Mountain Stage Archive Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Listen: A Classic from Bill Monroe for Our Song of the Week

This week’s episode is a special called “The Class of ’89,” featuring notable performances from that landmark year in Mountain Stage‘s history.

Our Song of the Week is by the Father of Bluegrass Music himself, Bill Monroe, and his 1989 version of the Blue Grass Boys. Here’s the bluegrass classic “Uncle Pen,” recorded on May 21, 1989 in Charleston, W.VA.

Hear this song as well as other rare performances from the likes of Dr. John, Lucinda Williams, Mose Allison, Rick Danko & Garth Hudson, June Tabor, New Grass Revival and many others, on this week’s special edition of Mountain Stage.

Find a station in your area and tune in to this week’s episode.

Be sure to follow along on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for periodic updates and more musical performances.

R.E.M. to Include 'Mountain Stage' Performance on Upcoming Release

R.E.M. made a historic visit to Charleston, WV on April 28, 1991 to perform on Mountain Stage. Now, 25 years later, the music is being commercially released for the first time as part of an expansive reissue of the band’s critically acclaimed album “Out of Time.” The Mountain Stage recording will make up the third disc of the four-disc “Deluxe Edition.” Due in stores November 18, the multiple packages are available for pre-order now. Stay tuned to West Virginia Public Broadcasting on air and online for more about our plans to celebrate this anniversary and the ‘Out of Time’ release.

News of the delux reissue has already prompted highlights from RollingStone.com, Billboard and Pitchfork.

Here is the media release from R.E.M. HQ. Info on each version is below.

August 25, 2016- R.E.M. Announce 25th Anniversary Reissue Of ‘Out Of Time,’ Out November 18th Via Concord Bicycle

Includes Unreleased Demos, Rare Live Performance, Blu-Ray Versions Of Music Videos, ‘Time Piece’ Promo Film and more

“Arguably Their Most Important Record” (Pitchfork)

A quarter of a century after ‘Out Of Time’ helped break alternative music into the American mainstream and turned R.E.M. into a worldwide phenomenon, the band have announced a special 25th Anniversary Edition, out November 18th via Concord Bicycle.

‘Out Of Time’ will be released in three different formats. The 2 CD Set will include a remastered version of the original album alongside demo versions of every album track, as well as demos for two non-album b-sides and a previously unreleased song. The 3 LP Set will include remastered vinyl versions of the original album and the demos. The 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of ‘Out Of Time’ will include 4 discs, featuring the remastered album, demos, recordings from the band’s performance at Mountain Stage in 1991 (a rarity for the time, as the band did not tour to promote ‘Out Of Time’), and a Blu-Ray disc with hi-resolution audio and 5.1 Surround Sound versions of ‘Out Of Time,’ all of the music videos from the album, and the 1991 electronic press kit ‘Time Piece,’ featuring in-studio footage, exclusive performances and more. All versions will feature extensive liner notes by Annie Zaleski featuring interviews from all four band members and producers Scott Litt and John Keane. Full details below.

The demos, recorded at John Keane Studio in early 1990 and featured on all versions of the ‘Out Of Time’ reissue, provide key insight into the band’s creative process: from early instrumental passes to versions of “Losing My Religion” and “Texarkana” with different lyrics, and even a version of “Radio Song” that features a rare moment with drummer Bill Berry on lead vocals for a verse. While recording them, it was clear to Keane that R.E.M. were “at their peak in terms of creativity.”

By 1991, R.E.M. (Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe) had amassed a sizable following in the United States, but ‘Out Of Time’ brought the Athens, GA band unprecedented global recognition. It was the group’s first album to top both US and UK charts, selling 12 million copies worldwide, and garnered 7 Grammy nominations, including wins for Best Alternative Music Album, Best Short Form Music Video (“Losing My Religion”), and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (“Losing My Religion”).

Instant classic songs like “Losing My Religion,” “Shiny Happy People,” “Near Wild Heaven,” and “Radio Song” broke new ground, artistically and commercially. Reviewing ‘Out Of Time,’ Rolling Stone simply said, “This may well be America’s best rock & roll band.” Earlier this year, Pitchfork called the album “arguably their most important record,” while Time Magazine named ‘Out Of Time’ one of its All-Time 100 Albums, saying it contains “ethereal beauty rarely heard on a rock record.”

PRE-ORDER ‘OUT OF TIME’- 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION:
4 Disc Deluxe Edition: https://rem.lnk.to/OutOfTimeDeluxe
2 CD Edition: https://rem.lnk.to/OutOfTime2CD
3 LP Edition: https://rem.lnk.to/OutOfTime3LP
iTunes:  https://rem.lnk.to/OutOfTimeDigital

Three Reasons to Get ALL ACCESS from Mountain Stage tonight

UPDATE: ALL ACCESS tickets have sold out. If you haven’t purchased a ticket or reserved a seat but would like to participate in cocktail hour and the silent auction, a suggested donation of $50 is requested. If you can’t attend and would like to make a donation, simply click here.

Mountain Stage is hosting “ALL ACCESS,” a fundraiser to benefit the Mountain Stage Digital Archive Project. ~~Tickets are still available, but seating is limited.~~

Money raised will go towards digitizing, indexing and building a web-portal where the world will be able to hear all 800+ episodes of Mountain Stage. Everyone who attends is helping build the digital archive of over 2,000 hours of unique, exciting live performances.

But, here are three additional reasons to be there:

1. Limited Edition Larry Groce Bobblehead

ALL ACCESS attendees will get the first chance to purchase the highly anticipated Larry Groce bobble head. We have extremely limited quantities, they’re all hand-numbered and Larry has signed each one.

2. The Mountain Stage Ale

You can be one of the first to try our namesake brew from our friends at the Charleston Brewing Company. A blend of citra and mosaic hops, this crisp refreshment is the perfect compliment to some live music, which will be provided at ALL ACCESS by long-time Mountain Stage pianist Bob Thompson and our very special guest, Tim O’Brien.

3. Silent Auction With One-of-a-Kind Memorabilia

There will be a silent auction with one-of-a-kind memorabilia from some of our long-time friends, including R.E.M., Billy Bragg, Kathy Mattea, Brett Dennen, Del McCoury, Ani DiFranco, The Indigo Girls, Nellie McKay and more. Other items include a house-concert with Larry Groce and a free recording session at the home studio of Production Manager Paul Flaherty.

Still need convincing? How about the elegant Italian buffet provided by Cafe Cimino Country Inn, the renowned dining and bed & breakfast destination in beautiful Sutton, WV? You’ll be able to enjoy one of Charleston’s most beautiful views from the Sunrise Mansion, now the offices of Farmer, Cline & Campbell PLLC.

If you’re unable to attend, you can contribute to this project anytime just by clicking here, and making a gift through our secure server.

This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Hope to see you this Saturday.

Mountain Stage Archive Project: Sharing 30 Years of Great Performances

Bill Lynch has a big story in the Charleston Gazette about the Mountain Stage Archive, and the fundraiser for it coming up on May 17.

Here’s how he describes the archive in the article:

“Turn ‘Mountain Stage’executive producer Adam Harris loose in the show’s archives and the 30-year-old turns into a total fan.

“He almost can’t stop pulling tape cases off the shelves or picking through boxes to look at things.

“It’s kind of fascinating to watch.

“In 2005, when Harris first joined “Mountain Stage” as an intern, one of his first tasks was to organize the cardboard boxes of tapes and assorted material the live stage and radio program accumulated over the years. Now, he’s trying to do that again.

“Only this time, he wants to make sure the recordings, some 2,000 hours’ worth, are organized, cataloged and protected from the elements forever.”

It’s worth reading the whole article here: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20140510/GZ05/140519923#sthash.87GpOvYz.dpuf

~~And there’s still time to get tickets to our ALL ACCESS party and fundraiser for the archive: http://wvpublic.org/post/mountain-stage-having-party-and-youre-invited~~

West Virginia Public Broadcasting Receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) acting chairman Joan Shigekawa announced today that West Virginia Public Broadcasting is one of 886 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting is recommended for a $30,000 grant to support digitizing 30 years of Mountain Stage programs into a consistent and accessible format for all audiences.

Download the Word document

The NEA grant will provide the seed money for a multi-year effort that will preserve approximately 2,000 hours of music as a comprehensive, searchable, digital archive that will be accessible to all audiences through web and mobile application.

“The NEA is pleased to announce that West Virginia Public Broadcasting is recommended for an NEA Art Works grant, said Shigekawa. “These NEA-supported projects will not only have a positive impact on local economies, but will also provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the arts, help our communities to become more vibrant, and support our nation’s artists as they contribute to our cultural landscape.”

Called the Mountain Stage Digital Archive Project, more than 800 program episodes will be transferred from five different formats: reel-to-reel tape, DAT tape, mini disc, CD, and hard drive to digital. The total cost for the project is estimated to be more than $100,000 and take up to three years to complete.

“This grant will be the foundation for saving these unique, irreplaceable performances by musicians from all over the world,” said Scott Finn, executive director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. “It’s important that these recordings are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“It will take a lot more effort and fundraising to make this project a success and we are grateful to the NEA for giving us a solid start,” Finn said.

A fundraising event is planned for May 17 and proceeds from the Paul Fox Memorial Golf Tournament on May 26 will also benefit the project. In addition, individuals may donate to the Mountain Stage Digital Archive Project any time by clicking the “Donate Now” button of the Mountain Stage website at MountainStage.org.

Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancement of the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,515 eligible applications under the Art Works category, requesting more than $76 million in funding. Of those applications, 886 are recommended for grants for a total of $25.8 million.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting tells West Virginia’s story through high-quality programming and services including West Virginia Public Radio, West Virginia PBS, Mountain Stage^®, wvpublic.org and Ready To Learn^®.

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Tori Amos Covers Nirvana on 1992 Mountain Stage Performance

On Thursday April 10 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted seminal grunge rockers Nirvana into its 2014 class. The next morning the internet was abuzz about the female-led performances that honored the group’s late front-man Kurt Cobain(1967-1994). Reunited Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic were joined on stage by Joan Jett, Kim Gordon, St. Vincent and Lorde to pay homage to the late grunge-music icon.

So we’re taking this moment to look back on a performance- recorded two years prior to Cobain’s death- that Mountain Stage host Larry Groce called “enthralling.”

This powerful rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” was recorded September 20, 1992, by another popular female singer, songwriter and pianist, Tori Amos.

If you appreciate hearing these gems from our ARCHIVE, consider a donation to help us digitize it entirely so the world can hear it.