Joe Troop introduced a new form of music called Latingrass, a combination of music from Joe's homeland, in the lower Appalachian mountains, with the tones and tunes of the Andes in South America. He also refers to himself by another new word, artivist, a combination of his musical art and his activist passions. Joe Troop was born with bones that resonated with music, grew into a banjophile, and found delicious riches of culture and humanity while living in Spain, Japan, and most recently, Argentina. Whether he has been making music with Diego Sánchez, Che Apalache, or on his own, Joe's songs, strings, and voice, will stir your heart and head. Joe Troop currently lives in Durham, NC.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Moravian, Non-affiliated
Abigail Dowd's songs are rich deeply connected to both folk/Americana music, and to spirit-tinged lyrics, making her the perfect Song of the Soul guest. You'll also immediately hear Abigail Dowd's North Carolina accent, and you'll hear the voice of an angel poet in the same moment. Both of Abigail's parents were musicians, her grandfather combined a barber shop and music shop – a shop, by the way, where it is said that Keith Richards bought guitar strings – so she seemed destined to a life of making music. You'll surely be enchanted by Abigail's stories and tunes, and be tempted in the instant to head down to Greensboro, NC, to get more.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Buddhist, Meditation, Yoga
With the threat of internal turmoil or even civil war possible in the US due to red/blue polarization, especially since 2016, the Braver Angels project and organization was founded. Their mission? “We bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.” It's a tall order in these tense times, but Braver Angels is bringing great energy, dedication, and tools to the work.
A rich mid-winter concert of songs of faith & hope by Annie Patterson & Peter Blood, the creators of the world-renowned group-singing songbooks Rise Up Singing, and Rise Again. Performed live on Zoom on 12/11/2021, Annie & Peter share songs & stories of their personal spiritual journeys. They have nurtured music and singing the world-over with their songbooks, recordings, & performances.
Michael R. J. Roth writes his songs on the deep end of the meaning pool, and his tone has the same depth, so that some have called him a cool dark troubadour. His voice ranges, sometimes recalling the tones of a Gordon Lightfoot or a Johnny Cash, and sometimes a bit of John Prine. But what's especially wonderful is how after retirement from a number of professions, including that of a diplomat, Michael launched into full-time music production around 65, and he's put out more than 9 albums to date. After years living & working around the globe (including Cameroon, West Africa) and a lot of time in Washington DC, Michael calls Rio Rancho, NM home.
Past/Present Religious/Spiritual Influences: Zen Buddhism, Transcendental Meditation, Catholic, Non-denominational, Evangelical Christian
Listen in on the chilly Dec 20th JONAH-sponsored vigil on homelessness, with presentations by governmental, activist, and homeless participants. There's an extended interview with Maria Guzman, one of the 3 speakers who were homeless at one point, Maria for 7 months, and she now lives in the Solis Circle affordable housing and serves on the Altoona city council.
Citizens’ Climate Radio is a monthly podcast hosted by CCLer Peterson Toscano.
We'll learn from our civil rights elders as guest-host Patricia Stansbury (AKA Sunny Gardener) interviews three Virginia residents who were involved with civil rights and integration efforts in the 1950s, 60s, and since, Charles Carter, Janet Worsham, and Sallie Rugg. Patricia originally broadcast this interview back in July, 2020. Patricia Stansbury produces Lightly On The Ground and Groundswell shows on WRIR - Richmond Independent Radio.
Featured Music:
The incredible and influential folksinger, Bill Staines died this past week, bringing tears of fond memories to my eyes when I got the news. I've been singing his songs in our local song circles for 40 years now, so I decided to again share my 2015 Song of the Soul interview with you, today, in homage of a wonderful man and musician. Bill is best-known, perhaps, for his songs like All God's Critters Got A Place In The Choir, and River, but there are hundreds more available on his more than 26 albums produced over his more than 4 and a half decades and 3 million miles of folk music minstrelsy. Have a good time fondly remembering Bill Staines and his gift of music as we listen to my 2015 interview with Bill, which I called Critter In The Choir.