Emily sits with Elaine Mack, artisanal baker and owner of Just Crackers based in Belfast, Maine. Indulge in an exuberance of recollection from this cellist, author and teacher as she shares the fascinating journey that led her to coastal Maine. Endearing anecdotes of the early years embarking on a professional cello career, palatable discoveries made across the globe teaching English and life here in the Pine Tree State, which ultimately informed a true calling ~ the purveyance of contemplative, hand-made creations of pure cracker bliss.

Links

Elaine’s sells her artisan crackers and biscuits Just Crackers at the United Farmers Market of Maine:

https://www.belfastmarket.com/

Elaine uses heirloom grains from Maine Grains to make her hand-milled crackers and treats:

https://mainegrains.com/

Explore: Mentioned in the episode, The Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine is a special event much looked forward to every year:

https://www.mofga.org/the-fair/

Explore: While not in print currently, this archival review from 2016 offers a rich description of Elaine’s first book Black Classical Musicians in Philadelphia:

https://www.artsjournal.com/sandow/2016/02/black-history-week-2-black-classical-musicians-in-philadelphia.html

Watch and Listen: The original 1946 film Instruments of the Orchestra, for which Benjamin Britten commissioned Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, a record that influenced Elaine’s childhood and career as a professional cellist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkwgihr1hMM

***

TMC’s theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers:

https://www.oshimabrothers.com/

Visit TMC’s website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for exclusive emails:

https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Follow TMC on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into each episode:

https://www.instagram.com/themaineconversationpodcast/