We are thrilled to announce that old-time musician John Morris of Ivydale, WV, is one of nine 2020 National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellows, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
Tag: Music
Join the West Virginia Humanities Council’s Virtual West Virginia Day Celebration
Happy West Virginia Day 2020, from the West Virginia Humanities Council!
Field Notes: An Interview with W.I. “Bill” Hairston
W.I. “Bill” Hairston, 71, is a storyteller, old-time musician, and pastor living in Charleston, West Virginia. He was born in Phenix City, Alabama, and his family moved to Saint Albans, West Virginia, in 1960.
Remembering Bill Withers: The Nomination Letters for his 2017 WVU Honorary Doctorate
William Harrison ‘‘Bill’’ Withers Jr. (July 4, 1938 – March 30, 2020) was born into a miner’s family of 13 children in Slab Fork, Raleigh County, West Virginia. His mother moved the family to Beckley when Withers was 3, but he continued to spend weekends in Slab Fork. By the time he was 15, Withers…
Announcing Our 2020-2021 Master Artists & Apprentices!
We are excited to announce our 20202-2021 class of master artist and apprentice pairs in the West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program. In this second year of the Program, seven apprentice pairs from across the Mountain State will study traditions including old-time banjo of central West Virginia, seedsaving, and midwifery. The Apprenticeship Program offers up to…
West Virginia Folklife Hosts Out of the Blocks Listening Party February 12, 2020
On the evening of Wednesday, February 12, The West Virginia Folklife Program, a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council, will host a listening party of two episodes of the Out of the Blocks podcast, featuring Charleston’s West Side neighborhood.
A Tribute to Ballad Singer Phyllis Marks (June 5,1927-June 22, 2019)
A tribute to Gilmer County ballad singer Phyllis Marks, who passed away June 22, 2019, at the age of 92.
West Virginia Folklife 2018 Activities Report
What has the West Virginia Folklife Program done lately? Learn about our 2018 fieldwork, programs, and activities.
2018 Master Artist & Apprentice Feature: Doug Van Gundy & Annie Stroud, Old-Time Fiddling of the Greenbrier Valley
Doug Van Gundy, of Elkins led an appenticeship in old-time fiddle of the Greenbrier Valley with Annie Stroud, of Charleston.
West Virginia Folklife Presents Apprenticeship Showcase: Fiddle, Blues & Gospel
Please us on the evening of January 16th for our second Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase, featuring master gospel and blues musician Doris Fields (aka Lady D) with apprentice Xavier Oglesby, and master old-time fiddler John D. Morris with apprentice Jen Iskow.
2018 Master Artist & Apprentice Feature: Doris Fields aka Lady D & Xavier Oglesby, Blues & Black Gospel
Doris Fields aka Lady D, of Beckley, is leading an apprenticeship in blues and black gospel, with Xavier Oglesby of Beckley.
West Virginia Folklife Presents Apprenticeship Showcase: Old-Time Fiddle & Salt Rising Bread
Please join us on the evening of Wednesday, December 12 for the first Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase, featuring master old-time fiddler Doug Van Gundy with apprentice fiddler Annie Stroud, and master salt rising bread bakers Jenny Bardwell and Susan Brown with apprentice baker Amy Dawson.
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