West Virginia University - News and Information Services
Mountain Stage returns to the Creative Arts Center Oct. 7
West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Mountain Stage with Larry Groce plays its first Morgantown show of season Sunday, Oct. 7. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the WVU Creative Arts Center. Scheduled to appear are Ian Ball, of the indie rock band Gomez; Ingram Hill; Amy Rigby; Jenny Owens Young; and Over the Rhine.
Ian Ball—Ian Ball is a member of the five-piece British indie rock band Gomez, which first arrived on the music scene in 1998. Nine years later, Ball is touring to promote the release of his debut solo album, Who Goes There, expected to arrive in October. A vocalist, guitarist and bassist, Ball follows the style of Gomez, mixing cool British rock with blues and an alternative style to create a unique sound that has become the band’s trademark.
Ingram Hill—Justin Moore (lead voals/guitar), Phil Bogard (guitar), and Matt Chambless (drums)—Ingram Hill has an earthy unpretentious approach that is relevant to both alternative pop/rock and roots rock much like Cracker, Train and Tonic. The Memphis-based foursome isn’t an exact replica of classic rockers from the ‘60s and ‘70s—and their work is, by ‘90s and early-2000s standards, more modern—but they do have a certain down-home rootsiness that has gone over well in Southern rock circles. Their lyrics tend to be reflective, introspective, and thoughtful. Ingram Hill brings a long list of influences to their work—a list that ranges from Tonic, Cracker, Blues Traveler and the Gin Blossoms to the Black Crowes (a frequent comparison), Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, the Rolling Stones, and John Mellencamp. Their sophomore album with Hollywood Records, Cold in California, was released in August.
Amy Rigby—Amy Rigby emerged as a solo artist in 1996 with her New York City recording Diary of a Mod Housewife. The critically-acclaimed album, prompted by her journey into marriage, motherhood and subsequent divorce, earned her Spin magazine’s “Songwriter of the Year” title and tapped her as the musical voice for thoroughly modern women. Following the release of her 2005 album Little Fugitive, the Washington Post called Rigby “one of rock’s most distinctive and consistently excellent songwriters.”
Jenny Owen Youngs—Jenny Owen Youngs has long been regarded as one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets. She has already had her songs featured on such hit shows as Showtime’s Weeds and discussed on popular sites like PerezHilton. Now, she’s about to discard any pretense of secret-keeping with the release of Batten the Hatches, her Nettwerk debut. On Batten the Hatches, Youngs reminds us why New Jersey is the “Garden State.” Reflected and refracted in her works are the pastoral landscapes, haystacks, and forests of her youth, a place you’d think were North Carolina if you didn’t know any better. The Washington Post calls the album “breezy and enchanting.” Songs like “Porchrail” straddle the heart-wrenching and the tongue-in-cheek. Other tracks, like “Voice on Tape, featuring Regina Spektor, are forthright and melancholy.
Over The Rhine—After more than 15 years making music, it’s obvious that Ohio duo Over The Rhine is in it for the long hall, and for keeps. Their commitment is underscored by their latest album, The Trumpet Child, and its opening track, “I Don’t Wanna Waste Your Time,” a manifesto of sorts for the artists recently named to Paste magazine’s list of 100 Best Living Songwriters. Look no further than the lyrics to this track for what animates Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, the married couple at the heart of Over the Rhine: “I hope this night puts down deep roots / I hope we plant a seed / ‘Cause I don’t wanna waste your time / With music you don’t need.”
Tickets are on sale now and are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. Tickets may be purchased at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or through the Ticketmaster Phone Center at 292-0220. Tickets may also be purchased at Giant Eagle below the Mountaineer Mall and FYE in the Meadowbrook Mall.
This event is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For more event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit us online at events.wvu.edu.
WVU Arts and Entertainment
Office: (304) 293-8221