Mean Mary James

TICKET LINK | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mean-mary-james-sugar-maple-concert-series-tickets-1991244512941?aff=oddtdtcreator “The voice of a ragged angel combined with the banjo playing of the devil ... you will want to run away with her.” — No Depressio “Mean” Mary James, youngest of six children, was born in Geneva, Alabama, though her family lived in Florida, a couple of miles below the Alabama line. Her mom (author Jean James) and dad (WWII veteran William James) lived a very nomadic lifestyle. On one occasion, they packed up the family (Mary was four at the time) and moved from Florida to northern Minnesota, near the Canadian border, to rough it in the wilds. Award-winning musician/writer and fan favorite (over 30 million views on her YouTube videos), Mean Mary, literally grew-up in music. She evolved from a child prodigy who played for tips on the streets of Nashville (“startling talent” said the Tennessean) to a seasoned performer and headliner of over 4000 festivals and concerts (“the voice of a ragged Angel combined with the banjo playing of the Devil” says No Depression). Deering Banjos named her their Goodtime Ambassador, and Janet Deering describes her banjo playing as giving her “chills.” Equally versatile on guitar, fiddle, and 8 other instruments, Mary is known internationally for her lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals, and intricate story songs. As a high-energy performer that thrives on variety and as a songwriter that chooses unusual subject matters, anything from ghost pirates to demon guitars could romp through a Mean Mary show.