June 14
Tuesday
Summer Concert Series: Chris Haddox
6:30 p.m.
Chris Haddox is a West Virginia born (Logan) and based (Morgantown) musician who’s never met a stringed instrument he couldn’t master. He writes and sings his voluminous collection of songs about (to quote him) “religion, firearms, courthouse squares, goats on trampolines, shoes, fiddles, and hurricanes”—whatever catches his eye. He continues, “Like most writers, I try to find new ways to address old topics. Some songs are funny, some sad, some sarcastic but they are all honest–even the ones that are full of lies.”
This stellar musician is also a community leader who has directed Habitat for Humanity and worked to preserve old neighborhoods, a WVU professor of sustainable design, and an amateur musicologist who researches musicians from the southern coalfields of West Virginia. That’s a lot of breadth for someone the music community knows as a well-loved, easy-going consummate picker and gifted songwriter in the traditional folk, country, and Americana vein.
His general affability and openness belie stunningly deft musicianship and deeply affecting songwriting. He has a genius for making connections with the audience. In short, Chris Haddox represents everything that is good about West Virginia.
Bring your favorite blanket or camp chair and join us for an evening of music on the Event Lawn. $5 for WVBG members, $10 for non-members.
June 30
Thursday
Summer Concert Series: Weary Space Wanderer
6:30 p.m.
Weary Space Wanderer is spreading improvisational, Appalachian-jam over the made-from-scratch material of singer-songwriter Kevin Hamric. Taking the stories built on an acoustic guitar and shaping them into mind-bending trips of Americana and roots-rock exploration, Weary Space Wanderer is nothing short of an eclectic ride into what modern mountain music can be.
Bring your favorite blanket or camp chair and join us for an evening of music on the Event Lawn. $5 for WVBG members, $10 for non-members.
July 21
Thursday
Summer Concert Series: Lords of Lester
6:30 p.m.
Lords of Lester is a indie folk Americana band with an Appalachian klezmer sound. All original compositions by Jamie Lester feature Appalachian themes that center around the environment, the people of West Virginia, and the human spirit. David Lawson, a former contestant on America’s Got Talent, adds a virtuosic element to the sound.
Bring your favorite blanket or camp chair and join us for an evening of music on the Event Lawn. $5 WVBG Members, $10 non-members.
August 4
Thursday
Summer Concert Series: Open Mic
— Songwriter’s Showcase
6:30 p.m.
Bring your favorite blanket or camp chair and join us for an evening of music on the Event Lawn featuring local songwriters. Free.
August 18
Thursday
Summer Concert Series: Kittens Ain’t Biscuits
6:30 p.m.
Kittens Ain’t Biscuits, Randy and Daria Jones, will take you on a zany ride from Texas to New Orleans then head up the Appalachians to ponder first-hand poignant accounts of citizens in the coal fields and coal barges on the rivers, with a side trip to the Brazilian coast. Randy on electric and acoustic guitar and Daria on vocals, percussion, harmonica, and kazoo play originals and undone covers that often bring out the swing dancers to cut the rug for a night of frolic!
David Bruffy, owner of SmokeNMirrors Gallery stated, “Arguably the most popular guest artists to ever visit the Smoke N Mirrors Gallery, Randy and Daria Jones will perform their unique brand of original songs and Americana with a few stops along the Brazilian music coast. While preparing for the show, Daria Jones asked, ‘Is it ok if we run over? We just have so much material we want to share with everyone.’ ~ The answer?
Yes, Daria. The show will go on until you’ve shared all your favorite songs AND stories!”
Bring your favorite blanket or camp chair and join us for an evening of music on the Event Lawn. $5 for WVBG members, $10 for non-members.
September 15
Thursday
Summer Concert Series: Sugar Maple
6:30 p.m.
Sugar Maple has been together playing a variety of Americana-based tunes since 2015. The band features Mary Angel Blount on vocals and guitar, Melissa Latimer on guitar, Duncan Lorimer on bass and Woodburn-based Tim Mashburn on guitar and mandolin.
Bring your favorite blanket or camp chair and join us for an evening of music on the Event Lawn. $5 members, $10 non-members.