Mountain Blog

This Sunday, Mountain Stage travels to Huntington for a special show at the Keith Albee Theater, as a part of the 75^th anniversary of the Marshall Artist Series.

We’ll be joined by folk icon Arlo Guthrie  & Boys Night Out, iconoclastic singer-songwriter Paul Thorn for a special solo set, Broadway star and Huntington native Michael Cerveris, and soulful pop newcomers Delta Rae.

Tickets for this show are on sale now at tickemaster.com, and by phone (304.696.6656). Marshall students can attend for free.

We'll have a special 1-hour performance by Arlo Guthrie who is carrying on the legacy of perhaps the most important songwriter in American history but has long been regarded as a folk icon in his own right.

This year, Arlo is celebrating what would have been his father's 100th birthday. Here's an exclusive interview with the Huntington Herald-Dispatch.

We’ll also be joined on the Group W bench by singer-songwriter Paul Thorn. The son of a Pentecostal preacher, the nephew of a pimp (so the story goes) former boxer turned musician Paul Thorn has earned a loyal following over the years through his signature blend of the sacred and profane. His most recent album, What the Hell is Going On? follows his highly regarded Pimps and Preachers and features Thorn's take on songs written by others like Lindsay Buckhingham, Ray Wylie Hubbard and more.

Huntington native Michael Cerveris is an established, Tony-award winning actor who has played John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, and originated the title role in the Broadway hit “Tommy.” As a rock musician, he fronted the British band Retriever and was guitarist/vocalist on Bob Mould's 1998 US/UK "Dog and Pony Show" tour.

Some of his earliest experiences of professional theater were thanks to the Marshall Artist Series (in particular first national tours of Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell), so his appearance onstage at the Keith Albee for Mountain Stage celebrating MAS has a special personal meaning for him.

Hailing from Durham, NC, Delta Rae fuses alt-pop band with rich Carolina soul. Recently signed to Sire/Warner, the group has four lead singers and incorporates all aspects of Americana into a joyful, passionate performance.  Delta Rae has been headlining shows on both coasts, with a new LP due for release June 19, 2012.

Connect with Mountain Stage on Facebook and Tumblr to stay in touch with the latest information, and follow us on Twitter for even more about upcoming shows. Thank you for supporting Mountain Stage. 

This week’s premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage features power pop masters Fountains of Wayne, along with Marc Broussard, Amanda Shires, Grace Weber, and Ben Lee.

Click here to find a station and time where you can listen in your area. If there’s a song you’re hoping to hear, check out the show’s playlist. And click here to see our entire schedule of upcoming broadcasts.

Anchored by the singer-songwriters Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, Fountains of Wayne was founded in 1996 and released its self-titled debut on Atlantic Records the same year. They scored one of the most memorable hits of the early 2000’s, were nominated for Grammys, and have spent countless nights on the road cultivating their sound. The band’s latest release, Sky Full of Holes is their first since 2007.

Marc Broussard also stops by, with his acclaimed brand of bayou soul. His vocals call to mind performances by heavyweights like Otis Redding, Al Green, John Hiatt and Dr. John. Coupled with his powerful stage presence, he became a favorite of the nearly sold out Charleston audience.

You can catch a preview via our Mountain Stage Song of the Week, and you can also hear him talk to host Larry Groce about his roots and influences, and see some footage of his performance in our latest Backstage at Mountain Stage video.

We'll also be joined by 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 sing and play. Her CD Carrying Lighting has garnered rave reviews as well, and she most recently wrapped up recording sessions for the latest release from Justin Townes Earle.

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." Her latest album is Hope & Heart.

Finally, you hear a rare set from singer-songwriter Ben Lee. Lee first gained America's attention in the late 90's, at a time when loud alt-rock was dominant. Ben Lee does not make loud alt-rock. So 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 his most personal yet.

Find a radio station in your area where you can listen by clicking here, and connect with us on Facebook and Tumblr to stay in touch with the latest information, and follow us on Twitter for even more.

Thanks for listening to Mountain Stage!