The legendary James Easter will perform on Song of the Mountains at the historic Lincoln Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 4, to wrap up the 17th season of the long-running public television series.
Also performing the same night will be Michael Johnathon of the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour, The Stevie Barr Band and Caleb Bailey.
James Easter is the sole surviving member of the legendary Easter Brothers gospel group. Their career spanned more than 60 years as they traveled the world over with their unique style of bluegrass and country gospel music. The Easter Brothers are legendary bluegrass and country gospel music artists. Brothers Ed and Russell formed the band in 1953 and were joined by their brother James in 1956. The brothers have written more than 400 songs over the years receiving numerous awards including three Dove Awards and in 2014 the Absolutely Gospel Music Association honored them for 60 years of faithful service to bluegrass/gospel singing and songwriting. They always gave credit to their early music influences from their mother who was a great clawhammer banjo picker. James Easter is the sole surviving member of the band. Ed Easter died Jan. 30, 2019, and brother Russell Easter died Sept. 29, 2020.
James Easter and his wife, Denise, continue sharing the Easter’s style of music and Word through their continuing ministry. James Easter will have quite a notable band with him on Dec. 4 including Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River Band, Tim White, who hosts Song of the Mountains, singer/songwriter Eddie Marrs and Denise Easter on bass. Special guest on his portion of the concert will be Andrew Hester who is a great singer and songwriter of heartfelt gospel music.
Among the throngs of artists in the music world, few have elevated “dreaming” to such a high art form as folk singer Michael Johnathon. He recently won the prestigious Milner Award of the Arts in 2020, presented by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “The Painter” is his 17th album release. He is a touring songwriter, author of six published books, the screenwriter for the upcoming Caney Creek motion picture, playwright of the Walden Play performed in 42 countries, composer of the opera, Woody: For the People, organizer of the national association of front porch musicians called SongFarmers, the full symphony performances of Songs of Rural America and as the creator and host of the live audience broadcast of the WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour with a radio audience of more than 2 million listeners each week on 500 public radio stations, public television coast-to-coast, American Forces Radio Network in 173 nations and now on the RFD-TV Network nationwide.
A bluegrass banjo player, Stevie Barr was born in 1975 in Galax, in the very heart of old-time string band country. The son of Rebecca and Thomas Barr, he grew up in a family dedicated to making music, and was playing banjo by the age of 4. Hiss dad operated Barr’s Fiddle Shop in Galax, a gathering spot for bluegrass and old-time musicians the world over. Barr literally grew up in the shop. He won International Teen Talent in music at 17 and received a college scholarship. Barr began touring with country music legend, John Berry before returning home to continue the legacy of his dad’s store, Barr Fiddle Shop. He has played for the Queen of England, Virginia’s governors Inaugurations and the president of the United States of America. Barr will be joined by an all-star band featuring three-time female bluegrass singer of the year Jeanette Williams.
Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run formed in 2021 due to the success of Bailey’s album, Poplar & Pine. Bailey lends lead vocals to the band and is joined by the multi-instrumentalist Kyle Windbeck on mandolin, Rob Slusser on banjo, Brandon Kyle on bass, and Joe Showalter on fiddle. The band is based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and has performed at high-profile fairs, festivals, and concert events this year. Bailey comes from a long line of musical influences in his family. His great-grandparents recorded music and were bluegrass promoters, and his great-uncle played with Tom T. Hall and Eddie Rabbit as a steel guitar and dobro player. Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine says Bailey is “an authentic vocalist who gets his important messages across with mature and heartfelt song writing and singing. He’s got his own style and messages to share, seemingly beyond his years.”
