LISTEN: Judy Collins Has The Mountain Stage Song Of The Week

Join us for this week’s special encore episode of Mountain Stage, when two premier West Virginia arts and culture organizations join forces for an epic combination of orchestral and pop music.

This unique episode features the 70 plus member West Virginia Symphony, under the musical direction of Maurice Cohn. You’ll hear two career-spanning sets from folk music icon Judy Collins accompanied by the symphony, plus featured performances from our host Kathy Mattea, and modern composer and songwriter Gabriel Kahane.

Our own Mountain Stage Band members also enjoy symphonic accompaniment, as pianist Bob Thompson and vocalist Julie Adams perform alongside the symphony, with Adams’ featuring principal trumpeter David Porter.

Our Song of the Week is “Michael from Mountains” sung by Judy Collins. The song was written by Joni Mitchell and released on Collins’ 1967 landmark album Wildflowers.

Collins’ remarkable career has spanned more than five decades. The singer-songwriter has released over 50 albums, including Spellbound, which was released in 2022. As you will see and hear, Judy Collins remains sharp and poignant, professing to the audience that “84 is the new 27!”

On this episode, you’ll also hear songs from the WV Symphony, host Kathy Mattea, Gabriel Kahane, plus Mountain Stage pianist Bob Thompson, and our vocalist Julie Adams.

Join us starting Friday, Aug. 23 on these public radio stations to listen to the entire two-hour episode. Like what you hear? Make sure you are signed up for the Mountain Stage newsletter so you can join us in person!

*This episode will be heard on broadcast only and will not be made available for streaming or download.