Q&A: Mac Potts
About Mac Potts: Sagecliffe Performing Artist
Early life
Mac Potts has been stunning crowds across the Pacific Northwest since he began his professional career as an entertainer at just 11 years old. Born totally blind, Mac began to tickle the ivories at 18 months old. A childhood prodigy, he studied the piano classically until he discovered rock-n-roll and began picking up the blues and saxophone with coaching from local artists. He soon began playing in blues festivals across the Pacific Northwest, Cincinnati, and Memphis performing solo, duo, with blues bands, and with local and national artists. His audiences ranged from a couple hundred to 20,000.
A fledgeling in the jazz music scene
Inspired as a young teen, Mac began traveling to New Orleans, Louisiana for the famed Jazz and Heritage Festival where he shared the stage with Harry Connick Jr., Dr John, Marcia Ball, and many more. For many years he traveled to New Orleans annually to headline at iconic restaurants and jam in clubs until dawn. His travels down south inspired his album, Crescent City Dreams.
At 16 years old, Mac discovered his soulful voice and found his niche as a cover artist — taking patrons’ requests from the 30th floor of Portland City Grill to the landmark Heathman Hotel. As a wedding musician, DJ, and dynamic (and hilarious) entertainer, Mac has shared his talent with fans in New York, Washington D.C., and the concert halls of Portland, Seattle, and Florida. A Ten Grands artist since 2011, Mac quickly became a favorite addition to the Portland-based show with his high-energy and engaging performances.
An American Idol
In 2019, Mac was a contestant on Season 2 of American Idol on ABC Network. After wowing Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, Mac received a Gold Ticket from the celebrity judges and advanced in the competition. In addition to music, Mac has been cast as himself in various unscripted viral videos — including “Kids Describe Colors to a Blind Person,” which has gained over 13 million views. Mac is also the business owner of Black and White Piano Tuning and services pianos across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
A new direction
After relocating to Lake Chelan, WA. in 2020, Mac weathered the pandemic with tunings and gigs far and few between. While live music was banned in Washington State, he counted on leading worship most Sundays and singing with his daughters to get him through. In 2021, Mac didn’t ease back into work, he dove headfirst into the Summer season playing 7-9 gigs a week at Lake Chelan’s best establishments. Mac works together with his wife as Worship Director for Lake Chelan Bible Church and is a proud father to his 3 young daughters, Aria, Siena, and Talia.
If you’d like to come and watch Mac perform on the 3rd and 25th of February at 6 pm, why not make a dinner reservation and make an evening or weekend getaway.