This week, too often, people with mental health challenges or substance use disorder wind up in jail. But crisis response teams offer another way. Also, changes to the Endangered Species Act could benefit big business. They could also kill animals like the eastern hellbender. And, in troubled times, a West Virginia writer says to find peace in nature.
Mountain Stage w/ Larry Groce has announced three live shows for May in Charleston. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show, available today on MountainStage.org, by phone at 877-987-6487, locally at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston and also at the upcoming live shows.
On Sunday, May 1, Mountain Stage will record episode #869 at the Culture Center Theater on the State Capitol Grounds, 1900 Kanawaha Blvd., Charleston. The show (which will be heard on over 150 NPR Stations nationwide later this year) will include the return of folk trio The Wood Brothers, whose latest release Paradise was recorded at The Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye studio in Nashville. Check out their recent performance with Dobro master Jerry Douglas (whose West Virginia and Mountain Stage roots run deep), and make sure to sign-up for our email newsletter to find out who will join The Wood Brothers on this May 1 show.
On Sunday, May 8, Mountain Stage will return to its home at the Culture Center Theater to record episode #870. The show will include California troubadour Brett Dennen, who returns to the Mountain Stage for the fifth time with a new record (and perhaps a new bottle of Dennen Wines) in tow. Check out his last performance on the Mountain Stage below.
Joining him on May 8 is Portland soul singer Liz Vice, whose music has been described by one NPR Music contributor as having “a satisfying sound that pulls from Motown roots and offers a hopeful message.” Who will join Liz on this May 8 show? Follow and find out on social media.
And on Sunday, May 22, Mountain Stage will record episode #871 at the Culture Center Theater with wry-witted Texas songwriter Hayes Carll, whose recent work with Mountain Stage alum Lee Ann Womack has led to a 2016 Grammy nominee for Best Country Song. We’ll announce more acts for this show in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, check out his recent performance on KUTX.
Our Song of the Week comes from the legendary jazz fusion band, best known for their 70s era records with the great pianist Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters. “Watermelon Man” was written by Hancock and was first released in 1962. On this live recording, you’ll hear Michael Clark on drums, William Summer on Vocals and Percussion, Donald Harrison on Saxophone, Shea Pierre on Piano, and Chris Severin on bass.
“Around the world it’s just a simple song.” – Mountain Stage theme, composed by Larry Groce.
This week’s broadcast brings you music from all corners of the globe with a Mount...