Richard Beard

Richard Beard  is a modern renaissance man.   Teacher, musician, historian,  and luthier,  Richard's interests range far and wide,  from  historical architecture to the novels of William Faulkner.   He is one of the founding members of WNCW, coming onboard at the planning process and debuting "Celtic Winds" in 1989, several days after the station went on the air.  His love and appreciation for playing  Celtic music  has led to several trips abroad where he indulged his passion in Irish sessions, culture,  as well as Guinness.   Keenly aware of the Scots-Irish connection in Western North Carolina, Richard also is involved in the old-time music
revival in our area.  He and his wife Vicky regularly play in two bands, Paddywhack and Sassafras Tea.  Richard constructs guitars, dulcimers, bouzoukis and mandolins in his shop in his adopted hometown, Rutherfordton.