Statesville Folkways Works to Keep “Roots” Music Alive in Iredell County & Beyond

His & HersPhoto by Kim McKinney

Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., at the WAME studios, Piedmont Folkways had another free music night. WAME studios are located in the clock tower building (the Randy Marion Studio) at Center and Broad Streets in Statesville, The show is hosted by David Hamm and Daniel Wicker.

His & Hers, a husband-wife duo from Mocksville, entertained with their special brand of folk.

Caleb and Sara Davis met at age 14 and were high school sweethearts. They are now married and the parents of two children, singing and writing songs together, and also covering special songs from some of their favorite artists.

You can see His & Hers this weekend as they compete at Merlefest, on Saturday at 2:45 on the Plaza Stage.

Piedmont Folkways Wednesday night showPhoto by Kim McKinney

Piedmont Folkways was organized to promote and preserve the tradition of acoustic “roots” music - such as folk, blues, and gospel. Their Wednesday night shows have been happening for two years now and are enjoyed by an in-studio audience (see their Facebook page for more information), on-air through the radio station (92.9 FM), and by an audience on Facebook Live (link provided on their Facebook page.) Many of these shows are free.

Rev. Robert Jones & Matt WatrobaPhoto courtesy of TAMULEVICH ARTIST MANAGEMENT

Next week Piedmont Folkways has a special series of shows coming to town featuring the Rev. Robert Jones & Matt Watroba. Each show will be different and will take place in a different Statesville venue.

Cathy Cash, Executive & Creative Director of Piedmont Folkways said the community is fortunate to have musicians of this caliber performing in Statesville.

Rev. Robert Jones & Matt Watroba met when they had consecutive radio shows in Detroit about thirty years ago. Their mutual love of traditional Anerican music grew not only a friendship, but a collaboration that has had them performing all over the country.

The duo founded Common Chords, a Detroit-based nonprofit that uses music to help diverse people understand each other and become connected with their shared values. Common Chords also happens to be the name of their latest album and the subject of their Thursday night show.

Friday’s show will feature Rev. Jones playing tribute to folk music great Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.

Wednesday, May 4, they will perform during the Piedmont Folkways Show at 7:30 in the WAME studio. Thursday, May 5, they will perform their “Common Chords” show at 7:30 p.m. at the Statesville Friends Meeting House at 441 Walnut St. Friday, May 6, they will perform “Lead Belly - An American Legend” at the Iredell Arts Council Old Jail (203 S. Meeting St.) Tickets are $15 for the Wednesday night show, $20 for each of the Thursday and Friday night shows, and available on Eventbrite.