OTR Newsletter

Vol. 2, No. 2 (Fall, 1996)

Articles In This Issue:

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OTR Conference Gets National Attention

The 1996 Old-Time Music & Radio Conference held June 4-6 in Mt. Airy, North Carolina surpassed all expectations. Participants from across the U.S. came together to explore issues confronting the old-time music and the radio communities. They shared views in lively group discussions, attended panels learned from renowned authorities, and enjoyed live performances by a number of top-notch old time musicians.

National Press

The conference received national recognition as two journalists from the Associated Press reported on the event. Their article was distributed nationally in mid-June. It included photographs from Mt. Airy and interviews with conference participants Ralph Epperson from radio station WPAQ, country music scholar Dr. Charles K. Wolfe , Maryland radio programmer George Mercer, and musician Hazel Dickens.

Conference Highlights

Conference highlights included Dr. Wolfe's panel entitled "Radio Pioneers: An Oral History" featuring interviews and recollections from historic radio figure Ralph Epperson and from musicians Ralph Blizard and Arnold Spangler. Other panels especially noted by participants in post-conference evaluations were "Radio & Ethnic Communities" hosted by David Brose and "Archival Issues" hosted by Art Menius.

Other memorable moments from the conference included the keynote address from Dr. Alan Jabbour; the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Dr. Wolfe by musician Mike Seeger; Paul Brown's Radio Technical Workshop; live performances by the Toast String Stretchers, Etta Baker, the Laurel Fork Travelers, the Rhythm Rats and Alan Jabbour & David Holt; and an impromptu late night square dance on the stage of the Andy Griffith Playhouse after the Wednesday evening program.

Reports Distributed

Participants were given important reference materials at the conference including two OTR publications: OTR Radio Station Survey Results and Old-Time Music on Compact Disc. Copies of these publications are still available from OTR while supplies last (see article this issue). Copies of the 1996 Conference Program booklet are also available from OTR free of charge while supplies last.

CD Release Celebration

The conference concluded with a festive CD release celebration heralding the release of the OTR-produced Rounder CD "Old-Time Music On the Air: Volume 2" (see article this issue) as well as a number of other newly-released recordings from artists and labels in attendance. A live performance at Veterans Park included Brad Leftwich & Linda Higginbotham; Mike Seeger, Hazel Dickens & Paul Brown; the Renegades; the Red Mules; and Wilson Douglas.

The conference preceded the 25th annual Mt. Airy Fiddlers' Convention. Although the weekend proved to be among the most rain-drenched festivals in memory the music was great and many conference participants stayed till the muddy end.

Future Conference Planning

Several OTR work committees were formed at the conference (see article this issue.) Among them is the Conference Planning Committee. No firm date is set for a future Old-Time Music & Radio Conference although the committee is considering a 1998 event. Those interested in helping to organize a future conference should contact OTR at P.O. Box 3014, Elkins, WV 26241.

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OTR Publishes Reports

OTR released two important publications this past June. OTR Radio Station Survey Results and Old-Time Music on Compact Disc bring together information on old-time music recordings and the radio programs which play them.

Survey Results

OTR Radio Station Survey Results contains the results of research begun in November 1993. More than 500 radio stations were surveyed in an effort to recognize, encourage and support radio stations and programs which broadcast traditional Appalachian music. The survey includes information from stations and programs across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and France. The stations provided essential information including call letters, frequencies, address and phone numbers of contact person(s) and pertinent information regarding formats, coverage area, satellite capabilities, and programming.

Here is a summary of some important findings:

156 radio stations or programs are identified in the report as playing old-time music somewhere in their broadcast schedule.
Stations come from a variety of support structures. They include:
- Commercial (30 stations)
- Public (72)
- Listener supported (61)
- College (45) and
- Community (57).
- Most informants selected more than one category of support from these choices.
Only 15 .4 % of stations (24) have programs exclusively featuring old-time music. Musical styles commonly programmed along with old-time include bluegrass, folk, Celtic and country.
Recording formats: 98 % play CDs, 92% play LPs, 68% use cassettes, 39% DATs.

Changes in programming may have occurred. Corrections, additions and updates to the survey should be sent to: OTR, P.O. Box 3014, Elkins, WV, 26241.

CD Database

The second report, Old-Time Music On Compact Disc, is an extensive list of currently available recordings on CD. The list contains hundreds of titles with brief descriptions, arranged by recording label. This database represents the most comprehensive effort ever to identify recorded maternal on compact disc for listeners and radio programmers interested in traditional Appalachian music and related styles.

Compiler Chirps Smith's philosophy was "to be inclusive rather than exclusive, listing music derived from older Anglo-Celtic dance tunes and ballads as influenced in America by African, Native American, French, German, and Scandinavian traditional music."

Additional information, corrections or information on new releases may be sent to Chirps Smith, 141 N. Lake Street, Grayslake, IL, 60030. E-mail: chirpssmith@delphi.com.

Copies of these two reports are available while supplies last for a minimum donation of $3 per report or $5 for both, plus $1 postage. Checks should be payable to Old-Tine Music Group and sent to OTR, P.O. Box 3014, Elkins, WV 26241.

For information on electronic distribution of these reports check the OTR website: http://www.hidwater.com./OTR/

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OTR Committees Formed

Several work committees were organized at OTR's June conference. These committees will enlist the talents and expertise of a greater number of volunteers, furthering OTR's efforts to support the radio broadcast of traditional music.

Communications

The Communications Committee is responsible for producing the OTR Newsletter, managing the OTR Internet discussion list and website, publishing regular articles in the Old-Time Herald magazine, and drafting reports to the Old-Time Music Group Board of Directors. The committee includes Tom Druckenmiller (chair), Steve Goldfield, Reva Nichols, Betty Druckenmiller, Ann Case, and Frank Hoppe.

Outreach

The Planning/Outreach/Development Committee will spread the word about OTR by working with other music and radio organizations, will develop funding strategies and will work with the Steering Committee and the OTMG Board to draft a long-term plan for OTR's future. Committee members include Phyllis Barney, Dan Levenson, Paul Brown, Rik Kaplan, Joe Shannon, and John Rossbach.

Statistics

The Statistics/Data Management Committee takes charge of maintaining and distributing data from the Radio Station Survey and the CD Database (see article,above). The committee is John Lupton (chair), Chirps Smith, and Steve Goldfield.

Conference

The Conference Planning Committee will evaluate the 1996 conference (see article, this issue) and be responsible for organizing the next gathering. On the committee are John Lilly (chair), David Brose, Gayle MacBride, George Mercer, Allen Lowe, and Steve Gardner.

Anyone interesting in joining any of these committees is welcome. Please contact OTR, P.O. Box 3014, Elkins, WV 26241

Steering Committee

In addition to the formation of these work committees, the conference also saw the inclusion of three new members to the OTR Steering Committee: Phyllis Barney (Executive Director of the Folk Alliance), Tom Druckenmiller (Music Director, WDIY-FM, Allentown, PA), and Frank Hoppe (programmer, KCSN, Northridge, CA). They join continuing members David Holt, John Lilly, Susan Madden, Art Menius, and Lynn "Chirps" Smith.

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New Programs Offered

Several new syndicated programs focussing on traditional music are now available to interested stations.

"Living Traditions"

WETS-FM in Johnson City, Tennessee, recently announced distribution of a 13-part radio series called "Living Traditions." This series is offered nationally via satellite to public stations and features recorded live performances from such artists as Mike Seeger, Wayne Henderson, John Jackson, the Konnarock Critters, Sheila Kay Adams, Jannette Carter, and many others. For information, call WETS-FM at (615) 929-6442.

"Folk Celebrations"

WDUQ-FM in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is distributing a major folk music series to public radio stations. "Folk Celebrations" is a six-part series of live concert recordings drawn from a variety of musical traditions. Hosted by Joe Wilson from the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the series reflects highlights from several live music tours organized in recent years by the N.C.T.M. Program topics include "Celebrating the Folk Violin," "Celebrating the Banjo," "Echoes of Africa" "California Generations," "Irish/ Nouveau Irish," and "Celebrating the Steel String Guitar." For information, call WDUQ-FM at (412) 396-6030.

"Breaking Up Christmas"

Available in time tor the holidays, WFDD Public Radio in Winston-Salem, North Carolina announces a one-hour special focussing on traditional dance parties in North Carolina's Surry County and in neighboring Virginia. "Breaking Up Christmas: A Blue Ridge Mountain Holiday" is hosted by WFDD news director, independent producer, and old-time musician Paul Brown and will be distributed by National Public Radio. For information, call 1-800-262-8850 or (910) 759-8850

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Folk Alliance, IBMA Updates

The Folk Alliance and the International Bluegrass Music Association are two organizations which otter expanding opportunities for old-time music.

Folk Alliance

The 9th Annual Folk Alliance Conterence is scheduled in Toronto, Canada, February 13-16,1997. OTR has been very involved in the last several Folk Alliance Conferences and a number of important initiatives have emerged as a result of that involvement. This year, OTR and the Old-Time Music Group will sponsor and host a Traditional Music Showcase on Friday night of the conference. For registration information, call (202) 835-3655. (The next conference will be February 12-15, /998 in Memphis, Tennessee.)

IBMA

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) offers tremendous potential for those who wish to expand the audience for old-time music into bluegrass circles. The IBMA encourages old time music performers and bands to submit showcase applications for their 1997 World of Bluegrass Trade Show, scheduled September 22-28, 1997 in Owensboro, Kentucky. Applications are ac- cepted between October 15, 1996 and January 15, 1997. For complete guidelines or further details, contact the IBMA office after October 15 at (502) 684-9025.

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Label News

Smithsonian/Folkways Recordings has recently been quite active in issuing both new recordings and reissues from the archives of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife Programs and Cultural Studies. They have also embarked on a renewed effort to supply these recordings to radio and media contacts. Their extensive catalog includes many titles of old-time, folk and bluegrass music as well as a staggering range of other styles. They service radio with current releases. For information, contact: Smithsonian/Folkways Record- ings, Radio Promotions, 955 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 2600/MRC914, Washington DC 20560.

Old Homestead Records, "Where Vinyl is Still King," continues to do a brisk business in LPs. A recent catalog was filled with over 30 pages of available vinyl ranging from the highly collectable to the highly affordable. Many titles are of interest to listeners or programmers of old-time music. Write to Box 100, Brighton, MI 48116.

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OTR Produces Rounder CD

"Old-Time Music on the Air, Volume 2" on Rounder Records (ROCD 0391) is now available. This extensive compilation recording, produced by an OTR committee and coordinated by Steering Committee member Susan Madden, is designed to promote increased airplay of old-time styles.

The recording features 27 tracks, many of which appear here on CD for the first time. The performances include a wide sampling of older and younger players, from East Coast to West, and in between. Players in their 70s and 80s are presented alongside younger musicians. The liner notes are written by Brad Leftwich and Dr. Charles K. Wolfe. Included in the extensive notes are quotes from the musicians, information about the tunes and songs, and contacts to obtain the source recordings.

The most recent County Sales Newsletter praised the collection as "a fine anthology...[I]t's safe to say that almost no one will have heard all these tracks before. Lots of fine music here that will make any old-time music fan search out the original albums."

Airplay copies of "Old-Time Music On the Air: Volume 2" and "Old-time Music On the Air: Volume 1" (Rounder 0331) are available trom Rounder Records. Retail copies are available for sale to the public in both CD and cassette formats. For information, call Rounder Records at (617) 354-0700.

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