• 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.

Keweenaw and Playing Accordion with Danny, Danny, and Jim

By trae on Jul 11, 2012 | In General

Life of Lake Superior was an excellent program on Grand Island yesterday. Hopefully some photos will be forthcoming soon. Now, I'm in Houghton in the Keweenaw Peninsula getting ready for my performances and workshops at the Chassell Heritage Center just down the road. I happened to get some photos from the Beaver Island trip today (taken by Murphy Gillespie), and I thought I'd share one. 

One of the fun things I did while on Beaver Island is play the accordion with Danny Gillespie, Danny Johnston, and Jim Boynton for a couple of different venues.

From left to right are Jim Boynton (St. Ignace), Danny Johnston (Harbor Springs), myself, and Danny Gillespie (Beaver Island).

The three guys I'm standing with are each rooted in the traditions of Michigan and the Great Lakes and it is a pleasure to play with them. We performed in what could be called a "Polkabilly" style that had the crowds dancing and cheering for hours on end.

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