Welcome to my website, the place to find out about my music and work and a lot more. Thanks for visiting. Traditional music, storytelling, and cultural history are passions for me, and I love to get the opportunity to share. If you're interested in what I've been up to lately, check out my schedule. If you'd like to find out more about myself and my music, check out the "About" page. Make sure to check out my book Rosin for Breath: Reflections of a Traveling Fiddler and my album, For the Long Winter Nights. The book is a multi-genre collection focusing on the life of a traveling fiddler. The album is a joyful but also contemplative mix of fiddle tunes and song and contains both original and traditional Michigan / Great Lakes tunes and ballads. To preview tracks, purchase MP3s, or buy hardcopies of the album or book, visit the store.


  • A. Trae McMaken

  • The website of the Michigan / Great Lakes fiddler and storyteller.

  • "Trae McMaken astounded the audience . . . A terrific fiddler and singer he definitely is!" Beaver Island News on the 'Net.

    Sheer brilliance of style, executed in the most authentic, creative and passionate way possible. . ." "Trae’s 'performance,' actually his story-telling art, transformed the ordinary into extraordinary!" Linda Schweihofer, China Township Supervisor.

    Wonderful - Enlightening - Fun - Great Living History Lessons."
    "The combination of stories and music you present is a treasure."
    Joan Vinette, Michigan State University Extension Program, "Life of Lake Superior," Outdoor Education.

    "We were lucky to get you and your music, Trae. Wonderfully intricate and historic music."
    "You added the touches of goodness of character and fine music that Munising Bay Arts Festival really appreciates."
    Ramble G. Nichols, Munising Bay Arts Association.

    "Loved the songs + stories." Karen O'Brien, Atkins School, Bridgeport, Michigan.

    Read more reviews of Trae.

Photo update

By trae on May 24, 2013 | In General | Send feedback »

Currently, I'm having a great time hanging out on Edisto Island on the South Carolina coast with a group of storytellers. Here's the shot from the porch.

Here's a shot from the Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Dinner that I played for with Will MacMorran.

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 Soon, I'll be blasting up to Michigan. Cheers!

Springing into Summer

By trae on May 16, 2013 | In General | 1 feedback »

Hey Folks,

    The school year in Tennessee has finished up. I had fun teaching in East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Program while also furthering my work as a storyteller. I enjoyed working with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association as well as the National Park Service to do performances and workshops.

    I will be traveling back and forth a lot this summer between north and south. I'm happy to be doing some nice gigs in Michigan, including the Tall Ships Festival and the Eve Glen McDonough Folk School. I will also be doing a Michigan Tunes workshop at Midwest Banjo Camp, and I hope to have as much fun as last year and more. I'm always excited to hear about more potential bookings, all of which are adventures. Let me know!

     Tonight, Will MacMorran (Of the Celtic rock band 7Nations) and I will be playing a dinner concert in Kingsport, Tennessee, and then it will be to the road for me shortly to enjoy a bit of travel and R&R. 

Happy Springing into Summer

Trae

Resurrection, Springtime, and a Playlist

By trae on Apr 1, 2013 | In General | Send feedback »

Well, by my counts, it is officially Spring! Happy Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! If it weren't for Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, verified in my life through healings and freedom, I would probably not be getting to share my music, stories, and life with you all.  Thank You, Jesus, for giving me freedom, joy, and so much peace! He is risen! He's alive! And with Him I live!

There is now a YouTube Playlist of videos of my favorite videos of me playing music.  To go to the whole playlist to select from the videos, go here:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Pamx4sldDP7P5buLfGzlGGQrsR_4xLy

Or if you'd rather watch them all in a row, click below. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ... 22 >>