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We speak with Ron Flanary, co-author of "Big Emma," a book that explores the story of a powerful steam locomotive that hauled passengers, freight and coal in eastern Kentucky. Also, state officials want to keep the public informed about the launch of new rural health programs.
Balsam Range were named the 2018 Entertainers of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association.Brian Blauser/ Mountain Stage
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Award-winning bluegrass group Balsam Range made their first appearance on Mountain Stage last March with songs from their newly released album Aeonic. Our Song of the Week, “If I Needed Someone,” finds the band blending bluegrass with The Beatles, which helps explain why the band was awarded the prestigious “Entertainers of the Year” at the 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s awards and honors.
Credit Brian Blauser/ Mountain Stage
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Gathering for the finale song are members of Yonder Mountain String Band, Balsam Range, Oh Pep!, Le Poules a Colin and Peter Case.
You can hear the entire set from Balsam Range, as well as sets from jam-grass innovators Yonder Mountain String Band, Australian roots-pop group Oh Pep!, plus Quebec’s Les Poules à Colin (now known as Rosier) and alt-folk luminary Peter Case, on this week’s encore episode of Mountain Stage.
The spring broadcast season of Mountain Stage kicks off this week with the premiere of our 42nd anniversary show, recorded in December of 2025. On this episode, host Kathy Mattea welcomes The Bacon Brothers, Rose Cousins, Shawn Camp, Mark Erelli, and Tessa McCoy & The State Birds.
On this West Virginia Week, the state budget is headed to Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a statewide public camping ban bill moves forward, and Inside Appalachia visits Good Hot Fish.
On this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, host Kathy Mattea welcomes Dan Tyminski, Darrell Scott, I Draw Slow, Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert, and Jacob Jolliff Band. This episode was recorded live at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV.