Nine months after going on hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nationally syndicated television concert series Song of the Mountains will resume production before a live audience on Saturday, Jan. 16, at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia.
Federal and state guidelines – including social distancing and face masks – will be observed. A maximum of 125 tickets are available for each performance.
“We’re looking forward to getting back to almost normal,” said Tim White, the host and producer of the show. “There won’t be as many folks in the audience because of social distancing, but the show will look the same on television.”
Song of the Mountains is Virginia’s “official television show,” reaching millions of viewers on many public television stations throughout the United States. Since 2005, the show has featured mostly bluegrass and old-time artists, but starting this year will include more Americana performers.
“We want to broaden our viewing audience, without changing the overall feel of the show,” White said. “Americana goes hand-in-hand with bluegrass. There will still be a strong bluegrass component.”
New this season will be the introduction of livestreaming of performances on Song of the Mountain’s website and YouTube. The first taping of the new year will feature two outstanding bluegrass bands: Carson Peters & Iron Mountain and the Lonesome Pine Bluegrass Band.
Now 17 years old, Peters has attracted a loyal following among bluegrass and gospel fans, appearing at fiddle competitions and music festivals since the age of 4. His performances have also included the Grand Ole Opry, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Little Big Shots and the 52nd Annual CMA Awards Show (playing fiddle with Ricky Skaggs).
The Lonesome Pine Bluegrass Band is known throughout East Tennessee for music ranging from traditional bluegrass to folk and gospel.
Showtime is 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. General admission tickets are $30.
Other guests lined up for this year are Carolina Blue and Broken Angels on Feb. 6. Kody Norris Band, Fish Fisher with James Adkins and Alexis Wilkins on Feb. 20. Lightnin’ Charlie on March 6, Nick Chandler & Delivered on March 20, Red Rocking Chair on April 17, Music of The Mountain Minor on May 1 and Grant Maloy Smith on June 19.
