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 new 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.
In the mood for some great late night jams? Look no further than this weekend’s pair of “Mountain Stage After Midnight” performances, broadcast from 1am-5am Saturday and Sunday mornings here on West Virginia Public Radio. It’s all part of the improved radio schedule that we know you’ll appreciate, and we’re excited to be sharing the best memories from Mountain Stage’s 31 year history with our late night listeners. Each week, we’ll hand-pick two of our favorite episodes and they’ll alternate order each night.
Here’s what is in store for you Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13 on “Mountain Stage After Midnight.”
First, an episode from October 2000 featuring Irish folk supergroup Solas, American banjo player Alison Brown, Canadian folk band The Paper Boys, singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, and rootsy group Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks. We taped this show in “the other Charleston” (in South Carolina).
Next, you’ll hear an episode featuring the late/great Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, American folk/blues artist Chris Smither, blues singer Tracy Nelson, Canadian guitarist Sue Foley, and California singer Chuck Prophet.
Credit Brian Blauser / Mountain Stage
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Sue Foley and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown performing on Mountain Stage in 2000.
Do you have a Mountain Stage performance in mind that you’d love to hear overnight weekends? Give us your recommendations on the show’s Facebook and Twitter.
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This week’s Inside Appalachia features storytellers from around the region, including author, television host and five-time West Virginia Liars Contest winner Bil Lepp. Here he is back in 2019, telling a story during a Mountain Stage performance at the West Virginia Culture Center.
Appalachia is home to many types of music: Old-time and bluegrass, of course, but also rock and hip hop, Americana and jazz, metal and hardcore — and dungeon synth. In fact, that genre, which spun out of black metal, will be showcased outside Whitesburg, Kentucky this weekend, June 13 and 14, at Appalachian Dungeon Fest.
Our Song of the Week is “The False Lady,” performed by Dublin-born singer-songwriter and guitarist John Doyle and Manchester-born flute, whistle, and uilleann pipes maestro Michael McGoldrick.
On this West Virginia Morning, Appalachian music comes in all kinds. Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams spoke with Mason Salomeini, organizer of electronic music celebration Dungeon Fest.
