Carnegie Hall’s Second Stage Series will present Appalachian Acoustic on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Old Stone Room, offering an intimate, in-the-round evening with three acclaimed West Virginia songwriters – Mary Dailey, Ron Sowell, and Aristotle Jones. This special program invites audiences into a close-up experience of original music and storytelling shaped by the hills, hollers, traditions, and lived histories of the Mountain State. The Old Stone Room’s warm, close-knit atmosphere provides the ideal setting for a night where authenticity, artistry, and connection take center stage.
Appalachian Acoustic brings together three distinctive voices whose work reflects the breadth and richness of West Virginia’s musical landscape. Through songs rooted in personal experience, cultural heritage, and decades of creative exploration, Dailey, Sowell, and Jones offer audiences a heartfelt journey into the stories that define Appalachian life. Their combined perspectives – spanning folk traditions, soul-infused mountain music, and the legacy of one of public radio’s most beloved programs – create a dynamic and deeply resonant evening.
Ron Sowell is best known as the longtime Music Director of NPR’s Mountain Stage, where his leadership and musicianship have shaped the sound of the internationally broadcast program for more than four decades. A multi-instrumentalist, producer, and celebrated singer-songwriter, Sowell has toured extensively across the United States and abroad, sharing stages with artists from every genre. His songwriting blends warmth, insight, and finely honed craft, offering listeners a rich portrait of a life dedicated to music.
Beyond his work on Mountain Stage, Sowell has released multiple albums, taught songwriting workshops, and contributed to countless collaborative projects that highlight his versatility and enduring influence.
Mary Dailey is a performer, songwriter, and teaching artist whose work is deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition. Drawing inspiration from folk ballads, Celtic melodies, and the storytelling heritage passed down through generations, Dailey’s music carries a timeless quality that resonates across audiences. As half of the duo Lark in the Holler, she has performed throughout West Virginia and beyond, weaving songs that honor the land, its people, and the cultural threads that bind them. Dailey is also a dedicated educator, sharing her love of traditional music with students of all ages and helping preserve the region’s artistic legacy through workshops, performances, and community engagement.
Aristotle Jones, widely known as the “Appalachian Soul Man,” brings a powerful blend of soul, folk, blues, and mountain roots to the stage. His work shines a light on the often overlooked stories of Black Appalachian musicians, celebrating resilience, groove, and cultural pride. Jones has become a leading voice in the movement to broaden and reclaim the narrative of Appalachian identity, using music as a bridge between generations and communities. His dynamic performances, rich vocals, and commitment to cultural storytelling have earned him recognition across the region, including multiple awards and appearances at festivals, concert halls, and heritage events. Jones’s artistry uplifts the diverse voices that have shaped Appalachian music for centuries.
Tickets for Appalachian Acoustic are $20 for adults and $10 for students, with general admission seating. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for Club Carnegie, sponsored by Smooth Ambler, open from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and offering a cash bar and light snacks. Carnegie Hall also provides discounts for members, seniors, military, and students. Thanks to the Carnegie Cardinal Fund, Greenbrier County students in grades K-12 receive free entry while funds last.
Carnegie Hall WV is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala.
