On Saturday afternoon, August 6th, two veteran mountain muscians will be performing in St. Paul, Virginia, at the Mountain Heritage Museum and Gallery. Follow the signs for a good helping of great music and a well stocked museum showcasing our region’s past.

Rich Kirby has been soaked in mountain music for longer than he cares to mention. It began in the lap of his grandmother Addie Graham, an outstanding Kentucky traditional singer. A multi-instrumentalist, his repertoire includes ballads, hoedowns, religious pieces, mining songs, and “just songs.” He was one of the founders of June Appal Recordings at Appalshop in Whitesburg, Kentucky, and recently retired after 25 years at Appalshop’s radio station WMMT, where he still does a weekly old-time music program.

Joining Rich is singer, songwriter, and guitarist Nate Polly. A native of Letcher County and a retired railroad worker, Nate took up old-time music after years with east Kentucky bluegrass bands. He is a great exponent of old bluegrass and country songs and a gifted songwriter.

Coal mining is a theme that runs through Nate and Rich’s work. As musicians, they address mining issues through songs like the historic “Shut Up in the Mines of Coal Creek,” Nate’s original “When the Whistle Blew,” and Jean Ritchie’s classic “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Any More.”

Admission is free but donations much appreciated.

Hope to see you there! 🙂