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“We’re a renegade retro band that mixes up country, swing and honky tonk,” explains Zara Bode of The Sweetback Sisters. “Sometimes what we deliver is straight out of the '50s; other times it’s BR549 meets The B52s.”  The 6-piece band most known around WNCW for breathing new life into the classic "My Uncle Used to Love Me But She Died" returns to Studio B for a fun session before playing Asheville Thursday night.  

Formed at Boston's New England Conservatory as an almost experimental hybrid of jazz, pop and country music, the quartet Lake Street Dive has definitely forged a catchy, unique sound all their own.  Drummer Mike Calabrese, bassist Bridget Kearney, trumpet-wielding guitarist Mike “McDuck” Olson, and vocalist Rachael Price -- whom one critic has described as a cross between the three Joneses of Rickie Lee, Norah, and Sharon -- pay us a visit amidst a two-night run in Asheville with Yonder Mountain String Band.  

One of our favorite contemporary songwriters, Mary Gauthier delivers her self-described "country-noir" style with an authenticity and rawness matched by few.  Recorded in an intimate venue -- an artists’ ranch in Wimberley, Texas – this new live album features some of our favorite songs of hers that touch on the unsettling side of contemporary American society: executed murderers, unrepentant alcoholics, troubled teenage adoptees, even drag queens in limousines.  She is accompanied by former Duhk Tania Elizabeth on fiddle and percussionist Mike Meadows. 

Tom Godleski might be best known as the head of local bluegrass band Buncombe Turnpike, but the Asheville native also has a flair for drama. An accomplished playwright and storyteller, Godleski created the show "Fresh Preserves" a few years back and now performs it in Asheville on a near-annual basis. The autobiographical theater experience blends music, art and even quilts with real-life stories from Godleski's childhood. It returns to NC Stage in Asheville Jan. 23rd through the 27th. Godleski recently spoke with Stina Sieg.

After Pops Staples and his daughters met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they began writing a string of civil rights songs to accompany Dr. King's speeches and movement, including King's favorite, "Why Am I Treated So Bad?".  We honor Dr. King's birthday Monday evening with The Staples Singers' 1972 Stax album, which featured 3 R&B Top 10 hits: "Respect Yourself," "I'll Take You There," and "This World."

This weekend is the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.  Monday is the day we celebrate and honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  And, tomorrow - January 19 - has been designated the National Day of Service by the President.

Yesterday, I spoke with Neil Bush, Chairman of the Board of the Points of Light Foundation and the middle of five children of President George H.W. Bush. 

Tune in on Friday for an opportunity to get a pair of tickets to Zappa Plays Zappa on Tuesday, February 5th at the Neighborhood Theatre.

Kevin Abernathy covers a lot of ground playing gigs in his native East Tennessee (originally from Madisonville, now living in Knoxville), especially following the release of his 2012 collection "Some Stories".  He crosses the border to play Spartanburg Friday night, and we look forward to welcoming him to WNCW for  his first visit at 1pm. 

Angel Snow (yes that's her real name) has been gaining a lot of attention lately with her latest album, thanks in part to strong collaborations with producer Viktor Krauss (and high praise from Viktor's sister Alison.)  Her Georgia childhood, her move to California, acting school, psychology degree, faith....these are some of the experiences she draws from for her songwriting.  She plays Friday night in Black Mountain with The Black Lillies.