Our History
We treasure all the challenges, joy, triumphs, and growth that was shared with the artists we represented over the years. There have been many rewards to this life of hard work, not the least of which are the long-standing friendships which remain with those who we have worked with. Here is a quick overview of some Artists we have worked with. Look them up! Give them our love if you find yourself in contact with them!
Founded by Joann Murdock in 1984, Artists of Note has enjoyed a long and successful arts management career. For over 35 years, she provided exclusive booking services for a roster ranging from 8-15 artists each year. In keeping with her mission — to guide in the artistic growth and career success of a select roster of performers, and to expand the audiences for folk and traditional music and theater — Joann was a founding member of the North American Folk Music & Dance Alliance (now called Folk Alliance). She also servied as the Folk Alliance Treasurer for the first two years of the thriving organization, with a third year of service on their board of directors.
In keeping with the growth of the performing arts industry, the scope of Joann’s work as President of Artists of Note has changed in recent years. In 2017, she closed the exclusive-booking agency wing of her business. Artists of Note now manages the contract for the a Humanities Series in rural southeast Kansas, booking dozens of performer residencies every year. It is a one-of-a-kind community series which has been in continuous existence for over 48 years. Performers and speakers can learn more by linking to the Opportunities page on our menu. She also accepts special projects in publicity and promotion, graphic design, and special projects for Artists and arts Organizations.
Lee Murdock
Making folk music for the modern era, Lee Murdock’s work is an anthem to the people who live, work, learn and play along the freshwater highways of the Great Lakes. There is an amazing timelessness in this music. Lee has released over 23 CDs and 2 books since 1980, and he remains actively touring. Contact us for booking or other information.
Reggie Harris
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Mark Dvorak
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Mark Dvorak embodies the true American troubador, with his down to earth stage presence and his poetry and journal writing that reminds us of what the music means in our life. His influences include Frank Hamilton, c0-founder of the Old Town School of Folk Music
Dennis Stroughmatt et l'Esprit Creole / Creole Stomp
A vibrant blend of Celtic, Canadian and Old Time sounds, the music of l’Esprit Creole bridgesgaps between contemporary Canadian and Louisiana Cajun styles. Preserved by families in the Ozark foothills, the music remains largely intact and true to the traditions that have been passed down over three centuries.
Michael Peter Smith
Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him “the greatest songwriter in the English language.” A mainstay of our Artists of Note roster from 1989-2012, Michael was a musical genius. Mostly a solo performer, he was also big on artistic collaboration. Look for a rare CD “Just Plain Folk” with John McDermott (of the Three Tenors). Michael also performed frequently with his great friend Anne Hills, and Michael and his wife Barbara Barrow founded the group “Weavermania” with Mark Dvorak and Tom Dundee.
Michael Peter Smith
Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him “the greatest songwriter in the English language.” A mainstay of our Artists of Note roster from 1989-2012, Michael was a musical genius. Mostly a solo performer, he was also big on artistic collaboration. Look for a rare CD “Just Plain Folk” with John McDermott (of the Three Tenors). Michael also performed frequently with his great friend Anne Hills, and Michael and his wife Barbara Barrow founded the group “Weavermania” with Mark Dvorak and Tom Dundee.
Michael Peter Smith
Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him “the greatest songwriter in the English language.” A mainstay of our Artists of Note roster from 1989-2012, Michael was a musical genius. Mostly a solo performer, he was also big on artistic collaboration. Look for a rare CD “Just Plain Folk” with John McDermott (of the Three Tenors). Michael also performed frequently with his great friend Anne Hills, and Michael and his wife Barbara Barrow founded the group “Weavermania” with Mark Dvorak and Tom Dundee.
Michael Peter Smith
Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him “the greatest songwriter in the English language.” A mainstay of our Artists of Note roster from 1989-2012, Michael was a musical genius. Mostly a solo performer, he was also big on artistic collaboration. Look for a rare CD “Just Plain Folk” with John McDermott (of the Three Tenors). Michael also performed frequently with his great friend Anne Hills, and Michael and his wife Barbara Barrow founded the group “Weavermania” with Mark Dvorak and Tom Dundee.
Michael Peter Smith
Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him “the greatest songwriter in the English language.” A mainstay of our Artists of Note roster from 1989-2012, Michael was a musical genius. Mostly a solo performer, he was also big on artistic collaboration. Look for a rare CD “Just Plain Folk” with John McDermott (of the Three Tenors). Michael also performed frequently with his great friend Anne Hills, and Michael and his wife Barbara Barrow founded the group “Weavermania” with Mark Dvorak and Tom Dundee.
Michael Peter Smith
Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him “the greatest songwriter in the English language.” A mainstay of our Artists of Note roster from 1989-2012, Michael was a musical genius. Mostly a solo performer, he was also big on artistic collaboration. Look for a rare CD “Just Plain Folk” with John McDermott (of the Three Tenors). Michael also performed frequently with his great friend Anne Hills, and Michael and his wife Barbara Barrow founded the group “Weavermania” with Mark Dvorak and Tom Dundee.
Michael Peter Smith
Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him “the greatest songwriter in the English language.” A mainstay of our Artists of Note roster from 1989-2012, Michael was a musical genius. Mostly a solo performer, he was also big on artistic collaboration. Look for a rare CD “Just Plain Folk” with John McDermott (of the Three Tenors). Michael also performed frequently with his great friend Anne Hills, and Michael and his wife Barbara Barrow founded the group “Weavermania” with Mark Dvorak and Tom Dundee.
David Massengil
Making folk music for the modern era, Lee Murdock’s work is an anthem to the people who live, work, learn and play along the freshwater highways of the Great Lakes. There is an amazing timelessness in this music. Lee has released over 23 CDs and 2 books since 1980, and he remains actively touring. Contact us for booking or other information.
Anne Hills
Making folk music for the modern era, Lee Murdock’s work is an anthem to the people who live, work, learn and play along the freshwater highways of the Great Lakes. There is an amazing timelessness in this music. Lee has released over 23 CDs and 2 books since 1980, and he remains actively touring. Contact us for booking or other information.
The Special Consensus Bluegrass
Making folk music for the modern era, Lee Murdock’s work is an anthem to the people who live, work, learn and play along the freshwater highways of the Great Lakes. There is an amazing timelessness in this music. Lee has released over 23 CDs and 2 books since 1980, and he remains actively touring. Contact us for booking or other information.
Dr Kim Harris
Making folk music for the modern era, Lee Murdock’s work is an anthem to the people who live, work, learn and play along the freshwater highways of the Great Lakes. There is an amazing timelessness in this music. Lee has released over 23 CDs and 2 books since 1980, and he remains actively touring. Contact us for booking or other information.