Maury Finney spoke with Phil McKenzie about our Good Vibrations exhibit and his musical background. Originally from rural Kittson County Minnesota, Maury Finney grew up with music dominating his family’s focus. Dorothy, his mom, was a talented piano player and had been raised in a family of musicians herself. His dad George was a saxophone player and Maury followed in his footsteps at a young age. In his teens, he was hired by a local band leader to fill in for the regular sax player who was forced to take time off to have his teeth fixed. When the sax player returned, Maury remained in the band, gaining invaluable experience by playing alongside seasoned musicians. Those early gigs proved life changing as he developed his talent in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. 

With his brother Allen, Maury formed a rock and roll band called The Charms. The band recorded a record and developed a large following, playing venues throughout the local area from Winnipeg to Fargo. In addition to his music career, Maury enjoyed working in electronics with music. He and his wife Faith owned Maury's Tv and appliance business in East Grand Forks and later opened a recording studio.

n 1976 Maury recorded the song “Maidens Prayer” for Soundwaves Record Co. of Nashville, which began his country music career with nationwide success. Between 1976 and 1977, he charted the most instrumental songs of any country music artist. In 1977 and 1978, Maury was named “Top New Instrumentalist” by the three leading music reporting magazines -- Billboard Music Week, Record World, and Cashbox magazine. He charted twelve times on the Billboard country singles charts. Later, he organized a 7 piece band called Reedsong Music Company, which included family members. Maury was inducted into Minnesota’s Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2007. 

Maury is featured in the Good Vibrations along with the late Little Bobby Houle and other area musicians. He and Little Bobby Houle performed together at numerous venues. Maury shared, “it was a magical time when I became Little Bobby’s saxman at several of Bobby’s shows at casinos, Bluesfests, and many city celebrations. It was a blast playing with such a professional and talented songwriter, guitarist, and great Blues singer. Little Bobby’s passing has left a hole in my music life.”

 Maury continues to perform in the northwest Minnesota area and sometimes in Florida, with blues bands, on his own, and when other opportunities arise and he still thoroughly enjoys it. Listen to the conversation to learn more and stop by the exhibit!

Crookston Artist Sarah Pester spoke with Phil McKenzie about her artwork and her current exhibit Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” at the Historic Fournet Building in Crookston. Sarah is a painter and a yoga instructor. She discussed her background and philosophy, how she came up with the title of the exhibit, her process, and much more! She’s offering 2 yoga classes at the exhibit — Art in Motion on Feb 17 and March 3. There’s an Artist Reception on March 19 at the Fournet that is open to everyone.

Robert Blair Ndondo-Lay is a Minneapolis-based filmmaker, educator, and program administrator at FilmNorth. In addition to facilitating FilmNorth’s outreach and professional development efforts—engaging education and industry partners, media artists, and students — he administers the McKnight Media Artist Fellowship Program, which supports independent media artists living and working in Minnesota. Four fellowships of $25,000 are awarded every year. These fellowships are unrestricted (not project based) and, in addition to the funding, they offer recognition and educational opportunities. These fellowships are for filmmakers; writers and directors in film, television, and streaming; interactive and virtual reality creative artists; and other media artists (including but not limited to radio, podcasters, narrative-based storytellers) who are beyond emerging and have a history of sustained work (not for beginning artists).

Robert’s professional background includes contributions to prominent film and television organizations such as Verve Talent & Literary Agency, Imagine Entertainment, IMAX, and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Since joining FilmNorth in 2023, Robert has developed and managed more than a dozen programs that support filmmakers at every stage—from emerging voices to established artists. His work includes workforce training, fellowships, youth media education, and industry mentorship, all aimed at expanding access for underrepresented artists and strengthening the region’s creative ecosystem.

Applications for the McKnight Media Artist Fellowships open this year on February 2 and the deadline to apply is March 23. https://filmnorth.org/filmmaker-support/mcknight/

Robert is open to offering feedback and other assistance for fellowship applicants. Listen to hear more of the fellowships, information about the application process, and much more!

Fosston Visual Artist Ivy Bailie paints in watercolor, acrylic and oil with a focus on nature. She offers winter art classes, creates art that people can buy as gifts, does commissions, and she provides framing services. Ivy is a frequent entrant and award winner in our annual exhibit. Additionally, she’s listed in our Artist of NW Minnesota booklet. She recently received a grant from the NWMAC to purchase a high quality, sturdy tent system for festivals. Listen to hear details!