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Something big happened in Asheville music in 1925.A two-week recording session was held at the Vanderbilt Hotel. Musicians and groups performed traditional Southern Appalachian music. Afterwards, OKeh Records pressed and released a catalogue of records documenting a sound that many folks outside the region had never heard. The Asheville Sessions were revived in 2025 through a remastering and concert project.

Delays in promised FEMA reimbursements is putting a strain on small towns in Western North Carolina. Waynesville's City Manager talks about how those delays are impacting their budget and critical future projects.

Sheila is the Co-Founder and inaugural Artistic Director of Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST, pronounced “assist”), a vibrant non-profit born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. ASST has quickly grown into a thriving community that uplifts the arts and artists, offering exciting digital performance and exhibition opportunities, hands-on workshops, and a crucial emergency support fund. Recognized for their impactful work, Sheila and her Co-Founder Donna Washington received the 2021 Distinguished National Service Award from the National Storytelling Network.

Rolling Stone contributing writer and Smoky Mountain News, Arts and Entertainment Reporter, Garret Woodward was honored to talk about how upcoming concerts will raise funds for Helene relief. Check out the events, the artists, locations, and dates for good music in the name of humanity. This conversation aired in October 2024.

Thanks to NPR and UNC Public Radio, WNCW provided parts of a report about the crucial African American male vote for the upcoming election. This segment includes the opinions of hard-working black male voters across the state. This conversation aired in late Sept. 2024

The United States Department of Energy Deputy Secretary, David Turk spoke directly with WNCW to address the federal government's ongoing efforts to help Western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. Turk shared the mission at hand, from electricity restoration to FEMA disaster recovery centers to infrastructure. This conversation aired in October 2024.

Imari Scarbrough with Carolina Public Press shared her story on applying for FEMA Aid in Western North Carolina. In the aftermath of Helene, good tips for homeowners, renters, and small businesses were discussed. Also included is Liz Whalen Tallent of The Orange Peel, Asheville on what she has witnessed in this time of storm recovery. This conversation aired in October 2024.

Bobby McMillon was a traditional ballad singer, musician, and storyteller from Yancey County, N.C. He grew up hearing firsthand the scary stories and witch tales that his family told. His grandfather had an old Victrola record player and a lot of old records. Bobby loved to listen and learn the old songs. It wasn’t long before he began to realize that some of the recorded songs were similar to the old songs that his family and neighbors sang. In his teens, he developed an avid interest in documenting these songs, spending any free time visiting and recording. Bobby McMillon was considered one of the leading authorities in Southern Appalachian music. In 1995, he received the N.C. Folklore Society’s Brown-Hudson Folklore Award and in 2000 he received the N.C. Folk Heritage Award. He passed away on November 28, 2021. Bobby learned this ballad, "Lady Bright", from Lizzie Ellison from Boone, N.C

It's no surprise, especially in North Carolina, that there's a huge number of UNC Men's Basketball fans. Scott Whisnant was someone who grew up in the time of the old-school ACC basketball territories. Someone who was on the edge of his seat with every Tarheel game - including historic battles with Duke and NC State. In his book, Tarheel Bred, Scott covers how the events of his life correlated with UNC hoops.

The Hart Square Foundation, including Hart Square Park, located in Catawba County, aims to keep a historic and old-time tradition alive. It involves a community of hand-built log cabins, craft makers, etc., on 200 acres in Valdese. They provide tours and events, including the Annual Heritage Festival.