West Virginia University - News and Information Services
West Virginia Public Broadcasting's 'Mountain Stage' returns to CAC next month
March 9 show features 6 artists
West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s "Mountain Stage with Larry Groce" will bring six dynamic artists to the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center Sunday, March 9. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale now.
Scheduled to appear are Jose Gonzalez, the everybodyfields, 17 Hippies, Julia Douglass, Nellie McKay and Mia Doi Todd.
Gonzalez, a Swedish-born singer/songwriter, found early success in his home country and throughout Europe. His husky tone and serious, introverted music have found a place in the hearts of people everywhere. Critics rave about this fresh musician’s talent, saying that “in a world of musical clones, the Argentinean-Swede is a thrillingly original new talent.” Riding on the success of his first album, "Veneer," Gonzalez has just released his latest record, "In Our Nature," and is going environmentally conscious by making his North American tour “green.”
Tennessee natives the everybodyfields are rapidly gaining attention as the front-runners for the newest generation of the alt-country movement. Playing a myriad of instruments, including guitars, piano, lap steel and bass, the lead voices of Sam Quinn and Jill Andrews blend effortlessly and beautifully with the music. The band’s latest record, "Nothing is Okay," is another strong addition to their discography with songs that offer melancholic interpretations of human stories. Although the group’s music contains heartbreaking lyrics at times, the music comes to life righteously with a gorgeous slow twang.
Although its name implies 17, the 17 Hippies, an energetic, multigenre band, currently consists of only 13 members. Originally from Berlin, 17 Hippies began as an acoustic group, but has since grown into a full-scale, instrument-wielding troupe. With a double bass, banjo, ukulele and guitar giving a rhythmic base, the band's melodious pattern is supplied by violins, cello, accordion, clarinet, trumpet and trombone. There is no need to buy tickets to an orchestral performance when the group is in town. With songs written in three different languages — German, French and English — audiences always respond to the unique, exciting sound of the Hippies.
No stranger to "Mountain Stage," Douglass got her start at a little pub in New York after singing the now cult hit, “My Boyfriend is a Genius.” Since then, she has released three records, including her latest effort, "Poor People on TV." With a witty attitude, clever lyrics and “smart pop music for smart people,” she has continued to climb the ranks in the music world. Critics have called her “an instant classic (with) lasting importance” and “an endearing troubadour.”
McKay, an accomplished singer, doesn’t like to be labeled. Perhaps that’s why she likes to call her music a “schizophrenic voodoo” -- jumping genres that gel with her playful, yet bold lyrics. Ever ambitious, McKay has paired with numerous musicians on her records and has taken the artistic reins to control every aspect of her last couple of albums. Her first major-label release, 2004’s "Get Away From Me," was the first double-disc debut from a female artist, but McKay hasn’t stopped there. Her latest effort, "Obligatory Villagers," was released in September to fantastic reviews. There’s no doubt that McKay’s supple, shape-shifting voice will continue to take her places in the music world.
A classically trained vocalist as a youth, Todd certainly stands out from the crowd with her poetic vocabulary and hauntingly stripped-down voice. Her solo material is often quiet and subdued, but fueled by a fierceness and passion for her music. Somewhat reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Todd’s songwriting and jazz/folk-infused vocals make her clearly one step ahead of the game. Her new album, "GEA," arrives on City Zen Records March 4.
General admission tickets for the March 9 performance are on sale now. They 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 http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or by phone at 304-292-0220. 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 and Entertainment. For more event information, call 304-293-SHOW or visit http://events.wvu.edu/.
WVU Arts and Entertainment