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.
Mountain Stage w/ Larry Groce has been named a Best WV Attraction in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards by USA Today.
The ten attractions that received the most votes are below. Thank you to everyone who voted, shared and voted again for Mountain Stage. We’re pleased to be ranked among such great company. Whether you’re from near or far, we encourage you to come see a live show sometime- we have seven shows on sale now-and it’s always fun to start with our partners at Wild, Wonderful West Virginia and The Charleston West Virginia CVB for help planning your trip.
The top ten winners in Best WV Attraction are as follows:
Update: Voting has officially closed in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and we thank all of you who continued voting for Mountain Stage as “Best WV Attraction.”
The results are due on Friday January 19, so keep an eye here at wvpublic.org, and be sure to follow Mountain Stage on social media, for more updates. No matter the results, we know and recognize all the incredible things our state has to offer, and we are proud to be nominated among such beautiful and historic attractions and locations.
A national media outlet has nominated Mountain Stage for its Readers’ Choice Award and you can help.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Mountain Stage with Larry Groce, heard weekly on more than 200 NPR stations around the country, is nominated for “Best WV Attraction” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The contest runs through Monday, January 15 and you can cast one vote daily.
“Our audience has always been, and will always be, an essential part of what we do at Mountain Stage,” said the show’s host and co-founder Larry Groce. “The state is filled with great attractions, so we’d love it if you would take this opportunity to help play a different role, by helping us get to the top of the leader board!”
Credit Courtesey of the Artist
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John Oats brings his Good Road Band to Mountain Stage in Morgantown, WV Sunday Januar 14.
Mountain Stage kicks off its 35th season in Morgantown, WV Sunday, January 14 at the WVU Creative Arts Center. Ticket holders will take part in a live music experience that will be heard across the country via our NPR stations and world wide via the Mountain Stage Podcast. You can also watch select performances via VuHaus.com and sample full sets at NPR Music.
Last year Larry Groce was named a “Southerner of the Year” by Southern Living Magazine, and you can listen to highlights from the program’s 34th season here.
This week, we’re revisiting a show featuring storytellers out loud in front of audiences. Folks like five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest, Bil Lepp. Also, musicians Anna & Elizabeth, whose storytelling used something known as a crankie. And, we’ll head to the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
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.
The WVPB News Department was honored with Overall Excellence in the Radio Small Market category. Us & Them, which is hosted by Trey Kay, was honored with Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the episode Us & Them: Black West Virginians With Substance Use Disorder Face Unique Challenges. Regional winners automatically move on to the national round for consideration.
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.