From Sacramento to Arthur, Illinois, this journey was about more than music. It was about culture, trust, and human connection.

Legacy meets new tradition — when stories and songs keep traveling forward

Meghan ‘Mae’ McCoy alongside the great Tony Booth ( Aug 2025)

As an Asian American artist and cultural curator, I see every trip as both performance and research. In Illinois, I had the honor of opening for country legend Tony Booth, a musical hero with deep California ties ( Bucks Owens) . Standing on that stage reminded me that music is never just entertainment. It is a cultural conversation.

Before the big event in Arthur, our group also performed at a nursing home in the nearby town of Sullivan. That moment was just as meaningful as the main stage. Sharing music with residents, watching them light up, and bringing joy into a room that doesn’t always see live performance reminded me that giving back is at the heart of cultural work. It isn’t only about headliners and stages ,it’s about meeting people where they are and making them feel part of the story.

Arthur, Illinois, with its Amish roots and quiet warmth, welcomed me with open arms. Sharing a stage with Tony in a town where buggies outnumber cars reminded me how art dissolves boundaries and invites us to gather, listen, and understand.

What excites me is taking those experiences back to Sacramento. My passion is curating cultural programming that connects heritage, community, and place. Whether it’s drawing out-of-state acts, producing heritage festivals, or partnering with community organizations, I see Sacramento as a stage ready for even more cultural exchange.

Culture is not something we showcase, it is something we live. I’m grateful for this experience and eager to keep building. 

Event managers, cultural partners, tourism boards — I’d love to hear what kinds of cultural connections you’d like to see more of in Sacramento.