There’s a style of singing in bluegrass and traditional music that’s rooted in the music of Primitive and Old Regular Baptist churches, places where singers like bluegrass legend Stanley were raised. On a recent episode of Inside Appalachia, reporter Zack Harold introduced us to a woman who helps keep this sacred tradition alive.
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.
This week's premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded live at the Canady Creative Arts Center on the campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Host Kathy Mattea welcomed SHADOWLANDS feat. S. Carey and John Raymond, Tae & The Neighborly, Damn Tall Buildings, Erin McKeown, and Ken Yates.
We have a conversation with Marshall University's Turning Point USA chapter president. We also learn about a recently released horror film shot near Huntington, and the population decline in central Appalachia that may be getting worse.
On this West Virginia Week, food banks face challenges as SNAP benefits are delayed and the government shutdown continues. Also, an influx of cash may help lift people in Mercer County up out of poverty. We also explore the roots of Halloween.