Dozens of artists across the country send CDs to Mountain Stage each week hoping for a spot on the long-running, West Virginia-based radio program.

Described by one editorial writer as “the little radio show that could,” renowned artists and unsigned local talent alike trek to the Culture Center Theater in Charleston – and four or five times a year to the Creative Arts Center at West Virginia University – to perform on the two-hour show that is then broadcast a few weeks later on National Public Radio and the Voice of America.

“Morgantown is like our second home,” says Andy Ridenour, a co-founder and executive producer of the program, now in its 26th year.

Morgantown’s 2009-10 Mountain Stage season began Oct. 4 at the WVU Creative Arts Center, with Moscow-born pianist and singer Regina Spektor headlining. Also performing were Will Hoge, Great Lake Swimmers, Sonny Landreth, and Yo La Tengo.

“Bringing Mountain Stage to Morgantown gets us involved with WVU’s highly professional Arts and Entertainment crew and allows us to present our live program to fans, who may not be able to make it down to Charleston,” Ridenour said. “We also get a great sound from the Creative Arts Center and have the opportunity to record in front of a very enthusiastic audience.”

Founders Francis Fisher, Larry Groce and Ridenour aim to keep Mountain Stage as eclectic as possible with artists from many different musical genres. More than 200 West Virginia artists have also been featured on the show.

“Mountain Stage is a fantastic opportunity to get out and see new music. It’s one of the best events WVU Arts and Entertainment puts on as a department with an inexpensive ticket for five or six artists and such a diverse mixture of music,” said Alison Daly, public relations specialist for WVU Arts & Entertainment.

Stage hand Bryan Smith enjoys participating in a performance of Mountain Stage’s caliber at WVU.

“This is a show that everyone looks forward to. There’s an easy going, friendly atmosphere backstage, we know their stage crew, and they’re from West Virginia,” said Smith, who is an academic lab manager at the CAC. “Having the concert here is really a plus for Morgantown because I think a lot of people in town listen to NPR for Mountain Stage.”

Produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, Mountain Stage recently passed its 700th episode milestone.

“We’re expecting a good turn out in Morgantown and advanced ticket sales have already exceeded what we normally expect,” Ridenour said.

Mountain Stage is just one of the many events that are helping make Morgantown a center for live music and performance. Recent WVU Arts & Entertainment performances at the CAC have included comedian David Cross, country music Grammy-winner Kathy Mattea and former Beach Boy Brian Wilson.

For more information, go to http://events.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

dc/9/30/09

CONTACT: News and Information Services
304-293-6997

(MEDIA: Photo available at http://wvutoday.wvu.edu)