Enjoy Appalachian traditional and contemporary music when award-winning singer/songwriter Kate Long, accompanied by guitar flatpicker Robin Kessinger, takes center stage at West Virginia University Tuesday, March 18.

The concert, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair Gluck Theatre on the Downtown Campus.

Rooted in Appalachian traditional music, Long also branches into swing, blues and jazz. Her voicewhich Rambles Magazine calleda rich, deep forceis instantly recognizable, full of emotion and humor.

A West Virginia native, she has developed a musical following all over the country, and her songs have been recorded on four continents.

Kessinger, also a West Virginia native, headlines many festivals and judges up-and-coming flatpick artists in contests around the country. He has appeared on PBS and BBC specials and National Public Radio shows.

In witty songs such asLift Me to Heaven before I Turn Meanand touching ones such asWholl Watch the Homeplace(an International Bluegrass Music Association Song of the Year), the duo continues the Appalachian tradition of dazzling instrumentals and compelling songs about real life.

People who have heard Long and Kessinger in concert or on West Virginia Public Radio are probably already making plans to catch their performance at WVU , said Debbi Pariser with WVU s Office of Student Life-Multicultural Programs.

Pariser encouraged those who have not heard them perform to preview their music at http://katelong.eve.net/robinandkate.html . A dozen CDs showcase this dynamic, multi-talented duo.

If youre not familiar with Kates songs, expect to laugh, cry, think and come away with a full heart,said Meryle Korn of the Portland (Ore.) Folk Music Society.

The WVU concert, presented by the Office of Student Life-Multicultural Programs and the Appalachian Cultures Committee, is part of the Benefits of Being Appalachian Series.