This week's premiere broadcast is a special episode of Mountain Stage, featuring a compilation of music from around the world performed by some of the most celebrated artists in their genres. This episode features performers such as June Tabor, Angelique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela, Beausoleil, Ali Farka Touré, Zakir Hussein, and many more.
LISTEN: Hugh Masekela Has The Mountain Stage Song Of The Week
Hugh Masekela performs on Mountain Stage during the Sterwheeler Regatta in 1989.Hugh Masekela / Mountain Stage Archives
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“Around the world it’s just a simple song.” – Mountain Stage theme, composed by Larry Groce.
This week’s premiere broadcast brings you music from all corners of the globe with a Mountain Stage special called “Around the World It’s Just a Simple Song.”
Our Song of the Week is by Hugh Masekela, the South African trumpeter and activist who performed the popular anti-apartheid song “Bring Him Back Home” (referring to Nelson Mandela) twice on Mountain Stage. First in 1989, and again in 1994.
This version is from the latter appearance recorded in Charleston, West Virginia, two days before Nelson Mandela was inaugurated president of his home country. Emotions ran high that night. Masekela lived in exile from 1960 – 1990, returning only after Mandela was released from 27 years in prison. Hugh left West Virginia the next morning, bound for Pretoria, to be present for Mandela’s inauguration. Hugh Masekela died in 2018.
This special episode also features performers such as June Tabor, Angelique Kidjo, Miho Hatori, Beausoleil, Ali Farka Touré, Zakir Hussain, and many others.
On this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, host Kathy Mattea welcomes John R. Miller, Cris Jacobs, Lindsay Lou, Jeffrey Martin, and Margo Cilker to perform at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, West Virginia.
On this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, host Kathy Mattea welcomes Southern Avenue, Driftwood, Elvie Shane, Melissa Ferrick and Jeff Plankenhorn.
On this week's encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, host Kathy Mattea welcomes her good friend and fellow country star Suzy Bogguss, French jazz guitarist Stephane Wrembel, folk duo Mama’s Broke, singer-songwriter Denitia, and performing songwriter couple Goldpine.
This week's encore broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded on the campus of West Virginia University (WVU) at the Canady Creative Arts Center. Joining us on this episode is Ruthie Foster, Charlie Mars, The Wandering Hearts, Fellow Pynins, Rebecca Porter and guest host David Mayfield.