Music Trails Podcast Partnership Announced
The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the North Carolina Arts Council, has forged a new partnership with WNCW-FM at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC, and the American Roots Music journal No Depression.
The partnership includes the production, broadcast and on-line distribution of a new series of radio segments and podcasts called “Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina” featuring Laura Boosinger, celebrated musician, folklorist and storyteller, as host. The segments highlight bluegrass and old-time music stories, performers and musical traditions across the 29 mountain and foothills counties included in the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina footprint.
Produced by WNCW’s Kim Clark, the short segments will cover such subjects as the Piedmont blues style of Etta Baker, the musical recordings of Doc Watson and his family, Round Peak Music of Surry County and Jimmie Rodgers and the Bristol recording sessions. Boosinger’s long history as a performer of traditional and bluegrass music as well as her musicologist background and knowledge of the region provide rich context for the segments.
The segments air on WNCW-FM (88.7) Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. and again Sunday afternoons around 4:30 p.m. during the station’s “This Old Porch” programming. “Down the Road” is also repurposed as on-line content by all three entities.
“We are thrilled to be part of such an exciting partnership that will help to convey the rich music legacy of Western North Carolina, from our heritage artists to rising traditional music stars of today,” stated Angie Chandler, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
“Every corner of Western North Carolina has a special story to tell about its rich musical traditions,” added Laura Boosinger, host for the program. “Through these segments and podcasts we invite citizens and visitors alike to listen, learn, and head ‘down the road’ to explore these special places and get to know our amazing musicians and dancers.”
The title of the segment is based on the tune “Down the Road” from the Doc Watson Family.
