Mountain Blog

Music fans, we're happy to report that our February 12 show featuring Fountains of Wayne has taken shape. 

In addition to the power pop masters, we'll also be welcoming young Texas singer-songwriter and fiddler Amanda Shires. If you've been listening to Jason Isbell's excellent new album Here We Rest, then you've already heard Amanda play. 

You'll also hear a set from Brooklyn-by-way-of-Milwaukee singer-songwriter Grace Weber. She's already performed on "Showtime at the Apollo," played the Kennedy Center, and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Her jazz infused pop has also caught the eye of Billboard Magazine, which dubbed her an "artist to watch." 

 Marc Broussard will also stop by, with his acclaimed brand of bayou soul. His vocals call to mind performances by heavyweights like Otis Redding, John Hiatt and Doctor John. 

Finally, Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee rounds out the show. Lee first gained attention of Americans in the late 90's, at a time when loud alt-rock was the thing. If you happened to see one of his videos on TV at the time, chances are, you still remember it. His latest album Deeper to Dream, is said to be his most personal yet.  

 Get your tickets for this show while you can, online, by phone (800.549.TIXX), and at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston.  

And while our first show of the new year (January 15 in Morgantown) is not yet fully formed, we have just added acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist Bhi Bhiman. A first generation Sri Lankan-American, Bhiman's rich, soulful vocals and songwriting have been compared to Bill Withers, Randy Newman and Bob Dylan. 

Tickets for this show are on sale now, online, by phone (304.293.SHOW) and at the CAC Box Office in Morgantown. 

Thanks for supporting live music. 

This week’s premier broadcast of Mountain Stage features journeyman roots rock & blues band The Nighthawks, along with acclaimed songwriter Sarah Siskind, folk duo The Milk Carton Kids, singer-songwriter Lucy Wainwright Roche, and the description-defying Chandler Travis Three-O.

Though often labeled a blues band, after hearing The Nighthawks’ signature fusion of rock, jump jazz and roadhouse blues, you’ll recognize their music as roots rock in its truest form – except that they were doing it decades before the term existed. Lead by harmonica player and singer Mark Wenner for 3 decades, they’ve spent time on the road playing with legends like Muddy Waters and Carl Perkins. And for this Mountain Stage show (which was recorded in October) the ‘Hawks were set to appear alongside none other than Hubert Sumlin, who had just fallen ill.

Here a preview of their set now via our Mountain Stage Song of the Week.

You’ll also hear a set from The Milk Carton Kids. Comprised of Kenneth Pattengale & Joey Ryan, comparisons to classic folk pairings like Simon & Garfunkel write themselves, and dare we say the duo's intricate guitar picking is reminiscent of David Rawlings’ work with Gillian Welch.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Siskind also appears. Highly regarded among her peers, Siskind has seen her work covered by Alison Krauss, the Infamous Stringdusters, and Bon Iver.

 Lucy Wainwright Roche stops by. Her most recent album Lucy features contributions from The Roches, The Indigo Girls, and This American Life’s Ira Glass. She finishes her set with a brilliant cover of Fleetwood Mac’s "Everywhere," which also appears on her new album.

Finally – you’ll be introduced to the Chandler TravisThree-O. Combining elements of acoustic folk, jazz, psychedelica, and pure absurdity – all you need to know is that half of the "Three-O" (which naturally, is comprised of 4 members) changed into brightly colored pajamas after their first song. Travis and his band  spent a full decade opening for none other than George Carlin, paving the way for the modern intersection between music and comedy. Their tune “Drunk Angry People Shut Up” is not to be missed.

Find a time and radio station in your area where you can tune in. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook to learn the latest about our upcoming live shows and radio broadcasts. Don’t forget to let some friends know. Thanks for supporting live music on your radio.