Virginia Mountain’s Area News Releases

April 2009

After three successful seasons bringing viewers the best in live, roots-based music from the heart of the region where it all began, the award-winning weekly public television series Song of the Mountains plans a bigger and better fourth season as it undertakes an exciting, new partnership with powerhouse presenting station UNC-TV. UNC-TV brings more than 50 years of experience producing and presenting quality life-changing television to audiences in North Carolina, bordering states and the country.

"Having UNC-TV's experience, resources and professional guidance working with our production crew and volunteer staff at Song of the Mountains will propel our series to even greater heights," enthuses Tim White, the series' host and executive director. "Our partnership with them will enable us to send the music of our southern Appalachian region out to millions of people across America who enjoy it and can only access it through public television. We look forward to a long relationship with UNC-TV."

In returning the praise, UNC-TV Director and General Manager Tom Howe notes, “UNC-TV is delighted to assume the role of presenting station for Song of the Mountains, a program that is a wonderful representation of the traditional music and culture of our region."

Scott Davis, UNC-TV's executive for outside productions, points out that, “UNC-TV's new partnership with Song of the Mountains not only allows us to celebrate this wonderful music with our statewide audience but also to share it with public television viewers across the nation.”

The beautifully restored Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia, serves as Song of the Mountains‘ stunning setting. Originally built in 1929, the theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places and received designation as a Virginia Historic Landmark. It is one of only three existing Mayan Revival-style theatres in America. Once known as the “finest showplace in Southwest Virginia,” state-of-the-art computerized sound and lighting systems further accentuate the Lincoln's restoration beyond its original grandeur.

Season four of Song of the Mountains, premiering Saturday, May 9, at 6 PM, on UNC-TV (feeding Wednesday, May 6, at 7 PM; check local listings if out of UNC-TV range), offers the finest lineup of talent since production began in 2005. Family-style entertainment features award-winning, crowd-pleasing touring artists from around the corner—and around the world. All-star acts include 2008 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tom T. Hall; Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time; fabled folkie Mike Seeger; Cherryholmes; IBMA female vocalist of the year Dale Ann Bradley; Lou Reid & Carolina with the legendary Bobby Hicks on fiddle; and Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys. In addition, Celtic sounds from Naomi's Fancy, Sigean and Fire in the Kitchen showcase the many styles of Appalachian music and influences. Song of the Mountains shows that bluegrass grows on the other side of the globe, as well, with a powerful performance from Russia’s Country Saloon. Balancing out season four, old-time music lovers will enjoy the rhythms of the Hillbilly Gypsies, James Leva and Purgatory Mountain.

Each year more than 50-million fans of bluegrass, old-time, Celtic and Americana music enjoy the lively performances featured on Song of the Mountains and carried on over 160 PBS outlets across the United States. Taped at the usually sold-out 500-seat Lincoln Theatre, Song of the Mountains presents legendary and up-and-coming acts in a unique, live television production context. Visit www.songofthemountains.org for schedules, tickets and more information.

Song of the Mountains receives support from Mountain States Health Alliance, the Tobacco Indemnification & Community Revitalization Commission, Josiah's GrahamFest, the General Francis Marion Hotel, Deering Quality Banjos, the Carter Family Fold, Bryant Label Company, TEDS Talent Management Solutions, Alpha Natural Resources, Bank of Marion and Emory & Henry College.

The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), a professional association headquartered in Columbia, SC, and founded in 1997 to serve public television licensees and affiliated educational organizations distributes Song of the Mountains. NETA has members in 43 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. See www.netaonline.org for additional information on the organization and its services.

UNC-TV, North Carolina’s 11-station, statewide television network, presents the series as part of its commitment to using telecommunications wisely and imaginatively to inform, educate and enlighten. UNC-TV’s unique programs and services provide people of all ages with enriching, life-changing television. Visit www.unctv.org for more information about the programs and services of UNC-TV.