The Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour Podcast

MARK O’CONNOR returns with a brand new album and fiddle method book to play and give the WoodSongs audience a global violin lesson. Mark is the prominent American classical and multi genre violinist and composer. A product of America's rich aural folk tradition as well as classical music, he has melded and shaped his early influences into a new American Classical music, and a vision of an entirely American school of string playing. He has sold over two-million CDs as a solo recording. His collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer received a Grammy Award in February 2001. The O'Connor Violin Method has been widely praised since its debut in fall 2009 as "an American grown rival to the Suzuki method" (The New Yorker). It includes great folk songs, fiddle tunes and classic themes culled from 400 years of traditional American violin playing. It pulls from all regions of North America and from diverse musical styles including classical, folk, Latin, jazz, rock and ragtime. ‘American Classics,' is a collection of new recordings arranged for violin and piano and performed by O'Connor and pianist Rieko Aizawa. The album features the repertoire on Mark’s new Method Book III. Mark will be performing with pianist Melissa Tong and serveral of the students from Lexington’s Carwile String Studio for a global violin workshop and lesson.

ANAIS MITCHELL writes songs from her 200-year-old farmhouse in rural Vermont. This daughter of "hippie back-to-the-landers" whose father was a novelist and English professor, remembers her family's home containing "a library full of novels, and lots of old folk and psychedelic rock albums. All of these influences come together in 'Hadestown,' an epic "folk opera." It's a modern retelling of the Orpheus myth set in a Depression era America. The album landed her on numerous "Best of 2010" lists including The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Observer. Her latest album is 'Young Man in America.' LITTLE G. WEEVIL is a Hungarian who migrated to Memphis, eager enough to soak up the culture and music enough to wash dishes on Beale Street just to get as close as possible. He started out as a drummer and began playing the guitar at 17. He was introduced and captivated by the music scene through listening to legendary musicians such as John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Albert Collins, B.B. King and Chuck Berry.His approach to the American Roots and Blues Music makes him one of a kind. This high energy and very laid back performer sings his heart out, picks his guitar and his Bacon Fat cigar box guitar like he just got "struck by lightning" and tells his real life stories in a way that is really hard to forget. His latest CD is 'The Teaser.'

BLUE RAIN BLUEGRASS BAND is a dynamic young bluegrass band from Mountain View, Arkansas. They recently won the Youth in Bluegrass Band Competition at Silver Dollar City in Branson where they performed, in the great bluegrass tradition of Bill Monroe and others, around a single microphone. STILL ON THE HILL is the folkgrass duo from the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This duo uses traditional instruments from their home in the Ozarks (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar, harmonica and scrub board) as well as other exotic offerings (Moon guitar from Japan, African Mbira, and Tenor Ukulele) to create a kaleidoscope of musical color and texture. NATHAN A. was born to play the blues. This blues kid is just a junior in high school and has been forcing second glances around Rogers and Fayetteville since he was 13 years old with his command of multiple instruments and musical maturity. The past two years, Nathan has represented the Ozark Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase in Memphis, TN. Check him out here blowing some mean blues harp on the King Biscuit Time Radio Show. SCOTT ODENA is a National Champion on mountain dulcimer as well as the 1998 Old-Time Singing Champion at the Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He has lived in Little Rock for the last 15 years. Scott will be performing with the Peterson’s Original Ragtime Band made up of David Peterson, a retired Professor of Math and the Director of the Ozark Institute at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, and his wife Donna. RIVER LEE is an 11 year old fiddle champion from Springdale, AR. River began playing violin at the age of 4. National Champion Fiddler and Hee Haw star, Jana Jae first inspired River to take up the fiddle. River participates in many Fiddlin Arkansas events including the Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships held in Little Rock each October and various Master Fiddler Series. River will be joined on guitar by Jonathan Trawick who grew up in the hills of Ozarks.

THE CLEVERLYS are a "family" bluegrass band from the remote part of the Ozark Mountains, near Cane Spur, Arkansas. Their twisted sense of humor, stellar musicianship and unusual choice of material make the band one of the most outrageous bands that we’ve ever come across. BONNIE MONTEGOMERY is a native Arkansan from Little Rock. She is a classically trained opera singer by day and a honky tonk queen by night. She will be showing off both facets of her amazing voice in Conway. TIM CROUCH & GARY ROUNDS are two of Arkansas' finest musicians. Tim is a fiddle, mandolin and guitar player from Strawberry, Arkansas. Tim is an award winning fiddler and has performed and or recorded with such artists as Vince Gill, George Jones, Billy Bob Thornton, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, Sara Evans, Marty Stuart, Oak Ridge boys, Charley Pride, Dierks Bentley, Jerry Reed, Tommy Shaw of "STYX", Mare Winningham, Mike Snider, Grand Ole Opry Staff Band, Jonathon Edwards, along with others. Gary is a one-of-a-kind singer from Batesville, AR who is filled with deep mountain Arkansas soul. These two amazing Arkansas musicians will be performing together. CLARKE BUEHLING is recognized worldwide for his insightful interpretations of late 19th century classic finger-style banjo. Clarke is also in the forefront of the recent resurgence of interest in the earlier minstrel banjo style. Clarke teaches banjo, fiddle, mandolin and guitar in Fayetteville, Arkansas and performs with his band The SkirtLifters.

The McEuens come to WoodSongs to celebrate the release of their first album together "The McEuen Sessions.." John McEuen is a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band solo road journeys have involved playing, in various configurations, with his musician sons Nathan and Jonathan, including recently having the thrill of performing together at the Grand Ole Opry to three standing ovations. After years talking about recording as a trio all agreed the time was right. 'The McEuen Sessions - For All The Good' from John, Nathan, and Jonathan McEuen. It's part of our families in music night on WoodSongs! THE SNYDER FAMILY BAND is an amazing family group of musicians from Lexington, North Carolina. Bud and Laine Snyder started their young kids in classical music lessons, now music is a big part of life for this North Carolina family. Samantha, age thirteen, plays fiddle and Zeb, age sixteen, plays guitar. Both have excelled in their individual instruments and the art of entertaining and added their Dad on bass as the duo their music interest turned toward Bluegrass. The band's latest release is 'Stages.'

DON RIGSBY is one of the most accomplished bluegrass musicians working in Kentucky. From remote Isonville, KY, to an international following in Bluegrassmusic, Don has remained true to his mountain roots and made his own marks as a powerful tenor and distinctive mandolin player. Don played with JD Crowe and The New South, and was a member of the award-winning Lonesome River Band. The two-time Grammy nominee and two-time SPBGMA Traditional MaleVocalist of the Year and sang on a Grammy-winning album by rocker John Fogerty. SUGAR TREE are three wanderin' women who found their way back to the tippy-toes of the Appalachian foothills in Berea. This string trio are known for their pristine vocal harmonies, traditional and contemporary song choices and cowgirl boots. THE 23 STRING BAND hail from all around Kentucky. The band pays a fun, fuel-injected, original Americana that dangerously weaves across the lanes of modern acoustic music windows down, accelerator to the floor, on a joyride into the unknown with one eye on the vintage sounds in the rearview mirror. It's a bluegrass attack fueled by high-octane rock-n-roll energy and triple-distilled organic roots. The guys won the prestigious band competition at RockyGrass in Lyons, CO in 2011. Their latest album is 'Catch 23.' BAWN IN THE MASH are entering their seventh year of performing their sound founded in the ancient tones of Western Kentucky. Based in Paducah, early fans watched the band go from busking Appalachian street corners to headlining the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion-- from performing on the corner of 4th and Broadway to selling out the world famous Station Inn-- and from playing local barrooms to performing in the Victorian Ballroom aboard the Delta Queen steamboat, as the band continually progresses and impresses listeners worldwide. The band has just released their 4th studio album. BLAKELY BURGER is hails from Lexington and is known around town as the "That Lil Fiddler." This 13 year old comes from a musical family and specialty is bluegrass fiddling, although she also is currently learning mandolin, guitar, and piano.

DERVISH was formed in Northwestern Ireland in 1989 and has grown into a vital force on the international Irish music scene. Its artistry, musicianship and maturity won outstanding praise from the media placing Dervish at the forefront of the bands working on traditional Irish music. In its 20 plus years, the band has performed from the Great Wall of China to packed auditoriums in the Holy Land and more recently being the first Irish band to perform at the greatest music festival in the world, "Rock in Rio" on front of an estimate audience of two hundred and forty thousand people. In 2010, the band released "From Stage to Stage" a live concert footage from both sides of the Atlantic that marked Dervish's 21st year anniversary. THE DEVIL MAKES THREE are laced with elements of ragtime, blues, country, folk and rockabilly. The critically praised trio - consisting of guitarist/front man Pete Bernhard, stand-up bassist Lucia Turino and guitarist Cooper McBean - bring a genuine approach to acoustic music. The sound is deeply steeped in rhythm and alive with three part harmonies, while keeping a high-energy aesthetic to their music and especially their live shows. "Stomp and Smash: Live at the Mystic Theatre" is band's latest release.

GARY "BISCUIT" DAVIS is the only three-time National Banjo Champion in America and has won dozens of state and regional titles as well. Gary got his nickname, "Biscuit" when he was performing with the Smith Brothers as lead guitarist. They had a guitar player that they nicknamed "Cornbread," so he could be "Biscuit." Gary performed for fifteen years at Dollywood, recently was band leader, co-producer and banjo player for Dolly Parton on her bluegrass album "Halos & Horns". He toured with Dolly for a year to promote that album. THE HACKENSAW BOYS have their feet firmly planted in the old-time song tradition, have their hands soiled by the dirt of rock n' roll and have their eyes fixed steadily on the future of real country music. This Charlottesville, VA group is among the most exciting groups charting new territory in today's diverse Americana music scene after seven years of relentless touring throughout the United States, Europe and the U.K.. The group's latest efforts, "The Old Sound of Music, Vol. 1 and The Old Sound of Music, Vol. 2," deliver original material that draws upon the songwriting talents of its members. It's a celebratory but defiant sound culled from old-time mountains, backstage doorways and punishing drives through the evolving American landscape.

BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS originally formed in 1996. Now into their second decade and with one JUNO award and several JUNO nominations under their belts, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings has organically evolved into one of the finest roots-oriented bands in North America. They have released seven CDs and gradually developed a feeling of brotherhood manifested in a sense of groove, timberal blend and melodic and rhythmic play that is distinctive, mystical, energizing and constantly evocative. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings remains one of Canada's greatest musical treasures. Their latest CD is 'Kings and Queens' and pairs the band with some of their favorite female singers and friends including Roseanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Janiva Magness, Lucinda Williams and more. FOLK UKE is an eclectic acoustic folk duo comprised of Cathy Guthrie and Amy Nelson featuring perfectly melded harmonies and sharp, often biting wit. The daughters of two great American songwriters (Arlo and Willie), the two were musical holdouts until they gave into the force and began writing and playing music together a decade ago. Armed with a ukulele and a guitar, this duo is a unique amalgam of angelic harmonies often wrapped around edgy, surprising lyrics. Check out YouTube for some of their more provocative songs. Folk Uke plays folk music in its truest form with a delightfully wicked twist. The duo's latest album is "Reincarnation."

HOLY GHOST TENT REVIVAL cannot be pigeonholed into any popular genre. Melding brass with banjo, guitar, bass and drums, this five-piece ensemble boasts an eclectic mesh of instruments and styles -- a musical alchemy all their own as they travel the country spreading the magic of their heart-throbbing, foot-stomping, good-time music. THE DIRT DAUBERS hail from Paducah, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee. This trio has traveled the world, singing loud-and-proud an eclectic mix of Appalachian, ragtime and hot jazz standards and original music. From cowboy songs to bluegrass, Harlem jazz to honky tonk, the Daubers tackle it all with vim, verve and vigor. The Dirt Daubers have gained the encouragement and/or approval of such varied stars as Les Claypool, Charlie Louvin, and Jello Biafra. Their new album is Wake Up Sinners.

THE CLEVERLYS are one of the most outrageous bands that we've ever come across. This "family" band comes from the remote part of the Ozark Mountains, near Cane Spur, Arkansas. Their twisted sense of humor and stellar musicianship rocked this year's CMA Fest and their YouTube downloads have topped over a million. They have an incredible "backstory" and a timeless bluegrass sound. What makes the band unusual is their choice of material. They cover The Black Eyed Peas, The Bangles, and many other unexpected choices. STETSON & CIA are a new acoustic roots duo made up banjo master Cia Cherryholmes and songwriter Stetson Adkisson. Cia began playing music at the age of 15 with the internationally acclaimed band Cherryholmes. As their lead singer, banjoist, and main songwriter, she garnered 5 Grammy nominations over the band's 12 year career. Stetson Adkisson started his musical career in 2003. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist he has played many venues in the Western United States and released a self-titled album in 2006. As a duo, they have just released their first self-titled debut album.

JANIE FRICKE with THE ROYS: Country star Janie has gone from Indiana farm girl to internationally acclaimed recording artist. Fricke dominated the country charts with smash hits such as He's a Heartache, Don't Worry ' Bout Me Baby, and You're Heart's Not In It. She won the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and she was chosen to the Country Music Hall of Fame Walkway of Stars, nominated for a Grammy Award. Janie has released 23 albums and 36 hit singles. Now, she has moved into bluegrass territory, rearranging some of her best-known music on the album 'Country Side of Bluegrass.' She'll perform on the show with WoodSongs alum and good friends The Roys. MATT FLINNER is widely considered one of the hottest and most creative mandolin players on the acoustic scene. Starting out as a banjo prodigy who was playing bluegrass festivals before he entered his teens, Flinner later took up the mandolin, won the National Banjo Competition in Winfield, KS in 1990, and won the mandolin award there the following year. He has toured and recorded with a wide variety of bluegrass, new acoustic, classical and jazz artists, including Tim O'Brien, Frank Vignola, Steve Martin, Darrell Scott, the Modern Mandolin Quartet, Leftover Salmon, Alison Brown, The Ying Quartet, Tony Trischka, Darol Anger, and the Nashville Chamber Orchestra.

JUDY COLLINS has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretive folksongs and contemporary themes. She has a brand new CD called "Bohemian" and a brand new book "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in Music." Her impressive career has spanned more than 40 years. At 13, Judy Collins made her public debut performing Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos" but it was the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival, that sparked Judy Collins' love of lyrics. In 1961, Judy Collins released her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, at the age of 22. Her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her classic 1967 album, Wildflowers. "Both Sides Now" has since been entered into the Grammy's Hall of Fame. Winning "Song of the Year" at the 1975 Grammy's Awards show was Judy's version of "Send in the Clowns." Judy's book, "Sanity and Grace, A Journey of Suicide, Survival and Strength" is a deeply moving memoir, focusing on the death of her only son and the healing process following the tragedy. The book speaks to all who have endured the sorrow of losing a loved one before their time. In a recent appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, Judy performed "Wings of Angels," the heartbreaking ballad that she wrote about the loss of her son. The song is currently available on Judy Collins Wildflower Festival CD and DVD, which also feature guest artists Arlo Guthrie, Tom Rush and Eric Andersen. Judy Collins continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart and WoodSongs is proud for her special event return to our show.

IMELDA MAY, born in Dublin, Ireland and raised in the Liberties, may be an unknown name to some, but to many she is already a superstar. She is unmistakable both in her music (a fusion of surf guitars, blues and rockabilly that wouldn't be out of place in a David Lynch film) and her style, with a solitary curl and shock of blonde in her jet black hair. In Ireland, her debut album 'Love Tattoo', which she recorded and released on her own label, has gone Triple Platinum. She has shared a stage with Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie, Wanda Jackson, and Meatloaf. APRIL VERCH is a dynamic award winning Canadian fiddler, singer and stepdancer. With her band, she plays a traditional and original repertoire that is deeply rooted in the style she grew up with in the Ottawa Valley region of Ontario. She became the first women in history to win both of Canada's most prestigious fiddle championships, The Grand Masters and Canadian Open; and when Canada hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, she was asked to represent her country's music at the opening ceremonies. Her latest album 'That's How We Run' is her eighth release and explores Appalachian mountain music with her Northern roots.

RUTHIE FOSTER can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and making her one of the most dynamic voices that has ever graced the WoodSongs stage. Foster was catapulted to the forefront of the blues/roots world on the strength of her 2009 Grammy-nominated record, 'The Truth According To Ruthie Foster,' and her relentless touring. She then won seemingly contradictory Blues Music Association awards for both Best Traditional and Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist in back-to-back years. Her latest record 'Let It Burn' was recorded in New Orleans and features Blind Boys of Alabama, soul legend William Bell, and songs by Adele, Black Keys, Los Lobos, Johnny Cash, The Band, Pete Seeger, Crosby, Stills & Nash and more. MARQUISE KNOX asks on his new record "Can a young man play the blues?" This 21 year old St. Louis native hails from a musical family deeply entrenched in the blues. He learned how to play guitar from his grandmother whose family were sharecroppers and whose great, great grandparents were slaves. He spent his early teenage years in St. Louis mentoring under the late great Blues legend Henry James Townsend. Marquise's talents have earned him performing rights with some of America's most notable blues performers such as blues legend B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins and David "Honeyboy" Edwards. He won a Living Blues Award for Best Debut and takes another big step forward with the release of his new CD.