This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
As our Song of the Week, we’ve chosen the poignant and heartfelt performance of “Face Your Life” by The David Mayfield Parade. This single was written by David Mayfield and his wife Jessie and was inspired by the poem If by Rudyard Kipling and the book 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson. In this live performance, you’ll hear David Mayfield on lead vocal and guitar, Keith Wallen on mandolin and harmony vocals, Ryan Wallen on resophonic guitar and harmony vocals, Steven Moore on banjo, and Graham Bell on bass.
This episode features the last of many appearances on the show by Jill Sobule, who we lost in May 2025. We dedicate this broadcast to her memory and to Jill’s many friends, family, and fans.
As always, Jill puts on a clinic in humor, wit, brains, and heart during this set.
Stephen KelloggThe David Mayfield ParadeJill SobuleMindy SmithCaleb Caudle & The Sweet Crittersguest host Conor Knighton
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On this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Conor Knighton joins us as guest host to welcome The Baseball Project, The Minus 5, Bob Mould, Chris Stamey, and Loose Cattle.
This week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded live at the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. Guest host David Mayfield welcomed Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, The SteelDrivers, Basia Bulat, The Wildwoods, and Taylor Rae.
Our Song of the Week is “Suitcase Song,” performed by stylistic chameleon Nellie McKay. Originally featured on Nellie’s 2004 debut album, Get Away from Me, “Suitcase Song” was rereleased on Gee Whiz: The Get Away from Me Demos, in 2025.
Our Song of the Week comes from Margaret Glaspy, a California-born, New York-based indie folk rocker and singer-songwriter. During her third appearance on Mountain Stage, she performed a handful of original songs and covers from her latest release, The Golden Heart Protector. Our Song of the Week is a stripped-down version of her original song “Get Back,” which appears on her 2023 album, Echo the Diamond.
