competition. These achievements highlight the band’s growing recognition and its ability to connect with audiences through its music.
Beyond the stage, McKinney is also an educator, bringing her passion for music to others and helping keep musical traditions alive for future generations. Her work as both a performer and teacher reflects the lasting power of music to tell stories, build connections, and bring communities together.
Experience Melissa McKinney at Roots Music Revue
On November 19 at 6 p.m., McKinney will join host Nicholas Edward Williams for Roots Music Revue, the Earl Scruggs Center’s live radio program celebrating the history and continuing evolution of Appalachian music. Recorded in front of a live audience, the series combines conversation, storytelling, live performances, and music from the house band to explore the people and experiences behind the music.
McKinney’s appearance offers an opportunity to learn more about her musical journey, her work with MAMA, and the influences that have shaped her sound. As the series explores the many threads that make up the region’s musical heritage, her perspective adds another voice to the ongoing story of American roots music.
Whether you’re a longtime blues fan, a lover of Appalachian music, or simply curious about the artists keeping roots music vibrant today, Roots Music Revue offers an intimate way to experience the stories behind the songs.
Join us Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina, for an evening of music, conversation, and discovery with Melissa McKinney of MAMA.
For tickets and additional information about Roots Music Revue, visit EarlScruggsCenter.org.
