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Maggie Dillow is the founding member of the Post-apocalyptic Poets for a Pre-apocalyptic World, Her work as a writer and educator has been supported by the Tiny Spoon Residency, the National Women's History Museum, and the National Enodwment of the Humanities. She has her MFA from Hollins University and teaches in Southwest Virginia. -
Catherine the Great is a project by Catherine Backus that primarily exists as a repository for her feelings. Her sad songs have drawn numerous accolades, including 1st place at the Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, 4th place at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, and finalist in the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards. Over the course of her career, she’s shared stages with folks like Molly Tuttle, Kim Richey, Willie Watson, and Ben Sollee.
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My guest this week is Stephen Davies, a comedy rap artist best known for his work with the cult-favorite group Illbotz and his father-son duo, Knuckleheadz, alongside his son Jackson. Off the stage, Stephen has spent the last 25 years as an activities director and administrator in nursing homes.Drawing from decades of real-life experience, Stephen recently released Granny’s Got a Fart Gun—a collection of hilarious and heartwarming stories from the nursing home. It’s a laugh-out-loud celebration of humanity, aging, and the unexpected moments that make life unforgettable. -
Elsa Howell is a roots and Old Time inspired singer-songwriter from Roanoke, VA. We dive into her debut EP, Eyes Wide. -
Amelia Empson is an Indie Americana and roots singer-songwriter from Christiansburg, VA. We discuss the caveats of playing saw and her album, Overalls and Lingerie. -
Adria Accomando is a young adult and new adult fiction author who recently published her first novel, Violets Gray. -
Jason Long is a Virginia History teacher and roots based, rock inspired singer-songwriter. He shares the difficult year that pushed him to move to Nashville to pursue his dreams. -
Salem Langoski (AKA Lividity) is Roanoke, Virginia's 14 year old rising star; she's been songwriting and performing for over a year now and recently recorded her debut EP. -
Baxter Briefly is a New Alt Funk slap and tap bassist singer-songwriter from SW Virginia. We discuss his unique style of playing bass and the breakups that inspired his songwriting. -
Colby T Helms is a Franklin Co Virginia native with a harrowing story about how he came to be a songwriter. He is also an upcoming performer at this year's Merlefest. -
Tyler Hughes is an East Tennessee State University bluegrass graduate and Executive Director for The Crooked Rd. He also serves on Big Stone Gap's Town Council. -
Girls Rock Roanoke is part of a national and world wide movement to educate and empower girls and gender expansive youth through music, creativity and collaboration.Girls Rock Roanoke is a music camp movement that began in 2001 with the establishment of the Rock 'n Roll Camp for girls in Portland, Oregon.Amanda Bocchi chats with Catherine Backus and Lacy Levy, board member and executive director of the non profit, Girls Rock Roanoke.Learn more about Girls Rock at girlsrockroanoke.org
