Search results for

Traditional music in WNC is a cultural practice that expands into many ways to make a living. We most often think of performers, but for every live music event that takes place, there are folks behind the scenes crossing “I’s” and dotting “T’s” to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. One of the leaders in the event promotion industry is Claire Armbruster who owns and operates Planning Stages. We sat down recently with Claire to learn more about her, her experience, and the particulars of producing live music events.

An intersection of the natural and musical heritage of WNC can be found in the high mountains. Red Spruce (picea rubens) is prominent at altitudes above 5,000 feet in the Southern Appalachians. It’s also one of the primary tonewoods used in traditional construction of mandolins and guitars. For this episode, we spent time with conservationist Marquette Crockett and luthier James Condino to learn more.

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.

Tom Barr was the owner of Barr's Fiddle Shop; he passed away recently at age 82. His shop is considered the birthplace of "hillbilly" music.

Asheville Watchdog Reporter Andrew Jones recapped the community outcry and concern by many former employees concerning Mission Hospital and their commitment to the Asheville region's healthcare needs. Mission was recently informed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that they were in "immediate jeopardy" related to deficiencies in care. This conversation originally aired on Janaury 31, 2024.

In a salute to Black History Month in February, this Friday Feature was about the four African American male college students, who entered a Greensboro, NC Woolworths and asked to be served at the store's restaurant. This was not permitted in 1960 in the South, but they made history in the name of racial equality on that day. Thanks to the contributions of NPR for this interview that aired on February 2, 2024.

Jason DeBruyn, Health Reporter with WUNC, recapped his story on how gun sales have increased in recent years across North Carolina, especially in 2023. Hear some key points on this matter that have to do with Governor Roy Cooper and state background checks. This conversation originally aired on January 24, 2024.

Susi Gott Seguret sat down with WNCW to talk about the event Truffle Experience. The event in Asheville took place in early February. The rest of this interview helps to toot the horn of underground fungus known by the name truffle. Not to be confused with the mushroom. Susi talks about truffles' unique taste, recipes, and how they're a true delicacy. This conversation originally aired on January 19, 2024

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

Jess is a South Carolina homegrown spoken word and visual artist. She builds dreams out of words, rhythm, and recycled and re-purposed materials. Jess’s mother conjured up this haunted story to keep her children safe for a nearby lake, “Some say, if you see a crooked tree like that there’s a witch buried underneath. You have to be careful going close to those trees, especially in the afternoon, after school.”