Folk music is not the easiest way to make a living, but artists still find a way to balance making music with putting food on the table. Mason Adams traveled to MidMountain arts collective in Virginia, where he spoke with both veteran folksingers and emerging talents.
Taking On The Trail And Celebrating 50 Years of Augusta Heritage, Inside Appalachia
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This week, we step on the Appalachian Trail with one of America’s most accomplished hikers, Jennifer Pharr Davis.
We also talk to the director of the Augusta Heritage Center. Each summer, dozens of students attend workshops to learn traditional skills. This year, the center is turning 50.
We’ll also visit the steel drum capital of America — which, believe it or not, is right here in Appalachia.
You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
Talking Trails With Hiking Phenom Jennifer Pharr Davis
Few people know the Appalachian Trail better than Jennifer Pharr Davis, a North Carolina native who’s through-hiked the trail three times and set speed records. Davis continues to blaze new pathways and has become a celebrity in the world of outdoor recreation.
Host Mason Adams spoke to her about some of her hikes — and how they shaped her identity as an Appalachian.
Augusta Heritage Center Celebrates 50 Years
The Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, West Virginia has become a destination for the study and preservation of traditional arts, music and crafts. To celebrate its 50th year, the center wants to bring more West Virginia high school students to its summer workshops — for free.
Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Executive Director Seth Young about the center’s mission and plans for its summer workshops.
The Appalachian Capital Of The Steel Drum
You’ve almost certainly heard the steel drum. It’s a quintessential Caribbean instrument, used in Calypso and Reggae and all kinds of pop music. But here’s a surprise: Some of the best steel drums in the world are made in…West Virginia.
Folkways Reporter Zack Harold has the story.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Jesse Milnes, The Steel Drivers, Tyler Childers, the Carolina Chocolate Drops with Rhiannon Giddons, and Amythyst Kiah.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. Zander Aloi also helped produce this episode.
You can send us an email at InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
On this West Virginia Morning, we hear from a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources biologist about a program to give new habitats to local fish with old Christmas trees, and from The Allegheny Front learning how to identify the trees around us.
On this West Virginia Morning, we hear about a new bungee jumping opportunity coming to West Virginia and a string of executive orders from new Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
On this West Virginia Morning, we look back at Monday's inauguration, and the start of a new state executive government. Statehouse Reporter Caelan Bailey was in attendance.