Performers and speakers at the 2019 Celebration of Traditional Music include
The Pedigos
Having a solid foundation in American Roots Music, as well as the English and Irish folk music traditions, the Pedigos having been entertaining audiences at festivals, parks and private parties with their unique style of acoustic music, The Pedigos have the old time sound reminiscent of the Delmore and Monroe Brothers as well as the newer influences of Jamie Harford, the Louvin Brothers and the Byrds. They recall a time when the traditions of live music were more prevalent in day to day activities and when music brought people together as a community activity. This duo brings brings original music as well as folk, bluegrass, county and rhythm & blues to share with listeners. Their talent with playing a number of instruments allow them to create distinctive ensembles that give audiences a full repertoire of acoustic music styles. Their shows are entertaining and enjoyable- check out their show schedule and make plans to see them in person.
Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno
Whether on recording or in concert, Leva and Calcagno’s vibrant and magnetic harmonies shift effortlessly between archaic ballads, classic country and honky tonk, and the best of contemporary Americana, imbuing each story of love, passing time, and heartbreak with a hearty emotional punch.
It’s rare to find such mature and confident voices in such young artists—whose music springs so organically from a grassroots connection to the traditional music community in which they were raised. Since the record’s release Leva and Calcagno have toured as a duo across Canada, the US, and the UK, and received wide critical praise. Rolling Stone Country wrote that Time is Everything “shines a light on the past without giving up its place in the present” and Wide Open Country called the record “a triumph of lyricism and musicianship.” As individuals, they have performed with Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens, Donna the Buffalo, and Bruce Molsky to name just a few. To this collaboration they bring both the steady hands of experience and a refined taste for American music, yet still a youthful abandon that can’t be forced.
Michael and Carrie Kline
Michael and Carrie Kline have been studying and chronicling the history and culture of Appalachia for forty years. Michael, with a Ph.D. in Public Folklore from Boston University, and Carrie, with a Master’s Degree in American Studies from SUNY/Buffalo, have cumulatively written twenty articles for West Virginia’s official Folk Life journal, Goldenseal Magazine since 1978, when Michael served on Goldenseal’s editorial staff at the West Virginia Department of Culture and History. Michael’s efforts to document 20th Century West Virginia life were supported in the early 1970s with receipt of a Ford Fellowship Award, and with a grant from the West Virginia Humanities in 1980. He has served on the Citizen’s Advisory Board of the West Virginia Humanities Council and has far ranging contacts throughout the State with historians, Appalachian Studies scholars, artists and musicians. He has conducted extensive oral interviews with farmers, home makers and workers in most of the State’s industries and communities.
Click here to learn more about their work
The Lawson Family
The Lawson Family Band, consisting of Tim Lawson and his three children Jessie Grace, TJ, and David, have been singing and playing as a family since they were old enough to sit up straight and hum a tune. They began performing in public many years ago at their great grandmother’s 80th birthday party, singing “Keep on the Sunny Side” in three-part harmony, and the rest is history. Tim and his wife, Anne, are the pastors of River of Life Foursquare Church in Berea, KY. Jessie Grace is currently a junior theater major and music minor at Berea College. TJ is a freshman studying commercial music and production at Liberty University. And, David is a member of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra. While their musical interests are wide and varied, they have a deep appreciation of their musical heritage, performing a variety of songs from hymns and gospel tunes to Appalachian ballads and fiddle tunes. And, it’s their joy to bring a taste of their rich musical traditions from the front porch in Drift, KY, to Berea College.
