eTown

Hiss Golden Messenger / Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen / Interview: Dr. Kenneth Lacovara

This week on the eTown airwaves we’re joined by Americana/folk band Hiss Golden Messenger, whose sound is deeply influenced by country, soul, blues, and rock. We’re very excited to have them on the show for the first time.

Also with us are accomplished songwriters Chris Hillman (The Byrds) and Herb Pedersen. 

Rounding things out, we have a conversation with renowned paleontologist, explorer, and author Dr. Kenneth Lacovara.

Watch videos at www.etown.org

Bettye LaVette / Vilray / Award Winner: Rose Tourje of ANEW

We’ve got a soulful hour of music and conversation this week featuring the legendary soul singer Bettye LaVette. Bettye’s gift is being able to take a song, whether well known or obscure, from any genre and make it completely her own. She began performing and recording during the birth of soul music in the 60s and is still touring today.

Also with us is NYC-based composer and musician Vilray, who offers jazz and country-style swing music as it was performed in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.

All of this, plus a conversation with Rose Tourje, founder of a nonprofit organization that rescues usable office furniture, supplies, and equipment from the landfill, then sends it to schools and organizations in poorer areas.

Willie Nelson / Kacey Musgraves

This special encore broadcast is from our “eTown on the Road” series. Visiting with us is legendary outlaw country artist Willie Nelson, who features great songs from the stage at Denver’s Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater. Willie has a candid conversation with Nick (direct from Willie’s tour bus!).

Also on the show is first-time eTown visitor Kacey Musgraves, who’s been on an astronomical trajectory as one of country music’s rapidly rising stars since winning Album of the Year at the Grammy’s in 2018 for her breakout ‘Golden Hour’.

Watch videos at:  www.etown.org

Over the Rhine / David Huckfelt / Award: Michelle Angela

This week’s program showcases the exceptionally talented musical husband and wife duo Over the Rhine, as they celebrate their 30th year of touring together.

We’re also joined by gifted singer/songwriter David Huckfelt (member of the band The Pines), who shares songs from his new solo album project.

And Nick sits down for a conversation with the co-founder of a nonprofit organization that’s helping veterans heal from PTSD and more through gardening and community involvement.

Watch videos at www.etown.org

The Travelin’ McCourys / Liz Vice / Award: Lina Sergie Attar

In this week’s back-by-popular-demand re-airing, we’re joined by longtime friends of the Forsters, The Travelin’ McCourys. This Nashville-based bluegrass band was founded by Ronnie and Rob McCoury, sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury. The boys continue their father’s legacy of stellar bluegrass music, along with band members Jason Carter (fiddle) and Alan Bartram (bass).

And an exceptional gospel/soul/R&B vocalist, Liz Vice, also joins us.

We’ll round things out with a moving eChievement Award story about a Syrian American citizen whose nonprofit is bringing crucial support to those suffering from the war in her native Syria.

Watch videos at: etown.org

(PT. 2) Anders Osborne / Chatham County Line/ The McIntosh County Shouters

We continue with Part Two of this rich and full program, with more music from (and an in-depth conversation with) North Carolina-based bluegrass quartet Chatham County Line.

We’ll also hear more from legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist Anders Osborne, who shares more of his New Orleans flavored sound.

In addition, eTown is visited by The McIntosh County Shouters, known for their moving, tradition-rich, African-American spirituals and shout songs. An incredible finale collaboration with Anders, Nick, Helen, Chatham County Line, and The McIntosh County Shouters rates as one of the best eTown has ever had. Don’t miss this one!

Watch videos at: etown.org

(PT. 1) Anders Osborne / Chatham County Line / Award: Gary Fine

With more guests than usual, this show will be spread over two weeks. This week, noted New Orleans resident (originally born in Sweden) and performer extraordinaire Anders Osborne returns to the eTown stage after several years absence, to share his soulful vocals, rich songwriting, and tasteful guitar work.

And Nick sits down for a conversation with our award winner who started an organization that provides books, education, and learning programs as a lifeline of hope for incarcerated adults.

We’ll also have a taste of North Carolina based bluegrass quartet Chatham County Line who make their first visit to eTown

Watch videos at etown.org

Marlon Williams / Esmé Patterson / Award: Doug Vilsack

This encore broadcast features award-winning singer/songwriter and talented New Zealand native Marlon Williams (@MarlonWMusic).

Also with us, indie-folk singer/songwriter Esmé Patterson (@EsmePatterson), who has been making waves over the past few years since departing from the group Paper Bird.

Plus, Nick has a conversation with the founder of a nonprofit organization that provides simple yet crucial renewable energy technology to remote African villages and also to Native American reservation residents here in the States.

Watch videos at: etown.org

Citizen Cope / Anna Tivel / Award: Mark Dibner

Joining us this week is singer/songwriter extraordinaire Citizen Cope (@citizencope) known for his unique and exquisite fusion of blues, soul and hip-hop.

We also welcome Portland-based singer/songwriter Anna Tivel (@annativelmusic) who is widely recognized for her lyrics-driven folk and Americana style.

Plus, Nick talks with this week’s eChievement Award winner, who saves discarded computers from going into the landfill and then refurbishes them to give to low-income students for academic use.

 

Watch videos from this show at: www.etown.org

Jessica Lea Mayfield / Birds of Chicago / Twesigye Jackson Kaguri (Nyaka Aids Orphans Project)

For this encore broadcast, we’re joined by talented singer-songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield (@jessicamayfield).  

Also with us, the gifted husband/wife musical duo Birds of Chicago (JT Nero and Allison Russell)(@jtandalli).

Completing this eTown episode is a conversation with our eChievement Award winner of the week, who personally rose from poverty in his native Africa to found an organization that provides support to HIV/AIDS orphans.