What possible connection could world-renowned, Russian-born pianist, composer, and performer Sergei Rachmaninoff have with Appalachia? Well, a concert, of course. But not just any concert—his last concert. Earlier this year, the UT Symphony Orchestra commemorated the 80th anniversary of that performance with a concert. Rachmaninoff was a fascinating individual andContinue Reading
Appalachia Bare is proud to present a new music video titled “East Kentucky Morning” by Julian Wolf. Produced by Berea, Kentucky native Camryn Shaffer and Living Sound Delusions Studios, we hope you enjoy its warm tones and beautiful visuals as much as we did. “East Kentucky Morning” carries a timelessContinue Reading
Appalachia Bare recently published Stephen Billias’s poem, “Little Margaret,” a thoughtful and earnest homage to his friend, James Elton “Jim” McMillan, Jr., who was, among many talents, a musician. Stephen’s poem “Little Margaret” is the namesake of one of Jim’s songs. Stephen generously passed along a recording of Jim andContinue Reading
The historical significance of sub-cultural music is dynamic. The importance of music as a generalization directly affects the health of a growing society, for we are all inspired and impacted by its power on a daily basis. Understanding where the nuances of a musical genre come from opens our possibilitiesContinue Reading
I first met Cassie Watters when I was Local President of United Campus Workers (UCW). In 2011 I hired her to be one of our union Organizers (a decision I count among the best during my terms as president). Since then, I have had the privilege to call her aContinue Reading
Appalachia Bare would like to take this opportunity to thank our subscribers, readers, and viewers. We strive to bring unique content and stories that uncover the real Appalachia, and we’re so grateful for your interest. In the coming year, we’ll offer little gifts here and there for some of ourContinue Reading
Arts and artists throughout Appalachia have a strong connection to the land. That connection is expressed in diverse ways, sometimes overt and intentional, and other times more subtle, like an undercurrent. The music of Appalachia, especially Southern Appalachia, is no different. Usually, when one thinks of “Appalachian music” the mindContinue Reading
The Ramsey House recently invited Appalachia Bare to attend their annual Celtic and Appalachian Music Festival. So, we packed our modest gear, threw in a few lawn chairs, and headed that way. The event was held underneath a large tent, sheltered from sun and/or rain. Food trucks were on hand,Continue Reading
In early March, Appalachia Bare received an email announcing the upcoming album release of Earth Bow (available at Bandcamp.com) by Sarah Louise, a musician from the Asheville, North Carolina, area. I must admit that prior to this email, I was largely unfamiliar with her work. But the email and thisContinue Reading
I’ve been friends with Ed McDaniel (aka Captain Ed) for over ten years. We met working in Facilities Services at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. We are union members of United Campus Workers (UCW), which we both were privileged to serve as Local President. We’ve spent a fair amount ofContinue Reading