North Carolina-based Mandolin Orange and Idaho native singer-songwriter Josh Ritter took the stage at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, NC to record a live broadcast of the nationally syndicated radio show, eTown. Hosted by Hot Rize bass guitarist Nick Forster and his wife, Helen, eTown is a weekly broadcast that brings together music, ideas, and community.
Taking place just miles from the home of Doc Watson, the event was part of the Appalachian Summer Festival, an arts series that has featured artists such as I’m With Her and Rhiannon Giddens this season. The event took place at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Boone, North Carolina’s Appalachian State University.
The live eTown recording was more than a show – it was an interactive experience between the hosts, the artists, and the audience that featured live music, artist interviews, and brief vignettes on community events.
The live eTown recording was more than a show – it was an interactive experience between the hosts, the artists, and the audience that featured live music, artist interviews, and brief vignettes on community events.
Josh Ritter was the first artist to take the stage. Josh is a charming and charismatic artist, hooking the audience with his energetic and engaging style. He was joined by the equally energetic Zachariah Hickman on double bass. Much of Josh’s lyrics document small-town life and his journey through his religious upbringing. Performing a piece on which he has collaborated with The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir entitled When Will I Be Changed? Ritter sings, “When, oh when, will I be changed? From this devil that I am / When, oh when, will I be changed?”
Mandolin Orange took the stage later in the program. As the band began their set, songwriter Andrew Marlin shared some new material. One of the defining characteristics of Mandolin Orange’s music is the way that the band explores deep, emotional themes. When introducing one of the new songs, Andrew shared about his often strained relationship with his father, and explained that he wrote the song as a way of communicating the feelings that accompany that relationship.
Throughout the program, the hosts introduced local leaders who were making a difference in their communities, including Dr. Lee Ball, Chief Sustainability Officer at Appalachian State University, and Ali Casparian, founder of Western NC nonprofit Bounty & Soul, who also received the week’s eChievement award.
Host Nick Forster brought the program to a close with a special performance that included all of the evening’s musical guests.
One of the highlights of my evening was meeting eTown host Nick Forster after the show. My wife is part of the Watson family, and Nick was good friends with Doc Watson, and we enjoyed hearing the stories that he shared about his experiences with Doc.
Both Mandolin Orange and Josh Ritter have a number of shows coming up across the country. Mandolin Orange will appear as guests for Chatham County Line at this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass. Also making an appearance at IBMA will be Nick Forster and the rest of Hot Rize, who will be hosting this year’s awards show.