Mountain Stage has a long history of presenting championship-worthy line-ups on Super Bowl Sunday. With this weekend’s big game around the corner, we thought we’d share a few sets that were recorded while much of the country was loading up on wings and lil’ smokies. Do you have any memories of attending a Super Bowl Mountain Stage show? Share them with us on Facebook or Twitter, and download a podcast to play while you’re prepping for kickoff. Also, keep an eye out for a true hero, a WV native, and the only living Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel “Woody” Williams flipping the coin!
Richie Havens – January 29, 1995
Super Bowl XXIX: Chargers vs 49ers
You could certainly call this a “Super” lineup. Folk music icon Richie Havens, who performed at Woodstock, was on a bill that also featured Taj Mahal, The Barenaked Ladies, and Rusted Root. Go ahead and read that again.
You can hear Richie Havens’ set via NPR Music, including signature songs like “Freedom” and Jackson Browne’s “Blood On A Wire,” which we posted following Havens’ death in April, 2013.
Carolina Chocolate Drops – February 3, 2008
Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs Patriots
The world will always cherish Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ half-time hit revue from this game. While that was happening, the trio known as the Carolina Chocolate Drops were making their first appearance on Mountain Stage, which is another performance we treasure. When you listen to this dynamic set you’ll hear a liveliness that is contagious, especially with their trademark cover of “Hit Em Up Style” which closes the set.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band – February 5, 2012
Super Bowl XLVI: Patriots vs Giants
Win or lose, this set from the deacons of New Orleans brass makes the perfect pre-game or post-game party music. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band have made eight appearances on our show since 1992, always bringing a fresh set of tunes and unmatched energy. This 2012 set features a staff favorite, “Trippin’ Inside The Bubble.”
Kathleen Edwards – February 3, 2013
Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens vs 49ers
Our starting lineup for Super Bowl Sunday in 2013 was full of MVPs: Our state’s favorite daughter (and upcoming Guest-Host) Kathy Mattea, outstanding songwriter Kim Richey (joining us April 22, on sale today), the first appearances by Shovels & Rope and the soulful rocker Bonnie Bishop, plus the remarkable Kathleen Edwards. It wasn’t long after this that Edwards left the world of touring, which makes this set of tunes from her landmark album “Voyageur” even more special.
Moments before her set, it was standing room only in the green room as many watched, entranced, by the half-time performance of Beyonce. After her first song, Edwards noted all the female talent on the bill that night, followed by a shout-out to “All The Single Ladies!” If her concept for the all-girl super-group Modern Beaver is ever realized, they’ve got a spot on our show.
Dierks Bentley -February 1, 2009
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers vs Cardinals
Country music star and Arizona native Dierks Bentley was in Charleston, WV making his second of three appearances on Mountain Stage the day his home-state’s Cardinals stepped onto the grand stage of the Super Bowl. While the Cards came up short in a nail-biter that night, Bentley’s album Feel That Fire was released two days after this performance- remember when albums came out on Tuesdays?- scoring the top spot of the Billboard Country Charts in its first week.
Just a few other artists who have performed on Mountain Stage on a Super Bowl Sunday are Justin Townes Earle (2014), Patty Griffin (2007), Amos Lee (2005), The Mavericks (2004), Buckwheat Zydeco (2002), Victoria Williams (2001) and Chuck Brodsky (1999).
Did you ever skip the watch party and check out some live music? Share your memories on social media, enjoy your Sunday, and come see us at a live show soon.