Stephen Wade in the Roots Cellar (Ramblin’ Folk)

“Stephen Wade is arguably the best nongrass five-string banjo player around. His loyal following includes people who saw Banjo Dancing, his one-man stage show created from folksongs, stories, banjo tunes, and his own personal insights. Among other venues, he presented it nightly at Washington’s Arena Stage for ten years, before his On the Way Home succeeded it for several more. The Beautiful Music All Around Us, his widely-acclaimed book, includes the origins of “Rock Island Line,” “Goodbye, Old Paint,” and “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” and demonstrates that the stories behind them can be as absorbing as the songs themselves.” – BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED

Tonight’s program features award-winning author and Grammy-nominated musician Stephen Wade, who presents his new book, Our Common Life: Folksong from the Front Porch to the Concert Hall.  In a series of interrelated essays, the book explores the artistry of folksong and its makers.  Much of it is based on Wade’s first-person experiences with traditional musicians, storytellers, and conservators, including Doc Hopkins, Kirk McGee, Joe and Odell Thompson, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Bill Monroe, Will Keys, Omer Forster, Jewel Fagan Haynes, Dorris Macon, Virgil and Mabel Anderson, Archie Green, Ola Belle Reed, Helen Marie Rowe, and Fleming Brown. 

Over the course of this ninety-minute multimedia show, Wade will play the five-string banjo and guitar, dance, and sing. A book signing will follow the performance.

Calliope’s Ramblin’ Folk Series features regionally & nationally touring musicians at the Roots Cellar.