Mountain Blog

This Thanksgiving weekend broadcast of Mountain Stage features Daniel Lanois’ project Black Dub, along with singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell, chamber pop group Horse Feathers, YouTube star Danielle At the Sandwich and indie rockers Delta Spirit.

Find a radio station in your area to find out when and where to tune in. We’ve posted a preview of the show in our Song of the Week, a performance of the expansive tune “Ring the Alarm” from Black Dub’s self titled debut CD (click to purchase on Amazon).

Even if he were only known for his roll in shaping the sound of iconic Irish rock band U2, (not to mention Emmylou Harris' masterwork Wrecking Ball) Daniel Lanois is about as close to a household name as a record producer can be. But Lanois has maintained a successful and wildly influential solo career of his own, which has brought him back to the Mountain Stage three times since 1989. Lanois' latest project is Black Dub, a collaboration with singer Trixie Whitley, and amazing drummer Brian Blade.

 

You'll also hear a performance by singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell. Her set draws from her 2010 album Hadestown, a self-described folk opera based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and set in a futurist poverty-stricken America. If you like what you hear, take note! Mitchell is set to appear live on Mountain Stage again on March 4^th of next year. Tickets are on sale now.

There's also a performance by chamber-pop group Horse Feathers. Based out of Portland, Oregon, and centered around the songwriting of Justin Ringle, their latest album is Thistled Spring.

YouTube sensation Danielle AteThe Sandwich makes her first appearance on Mountain Stage, bringing her trademark self-deprecating humor. Her YouTube channel has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, thanks to her original songs, not to mention several amazing cover tunes (everything from Hall & Oates to Lady Ga Ga).

Finally, you'll hear from DeltaSpirit. One part alt-country, one part indie rock, their most recent album History From Below can be purchased here.

Find a radio station in your area to find out when and where to tune in. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook to learn the latest about our upcoming live shows and radio broadcasts. We give thanks for our listeners! Your support is what has continued to make Mountain Stage possible for almost 29 years.  

 

Mountain Stage is announcing its 29th season of shows at the Culture Center Theater Charleston, beginning Sunday, February 5 with renowned singer-songwriter and roots musician Darrell Scott. One of Nashville’s most respected and sought after songwriters, Scott has written hit after hit for some of the biggest names in country music, including The Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, and Brad Paisley – just to name a few. Scott also puts in work as one of music city’s most revered side men, most recently with Robert Plant’s backing group of roots music all stars, The Band of Joy. Scott’s seventh album of all new material is Long Ride Home.

We’ll also be joined on Feb 5 by Irish-American group Solas. Trumpeted by The Boston Herald as “The first truly great Irish band to arise from America,” Solas has built a reputation over nearly two decades as one of the finest Celtic groups working anywhere.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will also appear on this show. Thirty years after their formation, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world famous music machine, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps, high-octane performances, and collaborations with artists ranging from Elvis Costello and Dr. John to David Bowie.

On February 12 Mountain Stage welcomes back power pop group Fountains of Wayne. The group's line up has remained unchanged since they first toured in support of their 1996 self-titled debut album, and in August, they released Sky Full of Holes. Additional artists for both of these shows will be announced for this show in the coming weeks.

On March 4, Mountain Stage will welcome Black Crowes founding member Rich Robinson. The band’s guitarist, and an important influence on some of their best known songs, Robinson has been out with his own southern rock outfit of late, and a new album called Through a Crooked Sun. You can preview three tracks from the record via his website.

Mountain Stage favorites Cowboy Junkies will also appear on this show. Frequent guests over the years, this will mark the band’s ninth appearance. Their most recent release, Demons, is an album featuring covers of songs written by another Mountain Stage favorite, the late Vic Chesnutt. We’ll also be joined by once more by singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell, and consummate Australian rock musician Paul Kelly.

Tickets for these shows are ON SALE MONDAY, NOV. 21st at 10 a.m. You can purchase tickets online, at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston, or by calling  800.549.TIXX.

Check in with us on Facebook for the latest. Thanks for supporting Mountain Stage.

 

This week’s premier broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded at the Creative Arts Center on the campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown. You’ll hear from Irish singer Paul Brady, genre-bending cellist Ben Sollee, singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur, folk duo Vandaveer, and up-tempo Celtic group Scythian.

One of the greats of folk music, beloved Irish singer Paul Brady grew up listening to R&B and soul, playing in bands throughout his college years – and later, when he started to make a name for himself as a folk and traditional singer, it was this background that added a truly unique dimension to his sound. Preview his performance via our Song of the Week.

Cellist Ben Sollee has appeared on Mountain Stage many times – recently with the Sparrow Quartet and with the Appalachian Voices project. Born and raised in Kentucky, his solo work combines elements of folk and Americana with rock and hip hop rhythms – skillfully executed by his drummer, fellow Kentuckian Jordon Ellis. You can get a taste of Sollee’s performance in our new “Backstage at Mountain Stage” video above.

Akron, OH, singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur was discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-'90s and signed to his Real World label. Often compared to Leonard Cohen and the late Jeff Buckley, Arthur also is known for using an impressive assortment of electronic gadgets and effects to give a unique sonic dimension to his songs. His most recent release is The Graduation Ceremony.

DC-based folk duo Vandaveer make their first appearance on Mountain Stage. Headed up by alt-country musician Mark Charles Heidinger, he’s joined by vocalist Rose Guerin, they’ve shared the stage with Bon Iver, Alejandro Escovedo, Vashti Bunyan and Joe Pug.

And you also hear from DC based Celtic band Scythian. Featuring twin fiddles and energy to spare, Scythian sets themselves apart from most traditional bands by blending Celtic music and bluegrass with decidedly gypsy edge – a product of founder Alexander Fedoryka Ukrainian ancestry..

Click here to find out when and where you can hear this show in your area. 

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook for the latest news about our upcoming broadcasts, and follow us on Twitter for news about our Live Show Schedule.

Your listening is what makes Mountain Stage possible – thanks for your support.

 

This week's premier broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded on the road in Grand Marais, Minnesota, in partnership with our friends at theNorth House Folk School, as a part of their tenth-annual Unplugged concert series. 

The second of the two shows Mountain Stage recorded on the shore of Lake Superior, you’ll hear from Mountain Stage favorites Tim O’Brien and Kathy Mattea, along with the Great Lake Swimmers, Cathie Ryan, Sally Barris and Jon Vezner.

A favorite of Mountain Stage audiences, crew members, listeners and fellow guest artists, Tim O’Brien has long held the record for appearing on the show more than any other artist. O’Brien plays several songs from his latest album “Chicken & Egg,” and can also be heard playing alongside other guest throughout the show, including Mattea and Ryan. You can listen to a preview of O'Brien's performance via our Mountain Stage Song of the Week.

Rightfully referred to by host Larry Groce as “our sweetheart,” Kathy Mattea needs no introduction to Mountain Stage audiences. Mattea marks her 14^th appearance on the show, alongside Tim O’Brien on fiddle, and longtime sideman Bill Cooley on lead guitar.

You can catch a preview of her performance via our latest Backstage at Mountain Stage video – which we’re proud to present in glorious high definition.

Irish-American singer Cathie Ryan makes her third appearance on Mountain Stage. Born in Detroit to Irish parents, Ryan has made her home in Ireland for some time now, and spent years fronting the ensemble Cherish the Ladies. She’s backed by The Mountain Stage band, along with Bill Cooley and of course, Tim O'Brien.

You also hear from the Great Lake Swimmers. This Toronto-based band was a natural fit for a show recorded in Grand Marais, and contrary to the joke made by Tim O’Brien, didn’t actually swim to the show. Fronted by songwriter Tony Dekker, the group’s most recent record "Lost Channels" was recorded in different spots around the Thousand Islands region of the Saint Lawrence River. Inexplicably, the Great Lake Swimmers were not backed by Tim O'Brien.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sally Barris makes her first appearance on Mountain Stage. Barris has written songs for some of country music’s top-selling artists, including Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack and Kellie Pickler.

And last but certainly not least, you’ll hear from Jon Vezner. One of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, Vezner earned a Grammy for the song “Where’ve You Been,” which was recorded by his wife, Kathy Mattea. A Minnesota Native, Vezner has served as the Director of the Unplugged concert series, a fundraiser for the North House Folk School since its inception. His most recent recording is "I Like This Town."

Click here to find out when and where you can hear this show in your area. 

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook for the latest news about our upcoming broadcasts, and follow us on Twitter for news about our Live Show Schedule.

Thank you, as always, for listening to Mountain Stage.