Description
This episode of Mountain Home features music performed by the Cook Shack players, including Myles, Pal, and J.P. (J.P. VanHoy). The performance takes place at the Cook Shack, a small community restaurant and general store in Union Grove, North Carolina, owned and operated by Myles and Pal Ireland. The Cook Shack is located in the building that used to be the post office. Union Grove is also home to a famous Fiddler's Convention held annually on Memorial Day weekend since 1924. The host notes that Mary Umbarger, a renowned autoharp player from Harmony near Union Grove, joins the performers later in the episode.
The episode includes several musical performances and spoken word segments. Songs performed or mentioned include one described as being "from out of the blue," a Carter Family song about jealousy, "Home" by Karla Bonoff, "How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours," a composition by John Newton, "Be Honest With Me," a Gene Autry song, "Blackwater" by Jean Ritchie, "Mexican Soldier," "Some Sunday Morning," "It's Good to Be Back Home Again" by John Denver, and another John Denver tune with lyrics about feeling "cold here in the city." Pal also performs a song she sang as a teenager. Other songs referenced or briefly played include an old-time song referencing Bill Haley and the Comets, "Oh, Susanna," "Tennessee Waltz," "Mr. Sandman," "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White," "Chicken Reel," and "Hello Dolly." During a reading, "Shenandoah" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" are played on harmonica.
Beyond the music, the host reads letters from students inspired by Willard's artwork, including poems titled "True Friends" by Jessica Jordan and "A Falling Star" by Justin Dale, and other writings about drawings or music. A letter written by the host about a Civil War soldier named Jacob's journey home is also read. Pal and Myles discuss the history of the Cook Shack and their connection to Union Grove and the Fiddler's Convention, as well as the menu items available there, such as sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, baked barbecue, and particularly Pal's chicken and egg sandwiches. Myles is described as self-taught on guitar, and Pal mentions she has been singing songs with Myles for 45 years and married to him for 41. J.P. VanHoy's musical background and connection to Union Grove music through his family are also noted.
Note: this description was provided by NotebookLM.
Subject
Folk music
Appalachian Region, Southern
North Carolina, Western
Shannon, Joe Wayne, 1949-2014
Comments