Listen to WoodSongs Old-time Radio Hour on Hit Mix 88.9 in Charleston, IL

WS551: The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Sun, Dec 6 Listen

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are heroes of the Americana and country-folk world. The band's major hits include a cover version of Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles". Albums include 1972's Will the Circle Be Unbroken, featuring such traditional country artists Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Merle Travis and Jimmy Martin. A follow-up album based on the same concept, Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two was released in 1989, was certified gold and won two Grammy Awards and...

WS550: Battlefield Band and Pauly Zarb

Sat, Dec 5 Listen

BATTLEFIELD BAND from Scotland has been performing on the international scene for more than three decades, and is one of the premier Celtic bands in the world. Founded in 1969 and named after the ‘Battlefield’ area of Glasgow, the band pioneered the integration of bagpipes with fiddle, keyboards, guitar and voice, mixing the old songs and tunes with new self-penned material, playing them on a unique fusion of ancient and modern instruments. Their new CD is Zama Zama ... try your luck...

WS549: Judy Collins

Mon, Nov 16 Listen

JUDY COLLINS is one of the major interpretive singers in the world. She launched her recording career at the age of 22 with her 1961 guitar-based folk debut A Maid of Constant Sorrow, has been going with her gut ever since she released 1966’s lushly orchestrated In My Life, which featured such songwriters as Jacques Brel and Kurt Weill. On her 1967 album, Wildflowers, she began to record her own compositions and earned her first gold record and major hit, the Grammy-Award winning “Both Sides...

WS548: Mark O'Connor and the Appalachia Waltz Trio + Tommy Emmanuel

Sun, Nov 15 Listen

MARK O’CONNOR returns to the WoodSongs stage for a Special Event Broadcast where he’ll be the sole artist for the broadcast. Mark is a multi-Grammy-winning violinist and composer who is widely recognized as one of the most gifted contemporary composers in America, and one of the brightest talents of his generation. He's studied and recorded with some of the 20th Century's greatest musicians, including Stephane Grappeli, Benny Thomasson, and Yo Yo Ma. Along the way, between these many...

WS547: Chris Smither and G2

Sun, Nov 15 Listen

CHRIS SMITHER’s unique brand of blues-infused folk has, over the years, proven him to be what The Boston Herald aptly deemed "a one-man band of blues-inspired power that can justly be called locomotive." After hearing Lightnin’ Hopkins album Blues in the Bottle in 1960, Chris was inspired and began performing. His career has stretched four decades and 13 albums. He has a long standing relationship with Bonnie Raitt that took shape in 1972 when Bonnie recorded Chris’s “Love Me Like a Man" and...

WS546: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Zach Brock

Sat, Nov 14 Listen

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY bring their big-band fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, to Dixieland to the WoodSongs Stage for one incredible night of music. Since their arrival on the music scene in 1993 in a legendary residency at Los Angeles’ Brown Derby nightclub, BBVD’s irresistible live show and aggressive, musically perceptive approach has proven them over time to be the singular standout among the numerous bands that launched the Nineties swing revival. BBVD’s originals “You &...

WS544: Chuck McCabe and Mitch Barrett

Tue, Oct 6 Listen

CHUCK McCABE is a master storyteller in the tradition of the great folk troubadours. A vein of humor and a theme of respect run through McCabe’s distinctly award winning songwriting. His delivery demonstrates an understated elegance that is a rare find among performers – especially those who cross the lines between wit and wisdom. Chuck's latest CD is "Creatures of Habit." MITCH BARRETT is one of Kentucky’s most sought-after and talented singer songwriter sons. His approach to lyrical...

WS543: Jonathan Edwards and Amy Speace

Sun, Oct 4 Listen

JONATHAN EDWARDS is a singer/songwriter who is best known for his crossover folk singles "Sunshine" and "Shanty." Born in Minnesota, Jonathan picked up the guitar in high school in the early 60s. He studied art in college but continued to play music. Soon Jonathan was booked to open for acts such as the Allman Brothers Band and B. B. King, and he signed with Capricorn Records. In 1971, his energetic, happy-sounding statement of protest and independence called "Sunshine" earned him a gold...

WS542: Ray Bonneville and Those Darlins

Mon, Sep 28 Listen

RAY BONNEVILLE is a distinctive artist, a man who cooks up a deep blues groove, blending a unique percussive electric guitar style, a weathered voice, and soulful rack harmonica into image provoking songs that can be believed. Born in Canada, he moved to the Boston area in his early teens where he started playing guitar and harmonica. His last 30 or so years have seen him seeking adventure and playing music throughout the world. Being a dual citizen allows him the freedom to live between...

WS541: Jake Shimabukuro

Mon, Sep 7 Listen

JAKE SHIMABUKURO returns to the WoodSongs stage for a one hour Special Event Broadcast. Jake is recognized as one of the world's most exciting and innovative ukulele players and composers. Born in Hawaii, Jake's mother gave him his first ukulele lesson when he was but four years old. Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Jake views the ukulele as an "untapped source of music with unlimited potential." His virtuosity defies label or category. Playing jazz,...

WS540: The Greencards and Reid Genauer

Sat, Sep 5 Listen

THE GREENCARDS return to the WoodSongs stage with a brand new album called "Fascination" on Sugar Hill Records. The critically acclaimed band’s love and respect for country, Americana, blues and bluegrass brought them together in 2003. They’ve already toured with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, earned the Americana Music Award in 2006 for“Emerging Artist of the Year” and in 2008 landed a Grammy nomination (“Best Country Instrumental Performance” for Viridian). REID GENAUER is the...

WS539: Cyril Neville and Rob Ickes

Wed, Aug 19 Listen

CYRIL NEVILLE is the youngest of the beloved group, the Neville Brothers. Born in New Orleans to a musical family, Cyril began singing professionally at 19 and released his first single in 1970. In addition to his work with the Neville Brothers, Cyril has formed other bands over the years, Cyril also founded the New Orleans Musicians Organized (NOMO), which helps musicians who need business advice with their careers. Cyril Neville has issued several solo albums on his own plus he has guested...

WS538: Neko Case

Sun, Aug 16 Listen

NEKO CASE is an American alternative country singer-songwriter, best known for her solo career and her contributions as a member of the Canadian indie rock group The New Pornographers. SPIN Magazine called Case "one of pop music's best" voices. Case's last album, 2006's Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, brought her to the nexus where critical acclaim meets commercial success. Her sixth studio album is Middle Cyclone released on Anti- Records and has been called her best work to date. The CD...

WS537: Trevor Hall, Among The Oak & Ash

Mon, Aug 10 Listen

TREVOR HALL is originally from South Carolina and is most known for his song “Other Ways” which was featured in the Shrek III motion picture soundtrack. He has been writing and performing since his early teens and has released two independent recordings. Trevor combines a unique musical mix of reggae and acoustic rock that serves as a landscape for his thought-provoking, inspiring lyrics. His self-titled Vanguard debut was just released and embodies a soulfulness, depth and passion far...

WS536: Kacey Jones and The Bats

Sun, Aug 9 Listen

KACEY JONES brings her “body of work” back to the WoodSongs stage with a brand new CD titled Donald Trump’s Hair. It’s the hilarious follow-up to her previous comedy album, “Nipples to the Wind” and contains fifteen new tracks, including the debut single, “I Wanna Be Up Front Like Dolly.” Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, this madcap redhead now based in Nashville sees the world at large with laser perception and a funny tilt. That’s why audiences have been laughing with this singer,...

WS535: Beppe Gambetta, The Rhythm Angels

Fri, Jul 24 Listen

BEPPE GAMBETTA is one of the true live master innovators of the acoustic guitar. From Italy, he has a deep passion for both American roots music as well as the music of his native country, Beppe has traveled the world and even crossed the “Iron Curtain” to dazzle and charm music enthusiasts everywhere. His latest CD is Rendez-vous where he attempts to break the boundaries of the flatpicking technique in some creative and experimental ways. THE RHYTHM ANGELS are a duo with seamless harmonies...

WS534: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Samantha Crain

Sun, Jul 19 Listen

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER are one of Bluegrass' most honored and revered talents. This award winning ensemble has picked up the IBMA Award for best vocal group an unprecedented seven years in a row. Doyle is also the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the Endowment's highest honor granted to traditional and folk artists for career accomplishments. He and his band are back to introduce songs from their new album called Lonely Street released on...

WS533: Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Guy Davis

Thu, Jul 16 Listen

RHONDA VINCENT & THE RAGE is a true superstar in the world of bluegrass. They return to the WoodSongs stage with a brand new release on Rounder Records called Destination Life. The new album features a stellar lineup of new, original and classic bluegrass songs. This 7 time IBMA vocalist of the year takes her music to new heights while maintaining her deep bluegrass roots. GUY DAVIS has been real busy since his last WoodSongs appearance. He just finished a special tour with Pete Seeger. This...

WS532: Sara Watkins and The Lovell Sisters

Wed, Jun 17 Listen

SARA WATKINS is best known as the founding member of the Grammy Award-winning, critically acclaimed, and platinum-selling band Nickel Creek. This singer, songwriter and fiddle player has just released her self-titled debut solo album on Nonesuch Records. The CD was recorded in Los Angles and Nashville and was produced by former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones. Sara will be joined on stage by her brother and fellow Nickel Creek band mate Sean Watkins. The LOVELL SISTERS The LOVELL...

WS531: Steve Wariner tribute to Chet Atkins

Wed, Jun 17 Listen

STEVE WARINER is a superstar of country music. His latest project is a tribute to his mentor and friend Chet Atkins. Steve first met Chet in 1977, who then quickly signed Steve to RCA Records. Steve will be the sole guest on WoodSongs and be playing material for his new CD Steve Wariner c. g. p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins along with a couple of Steve’s hits. Steve scored his first hit record in 1980 and thus began a career that has spanned three decades, 25 Albums released, 18 1's and...

WS530: Maura O'Connell and Si Kahn

Fri, Jun 12 Listen

MAURA O’CONNELL is a wonderful, interpretive singer. She returns to WoodSongs to introduce her latest CD project where her voice takes center stage. This Grammy nominated singer spent nearly two years working on a project she’s been wanting to do for a very long time. The result is Naked With Friends, O’Connell’s first a cappella album, which will be released by Sugar Hill Records. Born and raised in County Clare, Ireland, she was the third of four singing sisters. She will performing on...

WS528: BeauSoleil

Tue, Jun 2 Listen

BEAUSOLEIL bring their Grammy winning Cajun music to WoodSongs for a Special Event Broadcast. Since forming in 1975, BeauSoleil claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music. The band takes the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a satisfying musical recipe. From The Grand Ole Opry to Newport Folk, from concert hall to dance floor, the music of BeauSoleil continues to...

WS527: The Flatlanders

Mon, Jun 1 Listen

THE FLATLANDERS are Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. That their first go-round as The Flatlanders in 1972 was completely rejected by the country music establishment is surprising in retrospect but, ultimately, poetic. That each went on to have formidable solo careers is a testament to their talent and determination. Add to this their diverse yet complimentary styles – Joe the street-wise rocker, Jimmie Dale the mystic with the classic country voice and Butch the cerebral folk...

WS526: GiveWay and Danny Schmidt

Sun, May 17 Listen

GIVEWAY is a band based in Scotland, four very talented sisters performing traditional Celtic and cross-over music. They have been performing from a very early age and feature vocals, fiddle, guitar, accordion, piano, whistle, drums, and bass. Award winners at the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, the band is, like the title of their current CD on Greentrax Records...Inspired. DANNY SCHMIDT is a writer's writer based out of Austin, Texas, with a lyrical depth drawing comparisons to Leonard...

WS525: Michael Martin Murphey and Tom Rush

Mon, Apr 20 Listen

MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY song “Wildfire” was one of the biggest pop hits of the 70's. He returns to the WoodSongs stage with a brand new bluegrass CD called Buckaroo BlueGrass. The album features Michael's acoustic versions of his songs that have been recorded by Bluegrass bands over the years and was produced by Michael’s son. This "singing cowboy poet", is not only the number one, best-selling singer/ songwriter of American Cowboy Music, he's one of the world's most respected singer/...

WS524: Susan Werner and Vance Gilbert

Sun, Apr 19 Listen

SUSAN WERNER has cultivated a reputation as a daring and innovative songwriter. Her new release Classics, delivers entirely new string arrangements of mainstream popular songs by top songwriters from the classic pop era - the sixties and seventies. Drawing on her unique training as a classical vocalist and the diverse talents of esteemed Boston Symphony and Pops players, Classics sets a mood that highlights elegance and sophistication previously overlooked in the first lives of songs like...

WS523: Almira Fawn and the Dixie Bee-Liners

Mon, Apr 6 Listen

ALMIRA FAWN is just eleven years old. She was brought on stage by Michael during the encore of show #515 and serenaded her hero, JJ Grey, with one his songs that she rewrote and received a standing ovation. Almira is from Lexington, Kentucky and has been busking at the Farmer’s Market and playing at restaurants and cafes around her hometown. She recently finished her first CD which includes several originals and will be appearing on NBC’s America’s Got Talent over the summer. THE DIXIE...

WS522: Samuel James and Shout Sister Shout

Sun, Mar 29 Listen

SAMUEL JAMES is a young master of fingerstyle, slide, banjo, harmonica, and piano and is not yet out of his twenties. With musical influences ranging from Skip James and Sonny Terry to Gus Cannon and Charley Patton, such understanding of pre-war blues is rarely embodied in the music of one person. His songwriting is absolutely unparalleled in contemporary blues. His second CD and debut for NorthernBlues Music entitled Songs Famed for Sorrow and Joy is available now. SHOUT SISTER SHOUT is an...

WS521: Shemekia Copeland and Dan Crary

Sun, Mar 22 Listen

SHEMEKIA COPELAND has already received numerous blues awards worldwide, a Grammy nomination, and has a resume that includes work with musical titans like Dr. John and film giants like Martin Scorsese. She returns to WoodSongs with a brand new CD Never Going Back on Telarc Records. The CD was produced by Oliver Wood of the Wood Brothers and takes a more forward view of the blues, and in so doing points her music and her career in a new direction while remaining loyal to her blues roots. DAN...

WS520: Kelleigh McKenzie and Slide

Sat, Mar 14 Listen

KELLEIGH McKENZIE just received three Independent Music Award nominations, with her song "Gin" winning Best Americana Song, and she was named a winner in last fall’s Mountain Stage NewSong Contest. She delivers a captivating blend of folk, blues, old-time and rock with a uniquely urbane edge. She plucks and thumps out twist-filled tales on banjo and acoustic guitar, all while pounding along on her amplified stomp-box. This Oregonian-turned-New Yorker's debut CD is called "Chances." SLIDE is...

WoodSongs Old-time Radio Hour (Bluegrass)