Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains (Grayson County) of Virginia. She grew up in the musical Spencer family and learned to play several instruments (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, mandolin) and flatfoot/clog at a young age. This Whitetop Mountain Band was originally formed in the 1940s by Martha’s uncle, legendary fiddler and luthier, Albert Hash. Since then, she’s also worked with the Wonderland Country Band, the Blue Ridge Girls, the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program, and assorted other duos and groups. Most of her upcoming shows look to be in SW Virginia and East Tennessee, but she’ll stop by Studio B for a visit with Roland on Wednesday to play some songs from a fun new album coming out May 28th.

Chris Smither “taps his foot to keep the rhythm, much like the late blues legend John Lee Hooker. His finger-picked guitar lines are sleek, unhurried and insistent. And then there’s the voice – equal parts gravel and molasses.” (NPR). “Cast your mind back to the first time you heard Hank Williams, Big Bill Broonzy or JJ Cale and remember how good it felt. Think of the opening encounter with Leon Redbone or Leo Kottke. They say newcomers to Chris Smither’s brand of country blues-tinged southern folk experience those same emotions. It’s true.” (Maverick) These are just some of deserved descriptions of the man whom we’ve loved hosting for decades now, and he’s got a wonderful new album – his 20th – as he approaches his 80th birthday. He plays the Grey Eagle in Asheville Wednesday evening.

Don't forget that we'll be broadcasting live from the Watson and Cabin Stages on WSIF 90.9 in greater Wilkesboro during Merlefest. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 | 7:30 pm | Thomas Wolfe Auditorium | Asheville, NC

Sunday, May 12, 2024 | The Fillmore Charlotte | Charlotte, NC

Sunday, May 5, 2024 | Visulite Theatre | Charlotte, NC

Did you know fellow Texans Hayes Carll and the Band of Heathens have a history of jamming together? “We’ve played a lot of music together over the last 10 years,” says Carll, “and our creative relationship continues to evolve into its own thing. Hayes & The Heathens is that thing.” “This sort of medicine show, revival, rock and roll circus is a unique presentation of our music,” adds Ed Jurdi of Band of Heathens. “I think anyone who loves the spontaneity and chemistry of a live performance is going to be in for a magical evening. I know we’re going to have a good time!” They’ve collaborated on some new material together, and Hayes and at least a couple of the Heathens pay us a visit on Wednesday morning before their show in Asheville that evening, following their Tuesday Knoxville show.

If you missed the session live on Tuesday, or just want to hear it again, join Martin Anderson as he hosted ISMAY for a live interview/performance, and some Guest DJ spins. It is well worth a listen!

Our spring on-air fund drive has come to a close. We are tired, but very humble and grateful for all the love and support our listeners have shown us this week. Thanks to your generous donations, we have raised over $227,000 to help keep us afloat for another six months.It's always a homecoming of sorts, as some of our long-time phone volunteers return and new ones join the family. And we loved hearing from so many of our loyal listeners as they called in to donate to keep this independent radio station independent. We can't thank you enough.If you missed your opportunity to donate during our on-air campaign, please consider donating now by clicking on the red Donate button at the top of this page.

Our on-air fund drive has ended, but our fundraising never ends. If you missed your chance this past week, you can still show your support with our new t-shirt design, tote bag, ball cap, or a limited-release Goin' Across the Mountain Volume 5 CD. And, yes, we still have the WNCW Mountain Morning blend coffee from Dynamite Roasters — all available able as thank-you gifts for your donation.