Episode 52: “Happiness is Our Backbone in A Difficult World with Michael Burt Jr.” Music by Todd Lowry

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast, we are talking with Michael Burt Jr., a dynamic American multi-instrumentalist, teaching artist, and composer living and working in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Michael is from a long line of teachers; both his mother and grandmother answered the call. For over 20 years, Michael has mentored young people in both public and private schools and currently teaches in the music departments at Nelson Mandela Charter School and Santa Fe High. In addition, his 2023-2024 Master Artist Workshop series introduced students to 'the body as keeper and origin of song' by way of an immersion into the rich traditions of blues music and original songwriting. You can hear Michael performing regularly at the historic La Fonda Hotel, Sky Railway Santa Fe, Meow Wolf, SITE Santa Fe, among other venues. Join us for this powerful episode in which Michael discusses how happiness is the backbone of being able to function in a difficult world, how blues music holds both the reality of hard times and the hope for better times, the ways in which music teaches us about the human experience, the importance of giving back, and so much more!