WTJU 91.1 FM

Kick off the 2025 Folk Marathon with Louise as she plays two hours of music to sing along with and dance to. Start your Monday morning with some fun!

The “Laurel Canyon” sound of Joni Mitchell and Carole King has had great influence on today’s young women wriYng and singing in contemporary folk. This show will showcase the contemporary heirs of Laurel Canyon, such as Phoebe Bridgers, Kasey Musgraves, Margo Price, Jenny Lewis, Sarah Jarosz, Brandi Carlisle and others.

This program will give us a chance to explore, learn and enjoy different types of reed instruments being utilized in various genres. You may be surprised and enlightened.

This show features songs about home, whether coming, going, or simply enjoying. The music spectrum ranges from JD Crowe's That Old Home Place to Simon & Garfunkel's Homeward Bound, and many places in between. We might even take some country roads to get there.

David Anthony Rice (1951 – 2020) was an influential acoustic guitar player in folk, country, bluegrass and jazz. Born in Virginia but raised in Los Angeles, he grew up playing under his father, Herb Rice and with his brothers; Wyatt, Ron, and Larry. Over the years he would play with the best, including Roland White, Clarence White, Ry Cooder, Herb Pedersen, Chris Hillman, J. D. Crowe, David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Norman Blake, Bela Fleck, Ricky Skaggs and Peter Rowan. So tune into the 2025 Folk Marathon and hear one of the best damn guitar players.

From 1981 to 1985, local progressive bluegrass band Cloud Valley hosted many nationally touring bluegrass bands in the back room at the C & O Restaurant. Band member Bill Evans presents the best of these shows, featuring live board tapes from such 80’s bluegrass legends as Hot Rize, J. D. Crowe, Peter Rowan & Vassar Clements, Tony Trischka & Skyline and Country Gazette.

Annie & Waverly share some of their recent musical discoveries (Daisy Rickman, Hohnen Ford) as well as re-discovering some lost favorites. They're hoping to introduce you to an artist or artists that perhaps you may not know (Abigail Lapell, Willy Porter). Folk music and beyond...

The Bob Girard Duo, featuring Charlie Pastorfield, returns to The Stage for a special concert in support of their favorite radio station.

In the 70s and 80s, Topic Records led a folk renaissance, blending deep-rooted traditions with daring new sounds. With artists like Martin Carthy, Nic Jones, and June Tabor, they redefined the genre, captivating a new generation and reshaping British folk music's legacy.

Each night of the Folk Marathon, we will share some of our favorite performances from past years at WTJU.

Serving up some of our favorite dishes to start off the day. Have a favorite food or beverage related song to share with the table? Share it when you leave your tip, and we will do what we can to get it on the air!

The Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries of Africa include Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique, plus the island nations of Cape Verde and Sao Tome & Principe. The Afro-Latin sounds of these countries differ from musical powerhouses like Mali, Congo, or South Africa, but are no less appealing, ranging from upbeat and poppy to slow and mournful.

As the 90th birthday celebrations are in sight, we can acknowledge and celebrate not just her brother, half-brother, and husband (Ewan MacColl), but her own fundamental contribution to a woman's music and a woman's politic.

Join the Eclectic Women for an exploration of country crooners, including: Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells and many more.

From the late 18th century, settlement in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia has been dominated by emigration from the Scottish Highlands and Western Islands. The Scotts brought their language and culture including fiddle music, Gaelic singing, and piping traditions which have persisted to this day. This show will feature the Scottish connection to the traditional music of the island of Cape Breton.

Spend two hours with Charlottesville's Folk-Rock Harmony Band The Currys and support WTJU. The Currys have put a playlist together of their favorite artists and songs and may even play a demo song or two. Humor will prevail and The Currys are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Sing and play along with Sumner's annual show based on the two Folk Music “Bibles.” This show guarantees to be loaded with favorites. And be sure and call with requests!

Ramona and the Holy Smokes bring their Honky Tonk sound to WTJU for the second night of the 2025 Folk Marathon.

American "Old Time" traditional music is made from a mix of influences that span continents. But what happens when these sounds leave their home and are interpreted by people across the globe? A reinterpretation, and in some cases repatriation, makes for new perspectives on old tunes.

Each night of the Folk Marathon, we will share some of our favorite performances from past years at WTJU.

Tales of the old west were a staple of early country and western music and modern artists are still creating new tales as well as singing the old ones. During this show, we'll revisit the original telling of the old stories. hear modern artists sing the old tales and listen to new songs about the old days.

This show will feature such groups and individual artists from the British side of the pond. Of course, you will hear Pentangle, Fairport Convention and Nick Drake as well as some not so familiar artists from the mainstream, but just as important.

Since its founding in 2006, Free Dirt Records and Service Co. has become a force to be reckoned with in the burgeoning American Roots Music world, adding major players to its roster of artists and garnering Grammy awards and nominations along the way. Pete takes a deep dive into their catalog to showcase what the label is all about.

Cape Verde has a rich musical tradition of combining Portuguese, African and,Cultural elements into a mesmerizing sound. We’ll hear from the likes of Cesaria Evora, Lura, Ildo Lobo and Lucibel.

It’s time for your quarterly checkup with the psych doctors - this time in Brazil. We will catch cool Tropicalismo vibe and plumb the depths of hidden jungle studios to show the only way to meet dictatorship, is with raised consciousness. Tune in for the transcendent sounds of Lula Côrtes, Os Mutantes, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Rita Lee, and Sessa, among many others. Slip on your afternoon shades and join us on the sun dappled airwaves.

Cover songs are like campfire legends. Passed down like shared memories, they provide life blood to connect generations and even genres. They are also a great way to pay tribute to the legends who shaped our lives.

An American musician, songwriter, film score composer, and record producer, Ry Cooder is a multi-instrumentalist best known for his slide guitar work (Cooder was ranked at No. 8 on Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”), his interest in traditional music, and his collaborations with musicians from many countries. He has worked with a wide range of artists from Captain Beefheart and the Rolling Stones to Ali Farka Toure and the Buena Vista Social Club as a behind the scenes but outsized force. This show will celebrate his rich and multi-faceted career.

Red and the Romantics is a band based in Charlottesville, VA that performs all original music crossing over many genres. Come on out and get your dance on!

Pioneer of the Tulsa sound, J.J. Cale was a songwriter’s songwriter and a guitarist’s guitarist. Mining the territory at the intersection of folk, country, blues, and roots rock, his signature sound of slow shuffles, bluesy grooves, and sublime lyrics led to rock stars of the 70’s covering his songs and turning them into worldwide anthems. This show will feature J.J. Cale’s original works and some choice covers of his songs.

Each night of the Folk Marathon, we will share some of our favorite performances from past years at WTJU.

Forgotten voices from America; Folk Songs, Blues, Ballads, Hymns, Reels, and Shouts. After the War to End All Wars, AM Radio and the newly formed Recording Industry started standardizing the music to which Americans listened. Local regional music started to fade and change to reach a broader audience. Everything started sounding the same. However, there were people, even the Library of Congress, who wanted to preserve this music before it disappeared. So tune into the 2025 Folk Marathon and hear these classic field recordings from the 1930’s, 40’s & 50’s. Music that you seldom find on the Radio today, except of course, on WTJU.

A former host of Atlantic Weekly Pt 2, Colin Ramirez returns to the airwaves, eager to share some of his vast collection of traditional Irish music, with a focus on duos and trios playing fiddles, flutes, whistles, concertinas, bodhrans, bouzoukis, mandolins, tenor banjos, guitars and uillean pipes. A feast for the ears!!

The hugely popular “folk” music of the 50’s and 60’s plucked rough old traditional songs from early recordings, (many of which were in the Harry Smith Anthology or International collections) and polished them with glorious harmonies and grand arrangements. The result could be called Pop Music or P-Folk, and you might find yourself happily singing along with Peter, Paul and Mary, the Kingston Trio, the Weavers, the Limeliters and Harry Belafonte.

Kris Kristofferson was widely regarded as one of the most literate songwriters of his or any other era. Other artists immediately recognized his talent and began covering his songs. During this show, we'll hear plenty of Kris along with other artists doing their version of his songs. And, no doubt, we will continue to hear new artists covering his songs long into the future.

Take a ride with Matt Combs in the only 4-wheel vehicle suited for Country/Americana/Rockabilly. Roll the top down, let the wind go through your honey’s hair and listen to it slide off the tail fins. Your hair will be firmly in place with a serious dab of Brylcreem. The ride will be smooth, with a V8 beat rockin’ you down the highway.

Longtime Richard Thompson soundman and tour manager Simon Tassano looks back at a pivotal decade for his music. From solo acoustic to a touring band that featured Danny Thompson, Pete Zorn and Dave Mattacks, the 90’s featured many great recordings produced by Mitchell Froom and RT acoustic and electric treasures. Simon digs into his tape vault for some exclusive live recordings from the decade.

Join Terri Allard as she plays a mix of her all-time favorite Americana tunes.

Scuffletown is an acoustic duo featuring Marc Carraway on guitar and vocals and John Whitlow on harmonica, accordion, flute and vocals. The band has performed high-energy original and acoustic roots music for over 25 years and has recorded 4 acclaimed albums along the way. Marc and John have opened for Tony Rice, Buckwheat Zydeco, Pierce Pettis, Cephas and Wiggins and many others, and have shared stages with Tom Paxton, Jesse Colin Young and John Stewart. They will be joined by multi-instrumentalist Matty Metcalfe has performed with numerous national touring acts (Robert Randolph, Bonnie Prince Billy, Getty Family) on instruments as diverse as accordion, keyboards, guitar and banjo.

A celebration of live recordings produced over time by mostly the New West Records label featuring a multitude of folk, country, blues, and americana musicians playing to a live audience in Austin, TX. The Juddermeister will presents some of his favorite artists and their iconic tunes as captured in performance. We will feature artists such as Johnny Cash, Delbert McClinton, Guy Clark, Doug Sahm, Dave Alvin and many others.

Each night of the Folk Marathon, we will share some of our favorite performances from past years at WTJU.

Western swing was popular in the dance halls and on the airwaves from the mid 1920's into the 1940's and continues to be a popular today at music festivals and small venues. Tune in on Friday, February 7, from 6-8 AM for two hours of vintage western swing mixed with artists carrying on that musical tradition in the 21st Century.

We will focus on Linda Ronstadt's broad musical appeal, featuring songs that are kinda country, with some rhythm and blues, along with folk and attractive high-gloss pop. Rock to the American songbook, this program will showcase the power and beauty of Ronstadt's voice.

Equis. That noble steed, culturally celebrated in literature and art. During the marathon, it takes the center stall during a two hour expedition into songs about horses. All kinds of horses. Chestnut Mares. Old Paint. Bucking broncos, wild horses. Some with no name. Just how many songs have been written about horses, Wilbur? Join your stable mates Brian and DJ Gabby G on February 7, to find out. And thank you for your pledge!

Two of the finest singer songwriters to emerge from the Canadian folk scene will be featured in studio, live, and instrumental tracks. They both spoke from their hearts to the hearts of the people and their songs have stood the test of time.

Chet Atkins created that title for himself and he bestowed it on a handful of others players John Knowles, Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Reed and Steve Wariner. After Chet's passing his daughter added Paul Yandell, Chet's longtime sideman to that group. We'll hear from them in various combinations or solo.

Grammy winning traditional Irish guitarist John Doyle swaps his instrument for the WTJU control board to chat, tell stories and share some of the music that has influenced his trajectory as arguably the most highly respected guitarist in the genre.

Singer-songwriter Dar Williams’ literary and cerebral lyrics contain bouquets of optimism, delivered on melodies alternating between beguiling lightness and understated gravity. “Good and bad things happen, and it’s not necessarily a reward or indictment. I’ve just got to meet it,” Williams observes. “Real happiness doesn't have to feel like Snoopy dancing with Woodstock; it can just be knowing you have the resilience to meet whatever comes to you.” We’ll listen to selections from her 30+ year career from her twelve studio albums.

The Buzzard Hollow Boys return for some electrified folk, roots and swing.

Acoustic Guitar was first published in 1990, and your host has almost every copy boxed up somewhere in the basement. This show will sample the wide variety of artists that have been featured on the cover of Acoustic Guitar over the last 35 years, encompassing almost every imaginable genre from Americana to Zydeco, along with snippets from articles and interviews. Tune in to hear some of the very best in acoustic guitar!

Each night of the Folk Marathon, we will share some of our favorite performances from past years at WTJU.

From the popular accompanists of George and Herschel Thomas and Clarence Williams to solo multi-instrumentalists like Lonnie Johnson and Skip James, we'll listen to various approaches to blues and jazz piano in 1920s and 1930s. From the rhythm section to the leading instrument, from ragtime and vaudeville to the New York stride and barrelhouse, we'll celebrate the piano, its history and popular use in early recordings from the American songbook.

Jerry Garcia and David Grisman originally met in 1964, then played together in Old & In The Way in the early '70s. But their special musical chemistry really developed in the '90s, culminating in their classic album Shady Grove. Tune in for two hours of musical comfort food from two virtuosos and longtime friends, with occasional help from guests like Tony Rice.

Since 2000, the Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) has been dedicated to teaching the living art of traditional Irish music, as well as fostering a dynamic environment for it in our community. They have been longtime friends of WTJU, so what better way to celebrate 25 years of being around than with a special two hour concert LIVE on WTJU during this year's Folk Marathon! Come on out and be part of the studio audience for this special concert.

Artist, bouncer, producer... visionary

Charlie Pastorfield, Susan Munson, Stuart Holme, Kent Raine, and Sam Johnston bring us two hours of the Grateful Dead and associated vibes!

Dylan and the Band did a two-month 40 concert arena tour in 1974 that was Dylan’s first full-fledged return to the stage since 1966. Highly hyped, highly lucrative, many derided it as a nostalgia act. Dylan himself felt the whole thing was overblown. “I was just playing Bob Dylan and the Band were playing the Band.” In 1975, Dylan releases the “comeback” Blood on the Tracks, and the Rolling Thunder Revue commences in smaller venues with a caravan cast of rotating artists and song reinventions. We compare and contrast for the 2025 Folk Marathon.

Donna Jean Godchaux wailed alongside Jerry and Bobby for years on stage as part of the Grateful Dead. We will survey her contribuZons to the band, as well as listen to some of her solo and side projects.

A special concert with singer Richelle Claiborne, Ivan Orr on keys, and percussionist JoVia Armstrong. Come on out and be part of the studio audience for this rare session.

Mysticism is in! Join DJ Al and DJ Geezer for two hours of Sufi Devotional tunes. The word "Qawwali" comes from the Arabic, قول "to speak". We'll learn about the poetic legacy of Qawwali in South Asia and the Middle East.

From the forested mountains of Tuva to Nunavut's Arctic Archipelago, throat singing carries with it cultural meaning and stylistic tradition. But throat singing has also found its way into modern musical expressions, never losing connection to its roots. We'll trace the polyphonic melodies and breathless rhythms of contemporary indigenous singers from across the globe.

Each night of the Folk Marathon, we will share some of our favorite performances from past years at WTJU.

The 2025 Folk Marathon train is inching closer to the final stop, but not before we get in two hours of train music. Have something you want to help us choo, choose? Call it in with your pledge at 434-924-3959 or online at wtju.net. All aboard!

Since the 1950s, getting her start in the family gospel group The Staple Singers, Mavis Staples’s rich and soulful voice has been inspired and inspiring. She and her family were active in the Civil Rights Movement with memorable message songs. And then she had a solo career, which was boosted in the last couple of decades by Jeff Tweedy’s support on his Anti label. These days, festival attendees are thrilled by her warm and uplifting performances. We’ll sample all the decades of music from this national treasure.

Saddle up and ride into the heart of the Wild West with Ride 'em Cowboy! From boot-stomping classics to modern renegade hits, this show delivers the grit, charm, and untamed spirit of country’s wild side. Whether you’re a cowboy, cowgirl, or outlaw at heart, we’ve got your anthem—so grab your hat and hang on tight!

In a small triangle of land straddling parts of Counties Cork, Kerry and Limerick, bound to the south by the Blackwater, lies Sliabh Luachra, the “Rushy Mountain.” From this desolate upland area come plenty of fast tunes, reels and polkas, jigs and slides, played in a style unlike other spots in Ireland. There are also plenty of songs, some comical, some serious. All to make listeners grin and do somersaults.This show explores the music of Beoga, Steph Geremia, Alan Kelly, Martin Hayes, Cuar, and other musicians who are bringing new possibilities to traditional music.

This show looks at the different types of folk dance in our area and the music that goes along with it! Come check out interviews with local callers, dancers and musicians. From contra to square dancing from English country dancing to waltzes to Irish ceili, learn about the music and traditions that keep dancers moving around the area. Rumor is we might even get in some Cajun two steppin'!

Join Oliver the Kid as he explores protest songs in country music from the 1960s through today. Tune in to hear some songs you might have heard before…and some they don’t want you to hear!

Sumner brings us two hours of Nanci Griffth. Have your own personal favorite from Nanci? If Sumner has it (and she almost certainly does), she will play it with your pledge of support!

If you’re hellbent on breaking big you probably shouldn’t call your band Please Don’t Tell. After all, the name itself is hiding something and, further still, practically begging all of us to keep whatever it is to ourselves. But like all good secrets, Please Don’t Tell harbors a truth worth revealing to the world.

A trio of players with mixed musical backgrounds including classical, goth, and bluegrass, among others. These musicians have played venues that range from punk houses to The Kennedy Center.

Highlighting the work of Western AF and its mission to amplify powerful, original music. From the Sons of Rainier to Drayton Farley to the Red Clay Strays, we listen to the musicians they’ve partnered with.

The roots of hip hop as a modern folk music movement, tracing its origins in storytelling, community expression, and grassroots creativity. This special dives deep into the genre's connection to oral traditions, its rise as the voice of the marginalized, and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. From block parties to global stages, discover how hip hop remains a living testament to the power of the people’s rhythm.

Each night of the Folk Marathon, we will share some of our favorite performances from past years at WTJU.