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This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.
Listen: Maia Sharp Has The Mountain Stage Song Of The Week, ‘Whatever We Are’
Maia Sharp (left) performing with Rissi Palmer (center) and Kathy Mattea on the Mountain Stage.Chris Morris/Mountain Stage
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Joined by the Mountain Stage Band, singer, songwriter and producer Maia Sharp has our Mountain Stage Song of the Week, “Whatever We Are,” a lament that appears originally on her recent album “Mercy Rising.”
Joining Sharp on backing vocals are Mountain Stage host Kathy Mattea and Rissi Palmer, who we’ll also hear on this week’s show.
Elsewhere we are treated to a set from southern soul singer and songwriter Rissi Palmer. We’ll hear from some of the finest songwriters to ever grace the Mountain Stage, the incomparable and witty Cheryl Wheeler, the poignant pianist, and producer Kenny White, plus sets from Lexington Kentucky-based modern soul outfit Joslyn & The Sweet Compression.
Rissi Palmer performing her brand of “Southern Soul” on Mountain Stage. Credit: Chris Morris/Mountain StageThe incomparable Cheryl Wheeler appears on Mountain Stage for the 9th time on this week’s broadcast. Credit: Chris Morris/Mountain StageLexington, KY based contemporary soul group Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, performing live on Mountain Stage. Credit: Chris Morris/Mountain StagePianist, producer, singer and songwriter Kenny White appears on Mountain Stage starting this Friday. Credit: Chris Morris/Mountain StageKathy Mattea rehearses before the doors are opened at Ohio University’s Memorial Auditorium. This week’s episode was recorded with the help of OU Performing Arts and our affiliate, WOUB. Credit: Chris Morris/Mountain Stage
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