R&B musician Ironing Board Sam will be taking the stage at the Mars on Saturday. This show will be the fifth in a series of six concerts at the Mars Theatre in support of American Roots and Blues Artists through the Music Maker Relief Foundation.

The Music Maker Relief Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, was founded to preserve the musical traditions of the South by directly supporting the musicians who make it — ensuring their voices will not be silenced by poverty and time. Music Maker gives future generations access to their heritage through documentation and performance programs that build knowledge and appreciation of America’s musical traditions.

By targeting their programs to serve the most vulnerable musicians, those 55 years and older with incomes under $18,000 a year, they are allowing these musicians to develop their talents, stage shows, record their works, inspire their community and focus on their music.

After playing professionally for more than 55 years, Ironing Board Sam has amassed a repertoire of both originals and classic blues and R&B songs. In his heyday, Ironing Board Sam was nearly a total obscurity — working in local scenes around the South, rarely touring and recording sporadic singles.

Born Samuel Moore in Rock Hill, S.C., in 1939, he earned the name Ironing Board Sam when, lacking a stand for his electric organ, he mounted it on an ironing board.

Sam moved around the country from Memphis, to Chicago, Iowa, Los Angeles and back to Memphis. There he invented his “button board,” two keyboards in one. His creation sounded like a B3, piano, guitar and bass all-in-one. Sam never had to worry about anyone playing his instrument; no one could ever figure out how it worked.

For tickets and more information visit www.marstheatre.com. Tickets are $20.