Life & Work with Martha Bassett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Bassett.

Hi Martha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in WV and came to NC for grad school in music at UNCG, and I ended up staying in the area. In the late 90s, I made a shift from classical music and started working regularly in a swing band (Martha and the Moodswingers), which led to jazz and Americana. I’ve been a gigging musician since. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My struggles are the same as any artist’s: earning a steady income…funding my projects…keeping the creative process moving forward. But I love the work and have never wanted to do anything else. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Along with my partner, Pat Lawrence, I produce The Martha Bassett Show, which is a two-hour live show that is presented twice a month at The Reeves Theater in Elkin, NC. It’s modeled in the style of an old-time radio show and includes live performances and interviews. I present nationally touring artists regional and local musicians, and my band and I collaborate with the guests. My goal from the beginning has been to host equal numbers of women, and we aim for diversity in general, of age, genre, race, sexual orientation, and gender. One of the things that sets us apart is that our organization is run by artists, and we try hard to extend the best possible hospitality to our guests and give them a truly special experience. The shows are live-streamed and recorded to edit for radio and podcast. We’re currently broadcast on 6 NPR and community stations, with coverage of central and western NC, central to eastern TN, and all of VA. It’s my goal for The Martha Bassett Show to reach national syndication, and we’re working hard to partner with NPR stations and sponsors to make that happen. I’m so proud of the team we’ve assembled, from our tech team to the house band…I’m working with an amazing crew. This fall marks the end of our 6th season. We’ll start up again in February 2024. 

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
During the pandemic, I began learning Portuguese and bossa nova guitar. I formed a group called Martha Bassett’s Quarteto Brasil. I’m passionate about that music and often include bossas on our show. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marthabassettshow.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthabassettshow/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marthabassettshow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMarthaBassettShow
• Other: marthabassett.com

Image Credits
Sam Schumacher