Old-time

Why People Freak Out When They See A Crankie

Laura Candler — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:48:33 +0000

When traditional Appalachian musician Anna Roberts-Gevalt first showed ballad singer Elizabeth LaPrelle a crankie, Elizabeth was speechless.

“I really freaked out,” LaPrelle said. She was astounded not only because she had never seen one before, but also because it was such a powerful tool for storytelling.

Appalachian Music With Old Fashioned Stage Effects

Laura Candler — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:30:00 +0000

While many popular musicians today seek out the newest digital technology to enhance their performances, there’s a young musical duo from rural Virginia who are moving in the opposite direction. Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle call themselves simply “Anna and Elizabeth.” Both accomplished traditional Appalachian musicians on a variety of instruments, together they have resurrected a storytelling tradition called the “crankie,” whose technology outdates their combined age (which is 50).

Old-time Radio Show Brings Together Local Celebrities

Alex Granados and Frank Stasio — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:06:46 +0000

Old-time radio may be old-fashioned, but it’s not extinct. Every year, the Murphey School Radio Show brings together North Carolina writers and musicians for a charitable variety show. The next one is coming up February 23.

The Legacy of Joe Thompson

Frank Stasio and Meghan Modafferi — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Joe Thompson was a legendary fiddler, teacher and cultural icon. He passed away earlier this year after bringing new life to old-time string band music for many decades.