In Memoriam: Dan Maher

Dan Maher on stage at the Spokane Fall Folk Festival

Daniel Thomas "Dan" Maher, a talented musician and radio host, captivated audiences across the Northwest for over four decades. He passed away on May 19, 2025, while under hospice care in Pullman, just shy of his 72nd birthday. Dan fought valiantly against liver cancer, which doctors discovered in January following a heart attack.

For 38 years, Maher hosted the weekly radio program "Inland Folk," sharing folk music with listeners of Spokane Public Radio and Northwest Public. He was a staple performer at the Fall Folk Festival for the past 20 years.

In addition to his radio career, Maher served as an advisor to the Associated Students of Washington State University (WSU) from 1980 to 2019, a role he held until his retirement. His passion for folk music was evident in his performances, concert promotions, and mentorship of young musicians. He loved presenting both traditional and modern folk music from Ireland, Scotland, England, and the United States, often engaging his audiences by inviting them to sing along to old and new choruses.

A gifted singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Maher recorded five albums, four of which are available through Bandcamp.com. His internet radio program, "Dan Maher's Good Road," will remain accessible indefinitely through 72 archived programs on MixCloud.com. The show will continue in Dan's spirit with his producer, Katrina Knight, at the helm.