Joel Mabus
The second performer to give a concert for the Ten Pound Fiddle, long-time supporter Joel Mabus gives his annual fall show to his many fans, friends and this, his folk music community. A very talented singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and political and music historian, Mabus is often mentioned as one of the finest folk music artists in the country.
Joel Mabus is a longtime fixture on the American folk music scene. Joel has toured the major folk music clubs and festivals all over North America, and has taught classes in guitar, banjo & songwriting at Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and California Coast Music Camp, as well as workshops at festivals from Boston to Vancouver. Born into a musical family in Southern Illinois, he now makes his home in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
Joel is probably best known as a seasoned performer, and for his songwriting and prowess on guitar (& other instruments). But he also brings to the stage his keen sense of storytelling and good humor. Every show is a unique experience.
In his long recording career, each of Joel’s 28 albums is a unique project, reflecting his varied interests and talents. His most recent are Lonesome Road – Songs of the Lost Generation (2025) and Time & Truth (2019).
Joel’s honors include being named to the Detroit Metro Music Awards Hall of Fame in the year 2000 (along with Aretha Franklin, Earl Klugh, John Lee Hooker & others)
“Joel Mabus is a free-ranging fretboard genius and funny, deep songwriter whose warm voice, sly humor, and musicianship sweep audiences along for the ride.” – Cornell Folk Song Society
“Joel Mabus is the Joe DiMaggio of the folk music world – a virtuoso who can make the toughest plays appear effortless.” -Ron Olesko of WFDU-FM (Fordham University, NYC)
“Joel Mabus — what a player! And a great songwriter, and another guy that can walk out there with just a guitar and hold an audience. And I love that about him.” -Jeff Daniels, actor & singer-songwriter
Live perf. of “Ukulele Crimes”
Live 3-song set professionally filmed at Kalamazoo History museum in 2021. “Sugar Babe”, “Sea Of Dreams” and “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”
Joel Mabus is a longtime fixture on the American folk music scene. Joel has toured the major folk music clubs and festivals all over North America, and has taught classes in guitar, banjo & songwriting at Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and California Coast Music Camp, as well as workshops at festivals from Boston to Vancouver. Born into a musical family in Southern Illinois, he now makes his home in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
Joel is probably best known as a seasoned performer, and for his songwriting and prowess on guitar (& other instruments). But he also brings to the stage his keen sense of storytelling and good humor. Every show is a unique experience.
In his long recording career, each of Joel’s 28 albums is a unique project, reflecting his varied interests and talents. His most recent are Lonesome Road – Songs of the Lost Generation (2025) and Time & Truth (2019).
Joel’s honors include being named to the Detroit Metro Music Awards Hall of Fame in the year 2000 (along with Aretha Franklin, Earl Klugh, John Lee Hooker & others)
“Joel Mabus is a free-ranging fretboard genius and funny, deep songwriter whose warm voice, sly humor, and musicianship sweep audiences along for the ride.” – Cornell Folk Song Society
“Joel Mabus is the Joe DiMaggio of the folk music world – a virtuoso who can make the toughest plays appear effortless.” -Ron Olesko of WFDU-FM (Fordham University, NYC)
“Joel Mabus — what a player! And a great songwriter, and another guy that can walk out there with just a guitar and hold an audience. And I love that about him.” -Jeff Daniels, actor & singer-songwriter
Live perf. of “Ukulele Crimes”
Live 3-song set professionally filmed at Kalamazoo History museum in 2021. “Sugar Babe”, “Sea Of Dreams” and “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”