Sustaining Roots Music is modeled after the incredible work of Tim and Denise Duffy and their organization, Music Maker Relief Foundation, which is celebrating its 30 year anniversary in 2024. MMRF supports aging roots musicians by organizing concerts and tours, aiding with the recording process, and providing financial support to artists who don’t have the means to perform or record anymore. MMRF recently began their work of creating a new recording studio in Fountain, North Carolina in an effort to revive the town and maintain a close proximity to a well known local artist, Freeman Vines. He and other legendary artists like Albert White, Jimbo Mathus, and more are featured in the pictures as well as mentioned within our audio recordings. In the photography and videography shown below, we aimed to archive the beginnings of MMRF’s new project and capture the essence of their dedication and accomplishment over the years. We hope you enjoy the attached oral responses by student leaders Sarah Zhang and Faith Obaigena, with assistance from our advisor and founder Charles Montague.