Saturday, August 17 is Mountain Music Trail Day at the State Fair of West Virginia, when three tradition-based bands perform at on the Sprint Free Stage. Fair Manager Kelly Collins has invited us to book this special day for the last several years, and we appreciate her support.

Kicking things off at the 11am show will be the Sugar Run Band, with high energy Old Time music (video above). The band’s members hail from Monroe, Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties. youtube.com/watch?v=EIp0o18_xA0

At 2:30pm long time Pocahontas and Greenbrier County favorite Richard Hefner (video above) works out on the banjo, accompanied by Joanna Burt-Kinderman on bass. Here’s Richard, picking in his living room: youtube.com/watch?v=iZU8ScJPn3E

The 5:30pm show presents Michael and Carrie Kline (video above) from Elkins, with songs and stories of the old days in West Virginia. youtube.com/watch?v=WQGzw5TAJv4

Another Mountain Music Trail band, Rush Run Philharmonic from Greenbrier and Pocahontas, will play at the Fair for the 11am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm shows on Friday August 9. The band is named after member Phil Rolleston, and Rush Run, the creek he lives on. youtube.com/watch?v=tetZynCqHEA

Also in the local area in August: The Half Bad Bluegrass Band at Smooth Ambler Spirits in Maxwelton Saturday, August 24 youtube.com/watch?v=TbfWlRzZaWw, and the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys (video above) present their annual concert at the Pocahontas County Opera House Saturday, August 31. They make your pants want to get up and dance! youtube.com/watch?v=vAGIYUX7Azw

Up north on US 219 in Parsons WV, The Purple Fiddle continues its record of presenting more tradition-based music than any other venue in West Virginia. Highlights this month include:

Saturday, August 3 – The David Mayfield Parade (video above)

Monday, August 12 –The young Boston area Bluegrass group, Pretty Saro. Pretty Saro draws their inspiration from acoustic giants such as Nickel Creek, Crooked Still, Hot Rize, and John Hartford to name a few.

Thursday, August 15 – Parsonsfield, from Somerville MA. NPR called them ““the most jubilant and danceable indie roots music this side of the Carolinas”. youtube.com/results?search_query=parsonsfield+weeds+or+wildflowers

Saturday, August 24 – it’s bluegrass with The Barefoot Movement, hailed by CMT Edge as “one of the most promising bands on the Bluegrass scene”. youtube.com/watch?v=0lco9ErfiME

And on US 219 in Randolph County – Saturday August 17 in Beverly at the Rhythm and Wine Festival – catch Jesse Milnes and Emily Miller from Elkins: youtube.com/watch?v=L1bs6p44V7E&t=33s&fbclid=IwAR02_Am5dtczCPZ96rgujqbfoMIQVc9Dj70xH4w4dkpZwWYlptMp8BWnhH8

Have a great last month of Summer – take some time off – and pick up on some live local music!

– Gibbs Kinderman, HashtagWV #116. August 2019