In October 2012, Simon Arcache and Raphael Evrard arrived in Hillsborough, NC. Two young Frenchmen, both from the south of France, came to the US looking to meet their musical heroes. When they arrived, they found an apartment next to Ironing Board Sam – mission accomplished! They moved in and began to work for Music Maker. Over the next several months, they came under Ironing Board Sam’s tutelage, learning from Sam’s broad musical vocabulary.  In time, they became Sam’s guitar and bass and gigged with him on several festivals and club gigs.   Throughout Ironing Board Sam’s over 50 years in music, he has mentored countless musicians. In the 1960’s, Sam would hypnotize his drummer George every night before performing so he could keep up with Sam’s quick tempos. While living in Nashville in the early 60’s, Ironing Board Sam’s stage performance was inspiration to a young Jimi Hendrix. Taking a trip through New Orleans, where Ironing Board Sam spent 30 years, it is impossible to find a performer that hasn’t been imprinted by the wonder of Sam’s magical presence.