This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
Calling a square dance is tricky business. It’s a skill that’s been handed down for generations, but a growing number of callers are updating the language to be more inclusive to keep the tradition alive.
Folkways Reporter Lydia Warren brought us the story.
A Visit To Zine Fest
Credit: Mason Adams/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
A zine, as in magazine, is a self-published pamphlet or brochure, or even a booklet. Some are very low-tech and rudimentary, and others are elaborately designed works of art. They’re all unique, and reflect the people who make them. Mason Adams went to Johnson City Zine Fest, met zine makers and talked with them.
All About The Spoons
Jeff Fedan has been teaching aspiring spoons players how to play for years. He is also one of the co-founders and organizers of the yearly Pattyfest.
Credit: Lauren Griffin/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
If you love string-band music, you don’t have to go too far to find a bluegrass or old-time jam here in the Appalachian mountains. Musicians get together, try out new licks and teach each other songs. But, you don’t have to play fiddle or guitar to get in on the music. Playing along might be as easy as just grabbing something out of a kitchen drawer.
Folkways reporter Lauren Griffin has the story.
The Life And Legacy of Woody Williams
The front of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Charleston, West Virginia.
Credit: Janet Kunicki/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
“Woody Williams: An Extraordinary Life of Service” is a new documentary exploring the life of Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last living World War II recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Williams, who died last year at the age of 98, spent decades working for veterans and their families.
Bill Lynch spoke with WVPB’s Randy Yohe and Janet Kunicki. They spent more than a year exploring Williams’ life and legacy for the documentary.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by the Carpenter Ants, Harvey and Copeland, Rev. Payton’s Big Damn Band, Le Tigre, John Blissard, The Sycomores, Hazel Dickens and Frank George.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
On this West Virginia Week, the state is under a flood watch through Sunday, the fire in Parkersburg is under investigation and a class action against the state’s foster care system will move forward.
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This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
On this West Virginia Morning, not much has been known about Appalachia’s contributions to the Underground Railroad, but a Marshall University historian is documenting that history.
Many West Virginians have trouble with their teeth. In fact, there’s a big gap between the folks who can reliably access an affordable dentist and those who can’t.
That’s no surprise when ha...
