Pres. Donald Trump's Thursday campaign rally in Huntington is expected to draw thousands of not just Trump supporters from the tri-state area, but also…
Pres. Donald Trump’s Thursday campaign rally in Huntington is expected to draw thousands of not just Trump supporters from the tri-state area, but also protestors.
While the city doesn’t have any say in what goes on inside the event, they are responsible for what happens outside, where tensions could run high.
“West Virginians have been conned.”
Forty-two-year-old Amie Maynard is a Huntington native who says while she’s not a registered Democrat, she also didn’t vote for Donald Trump in the previous election.
Now that the president is coming to her hometown, campaigning for a re-election that’s still three years away, Maynard wants to send a message to her fellow West Virginians and the rest of the country.
“We want to let others know that though Trump did have a lot of support in West Virginia, at least around the time of the election, that not all of West Virginia supports him,” she said.
Maynard volunteers with West Virginia Women’s March and Tri-state Indivisible, two groups who have protested the Trump administration in the past and plan to do so again Thursday in Huntington.
City officials have spent just about a week preparing for the campaign rally at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
The venue that holds 9,000 people will handle what happens inside and on its front plaza, in coordination with the Secret Service, but what happens on the city streets surrounding the arena, that is up to the Huntington Police Department.
Credit Ashton Marra / West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Huntington Communications Director Brian Chambers, right, talks with a citizen about the upcoming Trump rally.
“Our police department has been working with the Secret Service, with various law enforcement agencies in this county and the surrounding region as well to make sure that the president’s visit goes very smoothly, that it goes efficiently, and that everyone from the rally attendees to the protestors are kept safe,” Brian Chambers, communications director for Huntington, said Wednesday.
Maynard said her groups expect anywhere from 20 to 300 protestors to join them at the 4 o’clock rally outside the arena.
They will gather in an area designated for them by the city police—on 3rd Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets—but Chambers said protestors will not be restricted to that area.
Posts on social media since the official announcement of the visit last week have called on Trump supporters to arm themselves against the protesters, with one post saying armed conservatives should “clear them once and for all, by any means necessary.”
Chambers said Huntington Police do not believe anyone will follow through with threats of violence, but officers have been participating in specialized training over the past several days to prepare for the event.
“We feel confident that there will be no incidences, but you always have to be prepared so that is the approach that we have taken,” Chambers said.
Credit Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo
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AP Photo
Pres. Donald Trump spoke with Boy Scouts at the National Jamboree on July 24, 2017.
Maynard also said she and her fellow protestors aren’t worried about the threats and are focused on promoting their stances that differ from the Trump administration.
The president’s campaign stop comes 10 days after Trump’s last visit to the state.
According to a recent Gallup poll, though, Trump’s approval rating is at 60 percent in West Virginia, the highest in the country. Nationally, his approval rating sits at 40 percent.
President Donald Trump is holding an early August campaign rally in West Virginia.Trump's campaign says the event is scheduled for Aug. 3 at the Big Sandy…
President Donald Trump is holding an early August campaign rally in West Virginia.
Trump’s campaign says the event is scheduled for Aug. 3 at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Trump held a campaign rally this week in Youngstown, Ohio. The president has been holding campaign-style events in friendly territory to escape Washington and recharge in front of crowds of boisterous supporters.
Trump was in West Virginia earlier this week to address the Boy Scouts’ national jamboree in a speech that was widely panned for its aggressive political rhetoric. The Boy Scouts’ chief executive apologized Thursday to scouting community members who were offended by the speech.
Water service has been turned off for more than 1,000 homes as the Huntington Sanitary Board has sent thousands of shut-off requests to West Virginia American Water as it pursues customers more than 30 days late on paying their sewer bill.
The Herald-Dispatch reports city communications director Bryan Chambers says the water company has acted on 1,252 of the nearly 4,000 requests sent since April and that 1,055 were sent June 28.
According to the city, the board has more than 22,000 accounts and those that are two months past due total nearly $894,000.
Board director Wes Leek says members approved a measure stationing an off-duty police officer at its office as customers have threatened service representatives, in addition to spitting at and punching the bulletproof glass they sit behind.
“It wouldn’t be considered commercially viable [as a traditional music venue]… and that’s what makes it unique.”
From West Virginia Public Broadcasting and A Change of Tune, this is 30 Days of #WVmusic, the interview series celebrating the folks who make the West Virginia music scene wild and wonderful.
And for today’s interview, we’re turning the focus from the artist to the venue, specifically non-traditional, do-it-yourself venues. From coffee shops to houses, DIY venues create transform unconventional places into unique spaces for artists to practice, create and flourish.
But how does a local band get themselves into a DIY venue? And how do these venues differ from more traditional spaces? We spoke to some of West Virginia’s popular DIY venues (including Huntington’s Porch Unplugged, Logan’s Hot Cup and Cleveland’s Jerry Run Summer Theater) to tell us what’s up with non-traditional venues, and why they are assets to the West Virginia music scene.
Credit Courtesy of the venue
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Senora May Childers performing at Porch Unplugged in Huntington, WV.
How does a DIY venue get started?
Some DIY venues start with happy accidents. As Huntington DIY music organizer Joe Troubetaris explains, “Porch Unplugged began on a humid June day in 2011. We had a monsoon thunderstorm and had to unplug all our equipment as fast as we could, and all the musicians ended up playing on the living room carpet as the audience gathered round. So we kept the name Porch Unplugged. My home never was intended to become a venue, but over time that what it is.”
Others, like Logan’s Hot Cup, found a home for DIY performances in their brick-and-mortar business. As owner Michael Cline explains, “The space we reside in served as many things over the decades, including a drug store and a gun-safe shop. Before I even opened Hot Cup a half decade ago in October 2011, I knew I wanted it to be a venue for all local art. Painting, music, comedy, literature, poetry… all of it.”
As for the Jerry Run Summer Theater in Cleveland, West Virginia, the venue was a Field of Dreams moment thanks to co-owners Dusty and Renee Anderson. “It was built on a shoestring budget with the vision of it being a space for live music. We opened in 2003, but it took Dusty over seven years to complete the project, from designing the space on paper, building a model, clearing the land, laying the foundation, framing, building and raises trusses, roofing and finishing/furnishing the interior.”
Credit J. Marinelli
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Kin Ship Goods often acts as a DIY venue in Charleston, WV.
What makes these performance spaces so special?
“Every venue is different,” says Porch Unplugged. “They are unique in their own way. Porch has all ages in performances from a beginner who is in middle school to a seasoned artist who has retired, and they are all sharing the same platform and telling their stories. It’s a good mixture of styles, talents and sounds.”
“The thing that separates us [from traditional music venues] is that, although our venue is a coffee shop, it’s deceptively large inside. We allow bands to bring their whole rig instead of requesting a stripped-down acoustic version. So gigs can range from people sitting and listening to a small acoustic act to a standing room-only, full-on rock gig.”
As for Jerry Run Summer Theater, “The physical building is a one-of-a-kind space with lots of rough lumber, recycled fixtures and vaulted ceilings. Theater seating, which has everyone facing the stage in a darkened room, puts the spotlight on the music makers with little audience conversation. Performers appreciate not being background music. Also, the fact that our location is relatively remote, far from any population center? That wouldn’t be considered commercially viable [as a traditional music venue], and that’s what makes it unique.”
Credit Courtesy of the venue
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Meet Hot Cup’s brew-crew.
How have the local communities reacted?
“It was more difficult when I first started than it is now,” says Porch Unplugged. “Neighbors didn’t like their parking space occupied or would call the authorities because they saw people hanging on the front porch. Over time, I made porch unplugged into a more acoustic, inside-the-home kind of venue to limit exposure. Now the neighbors come over and always love who they get to hear or see play. This part takes some time and a little learning to do it right.”
Credit Courtesy of the venue
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Jerry Run Summer Theater is located in Cleveland, West Virginia.
As for Jerry Run Summer Theater, “Neighbors, visitors to Holly River State Park, travelers to Webster County and folks from farther locales react positively to the different genres that we have, as long as they view the genre favorably or have an open mind toward something not in their comfort zone. A diehard bluegrass fan who did not ‘read the fine print’ and comes to a show like Iron & Wine or an Americana act may leave early. A country band with drums may not appeal to someone who enjoys acoustic folk. All in all, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, and Webster County natives often proudly bring visiting family and friends to the theater to catch a show.”
What are the values of a DIY venue? From money and music to time and location, the biggest value of a DIY venue is the sense of freedom, which allows artists to take their art to a level that a traditional venue might not allow. Hot Cup agrees: “Every form of music is welcome, as long as the lyrics aren’t bigoted or racist in any way. We don’t take a cut of the door money. Whatever the band collects at the door belongs to them. We truly just want local art to thrive. It’s not about the money for us.”
Credit Courtesy of the venue
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Porch Unplugged in motion.
As for Porch Unplugged, it comes down to three things: “passion, respect and love.” But more than musical food for the soul, there’s literal food for the stomach. “There’s always a potluck. Please bring food or drink you don’t mind sharing. Also, donate to the artists traveling.”
“Our philosophy is to help make life in our neck of West Virginia better by bringing live music to live ears in a space with good acoustics,” says Jerry Run Summer Theater. “Luckily, we do not have to depend on theater revenue to make a living. By keeping our overhead low (no AC or heat, doing a lot of the work ourselves or with family, etc.), we also keep our admission charge low, usually $5 and not more than $10.”
Credit Courtesy of the venue
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Anyone want to guess the age of Tyler Childers in this Hot Cup performance?
What kinds of acts can you expect at a DIY venue?
DIY venues act as springboards for eclectic acts to grow, so expect any type of music from anyone. As Porch Unplugged recounts, “A memorable moment was when an artist rode his bicycle on tour from Boston. His name was Leo Lydon, but we called him the Forest Gump for Music. Other favorite acts have included Coyotes in Boxes (with their CD release party), Jared Mahone, Michael McArthur, Frances Luke Accord, Christopher Vincent and Bradley Jenkins, just to name a few.”
“So many great local, regional, and national artists have given their best to our audiences on our stage,” says Jerry Run Summer Theater. “And they reaffirm our vision of having a welcoming space for live music. Two highlights of national significance include the evening that Jerry Douglas played dobro with his father John’s band the WV Travelers to celebrate his 80th birthday. And of course, that incredible 2014 show by Sam Beam/Iron & Wine, where he kept the audience spellbound while cameras captured the performance for his Dreamers and Makers are My Favorite People documentary.”
“Having Meet Me in the Matinee play is always a huge deal for us,” recalls the Hot Cup. “They draw a crowd, and those guys are so much a part of the Logan music scene. Other standouts are Tim Browning & The Widowmakers (Americana on steroids), The Big Bad (horror punk at its finest and most passionate), Let The Guilty Hang (the purest metal you’ve heard), The Jasons (think The Ramones, but literally all songs are about scenarios in the Friday the 13th film series, and the guys all wear Jason masks) and The Allegheny Ramblers (100% pure Appalachian folk and bluegrass played by awesome millennials). Tyler Childers also played here before he became a West Virginia household name.”
Credit Courtesy of the venue
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TipTop in Thomas is another location for DIY events.
And how can you get your band booked at one?
Don’t be afraid to reach out! Getting booked at a DIY venue is easier than it sounds. “I used to go to all venues, open mics from Charleston to Huntington and ask the artists if they would be interested in playing a house show,” says Porch Unplugged. “Now, artists Facebook or email me (porchunplugged @ gmail dot com), or a friend will let me know of an artist to contact to play.”
As the Hot Cup tells us, “It’s as simple as contacting the Hot Cup’s Facebook page, getting on the phone (304-752-6500) or the boss’s favorite way: in person.”
Just remember that to have fun with it. As Jerry Run Summer Theater explains, “Having your own take on a particular genre, original songwriting and good rapport with the audience are what draws us to a group. Having an in-person or phone conversation with a member of the band is how we meet most of our acts. Email and Facebook are not our preferred way, as you don’t really get a feeling for the personality of the band until you have a direct exchange. Once that connection has been made, then hearing them on YouTube or in a press kit/CD is a good way to appreciate their talent.”
Credit Courtesy of the venue
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Yep. That’s a lot of Jasons in one DIY venue / coffee shop.
How important is the West Virginia music scene to your venue?
“The WV music scene is our core,” says Jerry Run Summer Theater. “Although we do feature several out of state groups, the overwhelming majority of groups hail from the hills of West Virginia, be they Morgantown folk sisters Whiskey Victor, Charleston’s Carpenter Ants or Hacker Valley’s own bluegrass teen siblings Marteka & William.”
“I think the #WVmusic scene is important to every venue or DIY component because that means the community is supporting the music and the arts, which makes the area prosper,” says Porch Unplugged. “Our local community is continuing to grow with music, which helps impact the state. That’s why we’ve taken on the motto that Porch means ‘Passion on Real Community Harmony.’”
But let it be said that this line of work is not a moneymaker, which is why community involvement matters in booking, promoting and supporting DIY culture in these musical homes and businesses. “We would survive without the DIY performance component of Hot Cup,” says its owner. “I can’t even say it helps us that much financially, even if we might sell a few more coffees. But I want local artists to have a place to play and call home, especially in Logan, West Virginia. I had two goals when I opened Hot Cup over a half a decade ago: 1. Serve the most kick-ass coffee in the cosmos. 2. To shove a little class and culture down Logan’s throat, whether they knew they wanted it or not.”
Final words of wisdom?
“Play shows, reach out and follow-up,” states Porch Unplugged. And above all else, remember that small scenes are the seeds that grow into bigger ideas and opportunities. The next time you see your favorite band perform at a stadium, remember that they started out with this DIY work ethic.
Support for 30 Days of #WVmusic is provided by Kin Ship Goods, proud supporter of DIY music and the arts. Locally shipped worldwide at kinshipgoods.com.
Basketball hall of famer Hal Greer was born in Huntington on June 26, 1936. In the early ’50s, he was a standout guard at Huntington’s segregated Frederick Douglass High School. Coaching legend Cam Henderson recruited Greer to play for Marshall College—now Marshall University.
In 1955, not only did Greer break the color barrier at Marshall, he became the first African-American athlete to play for a traditionally white college in West Virginia and one of the first in the South. During his three-year career at Marshall, Greer scored nearly 1,400 points and posted an incredible 54-percent field-goal rate.
He went on to star in the NBA for the Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia ’76ers, leading the Sixers to a national championship in 1967. When Greer retired in 1973, he held the NBA record for most games played and ranked in the top ten in points scored and field goals made. He was later inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and named to the NBA’s list of the 50 greatest players in league history. In 1978, the city of Huntington renamed a major thoroughfare in Hal Greer’s honor.
“Every community is bound to bare some sort of sound and champion that, but it’s not as definite as it used to be.”
From West Virginia Public Broadcasting and A Change of Tune, this is 30 Days of #WVmusic, the interview series celebrating the folks who make the West Virginia music scene wild and wonderful.
And today’s interview is with a Huntington alt-rock band inspired by the glamour, grit and guitars of the New York music scene. This… is Shenanagram.
How did the band/act start playing music (when, where, why, etc.)?
We started this band in 2012. We all had been in varying bands together prior to forming this group, but as none of those ended up panning out, this project came together. We’re all from the Huntington/Barboursville area and have been friends with each other for some time, so it was a pretty natural formation.
Credit Tyler Cooper
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Shenanagram at Charleston’s The Empty Glass.
What bands have the Shenanagram-ers been in previously?
Orchard Avenue, Lights Out Lucy, Blank Pages and Huntington’s Scroungehound.
And where does the name Shenanagram come from?
A few of us were having drinks when one of us just blurted out the word, and I can’t even remember the context specifically. We liked it a lot more than our old name, so we were pretty eager to suggest the name change. It’s also nice having a name that’s not really a word. We’re easy to search on the internet and brand ourselves, so that’s convenient when trying to spread the word.
How has the band’s sound changed over time (if at all)?
It’s changed pretty drastically over the years. When we first started, we were much more in the vein of bands like Foo Fighters and The Black Keys. We sound incredibly different now. We are very influenced by a lot of New York bands like The Strokes, Television and other CBGB’s stuff. We’re also considering experimenting with electronic instruments in some of the newer material we’ve been working on, which is something we would’ve swore off when we started. I think the changes are exciting, and we’ve become a lot more open to the possibility of change as we’ve expanded our tastes.
Where has the band played in and around West Virginia?
We play mostly in Huntington, as two of us are in school and don’t really have the time to go out and venture much. We’ve played The V-Club, Press Club, Huntington Ale House, Bittersweet Coffeehouse, Blue Parrot, Empty Glass, Muncheez and a local house venue called the Cricket Cave.
Credit Veronica Quezada
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Shenanagram
What’s been the highlight of the band’s musical journey?
I think just having our first official release last year was a big step for us. Actually going into a studio and going through a more legitimate process than just recording stuff at our houses felt like we were doing something more than what we had been doing prior. I think it’s put us into the mindset that we can do something more with this.
Any advice for musicians just starting out?
Write constantly, be prepared to be fluid with changes and don’t fight them. Just get out there and enjoy yourselves.
What’s it like making music in West Virginia?
I don’t feel it has as big of an impact as in the pre-internet era. I think every community is bound to bare some sort of sound and champion that, but it’s not as definite as it used to be. Everyone has access to whatever music they’re keen on, so you’re not bound to the sound of your area. As far as the community itself goes, I think there are plenty of people who support the arts in the area, and I think that community is slowly growing as well, which is exciting.
Credit Sean Seaman
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Shenanagram
Do you feel held back by being in West Virginia? Or does it feel like a musically-supportive place?
I think the area is bound to foster certain sounds and really support the acts the fall within that. I don’t feel that we are necessarily aligned with that sound locally, but I don’t think it hinders us in any sort of major way as well. But we might fare a little better in the Morgantown/Pittsburgh area, where the alternative scene is a little more prominent.
What, in your opinion, needs to happen in the West Virginia music scene for it to move forward?
I think breaking down the barriers of localized scenes would help a lot. When I think of Morgantown, I think of alternative music. When I think of Huntington, I think of Americana/folk. So on and so forth. We live in the digital age where boundaries no longer exist in the fashion that they used to, so making the changes to reflect that would be beneficial to all varieties of arts across the state.
Support for 30 Days of #WVmusic is provided by Kin Ship Goods, proud supporter of DIY music and the arts. Locally shipped worldwide at kinshipgoods.com.
