Aaron Head, Gallery Manager at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment in Huntsville

Deb Boykin talks with Aaron Head, Gallery Manager at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment in Huntsville. Aaron describes the on-going activities at Lowe Mill, including the studios where working artists demonstrate their techniques and sell their work, the Concerts on the Dock, and the exhibitions and gallery talks he curates. This special radio series will air every Tuesday at 8:00 to 8:30 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Carroline Shines Edwards joins Deb Boykin

This week, blues performer Carroline Shines Edwards joins Deb Boykin to talk about her songwriting, singing, and her work teaching children to sing and play blues music. She discusses growing up with her father, the legendary Johnny Shines and the upcoming Johnny Shines Festival she produces each year in his honor. This special radio series will air every Tuesday at 8:00 to 8:30 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Joey Brackner visits the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in Eutaw, Alabama

When Joey Brackner visited the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in Eutaw, Alabama he talked to festival organizers, craft artists and a Fayette County step group that performed at the event. This re-aired progam is to help promote the 2016 festival to be held Aug 27-28 on the Old Courthouse Square in Eutaw, Alabama. Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream Below is a video produced by Russell Gulley about the 35th Annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in 2010. This special radio series will air every Tuesday at 8:30 to 9:00 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov

Steve Grauberger interviewing Kevin Nutt of CaseQuarter Records

Photo by Steve Grauberger This week's program is a rebroadcast of Steve Grauberger interviewing Kevin Nutt of CaseQuarter Records talking about his research on early blues recording artist Ed Bell from Greenville, Alabama. His Tributaries article on the subject can be obtained at Alabamafolklife.org Kevin can be heard weekly, online, at WFMU with his radio program Sinners Crossroads. This special radio series will air every Tuesday at 8:30 to 9:00 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at: WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

This week on Performing Arts Program Manager Yvette Jones-Smedley interviews Diedra Ruff, The Blues Diva

This week Performing Arts Program Manager Yvette Jones-Smedley interviews Diedra Ruff, The Blues Diva, from Birmingham Alabama about her background and career as a singer and performer. This special radio series will air every Tuesday at 9:00 to 9:30 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Interviews and Blues music of Johnny Shines.

In this program we feature an edited version of a great Radiovisions production done in the 1990s by Russell Gulley and the Bill Wills Arts Council of Fort Payne, AL. This program features biographical interviews and blues music of Johnny Shines.  Shines received the Alabama Folk Heritage Award in 1989 by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. This award was established to recognize master folk artists who have made outstanding contributions to their particular artistic tradition. The award is intended to honor long-term achievement within art forms that are rooted in the traditional or ethnic culture of Alabama Johnny Shines (1915 - 1992) was one of the last of the old style blues musicians and a colleague of the legendary Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf and others. His life mirrored blues history from his delta beginnings to his move to Chicago where he was part of the electrification of the blues to his rediscovery during the 1970's by a generation of mostly white blues fans. This special radio series will air every Tuesday at 9:00 to 9:30 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Betty Moon Sampson, bluegrass musician

This program is a rebroadcast of Steve Grauberger interviewing Betty Moon Sampson, bluegrass musician and  Master Artist in the Arts Council's Folk Arts Apprentice Program. Betty tells stories about various aspects of her life growing up in Holly Pond, Alabama and learning to play and sing music with her father, banjo maker and musician Arlin Moon. She talks about her family band Dixie Bluegrass and shares examples of her music. This special radio series will air every Tuesday at 9:00 to 9:30 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Donna Russell interviews Singer and Entertainer Donica Knight

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Donica Knight This week on Alabama Arts Radio Donna Russell interviews Singer and Entertainer Donica Knight.   On Tuesday, March 10th, kick off Arts Advocacy Day at 6:00 p.m. with Alabama artists, student performers and our special musical guest, Alabama’a own, Donica Knight followed by dinner, awards and entertainment at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, March 11th, gather with other arts advocates from around the state to learn how to express your passion for the arts constructively through educational training and more. We encourage you to make an appointment with your legislators and visit their offices after lunch. We hope to demystify arts advocacy and assist you in feeling comfortable during your visits with your legislators. Enjoy workshop sessions, role play demonstrations, a panel discussion, a special performance by Alabama State University Dance Company and lunch before your afternoon visits with your legislators. Registration is now open - for more information AND to register go to https://alaaeorg.presencehost.net/arts-advocacy-day.html. Donica Knight Bio Inspired by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Patsy Cline and Shania Twain, Donica strives to bring her own unique sound that is undoubtedly Donica Knight.   While studying Special Education at Auburn University, Knight was the lead-singer of the acclaimed cover band “Lucky Town” and garnered experience on the college, wedding, and debutante ball circuit. As she played more and more gigs reaching thousands of welcoming fans, it became evident that she was bound for a life on the stage rather than in the classroom. Entertaining was clearly the vehicle by which Donica would have the opportunity to make a difference and change lives.   Knight has shared the stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Chris Young, 3 Doors Down, Kenny Rogers, Kellie Pickler, Jerrod Neimann, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Justin Moore, The Swon Brothers, Thompson Square, Darryl Worley, and Skid Row, among many others. Her talent even captured the attention of country music superstar Ronnie Milsap who recorded two songs with Donica – one of which she co-wrote.  For more information on Donica Knight, visit www.donicaknight.com This special radio series will air every Sunday at 2:00 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Ralph "Soul" Jackson

Ralph “Soul” Jackson is a singer and song writer whose career began when he was still in high school in Phenix City. He talks with Deborah Boykin about his first recording session at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, where he got his nickname from producer Rick Hall and teamed up with legendary keyboard player Spooner Oldham.  Jackson also discusses his songwriting technique and performance style, as well as his recent CD. This program is a repeat from 2012. This special radio series will air every Sunday at 2:00 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to:  barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in Eutaw, Alabama

When Joey Brackner visited the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in Eutaw, Alabama he talked to festival organizers, craft artists and a Fayette County step group that performed at the event. This re-aired progam is to help promote the 2014 festival to be held Aug 23-24 on the Old Courthouse Square in Eutaw, Alabama.

Here is a video produced by Russell Gulley about the 35th Annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in 2010.

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Gil Anthony and Dr Jeneve Brooks and the Wiregrass Blues Festival in Dothan Alabama

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In this program Steve Grauberger interviews Gil Anthony and Dr. Jeneve Brooks about the annual Wiregrass Blues Fest held in Dothan, Alabama. Gil Anthony is a well know local blues promoter and radio personality, located in Enterprise, Alabama, who produces a weekly Blues Power program airing on WWNT radio in Dothan. Dr. Jeneve Brooks is Assistant Professor in Sociology at Troy University, Dothan campus. Together with the Wiregrass Blues Society they are essential to the continuation of the Wiregrass Blues Fest that just finished its 3rd annual event on May 3rd, 2014. MP3 Download/Stream

David Hood, bass player and original member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section

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This week David Hood, bass player and original member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as The Swampers, talks with Community Arts Program manager Deb Boykin. He recalls his early years as a musician and his work as a session player at FAME. Hood also describes the recording process at the Muscle Shoal Sounds Studio and talks about what it was like to work with the wide range of musicians who recorded there. This special radio series will air every Sunday at 2:00 P.M., on the Troy University Public Radio Network at:   WTSU 89.9 (Montgomery and Troy) WRWA 88.7 (Dothan) WTJB 91.7 (Columbus and Phenix   City)  This radio series may not be broadcast in your area, but it can be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.arts.alabama.gov/actc/radioserieslist.aspx If you have been listening to, and enjoying this radio series, please send your comments to: barbara.reed@arts.alabama.gov Listen first hand using the link below. MP3 Download/Stream

Jimmy Johnson, one of the original Muscle Shoals Swampers

Jimmy Johnson

This week, Jimmy Johnson, one of the original Swampers, talks with Deborah Boykin about his work in Muscle Shoals music. He recalls the early days of the recording industry in the Shoals, describes the Swampers’s approach to recording and talks about working with artists ranging from Percy Sledge to Aretha Franklin, to Paul Simon.

Listen first hand using the link below.

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