Thank you for this great write-up, Jade!

 

By Jade Artherhults

When one thinks about music and culture in West Virginia, the first thing to come to mind is usually banjos and bluegrass. However, two friends based out of Morgantown have created a project to broaden the way people view culture in West Virginia and all of Appalachia.

“Every Appalachian’s story is authentic.”

-The unofficial Travelin’ Appalachians Revue mission statement

The Travelin’ Appalachians Revue, co-founded by local Morgantown friends Tyler Grady and Howard Parsons, went on their first tour around West Virginia last summer. This June, they’re hitting the road again for their second annual tour, titled Things Said to a Hole in the Ground.

Check out our press release!!!

West Virginia-based musicians and writers, including Scott McClanahan, Marie Manilla, John R. Miller and Keegan Lester, plan creative performances around the state

Today the Travelin’ Appalachians Revue revealed the tour dates for this year’s seven-day traveling showcase entitled, Things Said to a Hole in the Ground. Similar to last year’s successful effort, this year’s show is a multi-disciplinary celebration of Appalachian music and creative writing.

Throughout June, the group will make several stops across West Virginia from Shepherdstown to Charleston, concluding with a final show to celebrate West Virginia Day (June 20) in Morgantown. Each stop on the tour showcases a variety of musical performances and readings from creative minds nurtured in West Virginia.

The Travelin’ Appalachians Revue is an annual, rotating showcase of artists with a focus on the traditions of songwriting, poetry, and storytelling in the Mountain State. All artists involved have a strong connection to Appalachia, and many of them were raised and have lived in West Virginia for most of their lives.

During the tour, the Travelin’ Appalachians Revue seeks to extend this shared history of West Virginian life and art with communities across West Virginia. Through a focus on cultural celebration, the Revue enriches each performance by highlighting the intersection of the personal histories and cultural backgrounds of each performer and each member of the audience. The group aims to explore and challenge the complex and competing narratives about West Virginia with lived experience and compassion for their communities.

The tour commences in Shepherdstown on June 14th.

6/14  The Shepherdstown Opera House

with John R. Miller, Keegan Lester, Rose Ann, John Jacob, Sophia Rehak, Kelly Cambrel, Ashley Hoffman and Cheshii solo performance

131 West German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443

6/15 TipTop

with John R. Miller, Keegan Lester, Rose Ann, John Jacob, Sophia Rehak, and Howard Parsons

216 East Avenue, Thomas, WV 26292

6/16 The Historic Fayette Theater

with John R. Miller, Keegan Lester, Rose Ann, John Jacob, Sophia Rehak, Kelsie Cannon, Howard Parsons, Juliet Escoria and Scott McClanahan.

115 South Court Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840 | PO Box 448, Fayetteville, WV 25840

6/17 The RiffRaff Arts Collective Theater Upstairs

with John R. Miller, Keegan Lester, Rose Ann, John Jacob, Sophia Rehak, and Howard Parsons

869 Mercer Street, Princeton, WV 24740

6/18 (As part of FestivALL) The Boulevard Tavern

with John R. Miller, Keegan Lester, Rose Ann, John Jacob, Sophia Rehak, Marie Manilla, Bradley Jenkins, Roxy Todd, and Zander Aloi

806 Kanawha Boulevard E, Charleston, WV 25301

6/19 The Blue Church

with John R. Miller, Keegan Lester, Rose Ann, John Jacob, Sophia Rehak, and Mikey Iafrate

1206 Byron Street, Wheeling, WV 26003

6/20 (West Virginia Day) 123 Pleasant Street

with John R. Miller, Keegan Lester, Rose Ann, John Jacob, Sophia Rehak, Kelsie Cannon, Lester/Amaya, Molly Sherlock, and William Matheny

123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown, WV 26501

Check back soon for actual stuff, including tour dates, new artwork, and other cool news.