American Songcatcher

Today on the program, we're letting our friends at The Bluegrass Situation takeover our feed with a brand new series called "Finding Lucinda." Episode One: Introducing Finding Lucinda As we join the story, Ismay has been living and working on their family ranch for almost a decade – and they're looking for change. For several years the independent singer-songwriter has been playing in a Lucinda Williams tribute band and writing their own music. An opportunity to record an album sparks a new and different idea: to instead embark on a road trip to uncover the early days of Lucinda's music career and, hopefully, find a way forward creatively. However, they are plagued by self doubt about whether pursuing music can still be worthwhile for them. But in spite of this uncertainty, Ismay dives into research to see where a journey across the country – and further into the life and music of Lucinda – could lead. Links: Finding Lucinda on The Bluegrass Situation Facebook Instagram X Website   Credits: Distributed by The Bluegrass Situation Produced and mixed by Avery Hellman for Neanderthal Records LLC Music by ISMAY and The Lake Charlatans Artwork by Avery Hellman Guests: Mary Gauthier, Wolf Stephenson, John Grimaudo, Charlie Sexton Special thanks to: Joel Fendelman, Liz McBee, Rose Bush, Mick Hellman, Chuck Prophet, Jonathan McHugh, Jacqueline Sabec, Lucinda Williams & Tom Overby   About Finding Lucinda: Finding Lucinda follows a young singer-songwriter on a road trip of self discovery to trace the roots of their musical hero Lucinda Williams. Amidst self-doubt and uncertainty, ISMAY sets out from the family ranch in Northern California and travels to Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. There ISMAY meets Lucinda's early collaborators, digs through the archives to uncover hidden treasures, and visits the studios and venues where Lucinda got her start. Interviews include Charlie Sexton, Buddy Miller, and Mary Gauthier. Finding Lucinda is ultimately a story about not knowing whether you have what it takes to be the artist you want to be, and looking for answers on how to move forward anyways. It's about finding a small way to be more like your hero. Listen on The Bluegrass Situation or where you get your shows and look out for the Finding Lucinda film coming Fall 2025.  

Today on the program, we're sharing our most robust and entertaining episode since beginning five years ago, honoring the king of the five string banjo, Earl Scruggs. Featuring more than 25 different voices all touched by Earl, this part narrative, part field recording feature will give you a glimpse into the life of Earl Scruggs and his story that is completely unique, informed by those who knew him and those who are holding his legacy high today. Immerse yourself in the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and learn why it was chosen as the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year.Special thanks to the Earl Scruggs Center and the Earl Scruggs Festival for having me this year! Have an instrument to donate? ReString Appalachia Support Educational Programming:Join the Patreon CommunitySend a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher:Instagram | TikTok  Credits:Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, writing recording and distributionJamie Tews - Research, Writing Assistance 

Today on the program, we're sharing our most robust and entertaining episode since beginning five years ago, honoring the king of the five string banjo, Earl Scruggs. Featuring more than 25 different voices all touched by Earl, this part narrative, part field recording feature will give you a glimpse into the life of Earl Scruggs and his story that is completely unique, informed by those who knew him and those who are holding his legacy high today. Immerse yourself in the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and learn why it was chosen as the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year. Special thanks to the Earl Scruggs Center and the Earl Scruggs Festival for having me this year!   Have an instrument to donate? ReString Appalachia   Support Educational Programming: Join the Patreon Community Send a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal   Follow American Songcatcher: Instagram | TikTok    Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, writing recording and distribution Jamie Tews - Research, Writing Assistance  

Today on the program, we're sharing our most robust and entertaining episode since beginning five years ago, honoring the king of the five string banjo, Earl Scruggs. Featuring more than 25 different voices all touched by Earl, this part narrative, part field recording feature will give you a glimpse into the life of Earl Scruggs and his story that is completely unique, informed by those who knew him and those who are holding his legacy high today. Immerse yourself in the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and learn why it was chosen as the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year. Bonus episode to come of a full conversation with Shawn Camp and Jerry Douglas of The Earls of Leicester. Dig in! Get Involved with our non-profit:ReString Appalachia___Support Educational Programming:⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠Join our⁠ Patreon Community⁠One-time donation via⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠Follow ⁠American Songcatcher⁠Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, editing, recording and distribution

Get your raffle ticket here! For just a moment, put yourself in the shoes of a person who plays music, whether they're professional, amateur or just getting started. Imagine what it would be like to lose the instrument that helps you understand your life, to make sense of the world. Now, imagine losing it and most of what you own during the most traumatic event of your life. Who is going to help you get music back?  This is the mission of ReString Appalachia. An initiative that started with American Songcatcher after Hurricane Helene, ReString is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit who has given over 800 instruments to musicians from natural disasters in Appalachia and Los Angeles, and soon, the Texas Hill Country.  You can help us accomplish this by buying a raffle ticket to win a signed, one of a kind bluegrass banjo from world renowned banjoist Béla Fleck.  This fundraiser is in partnership with the Henhouse Prowlers, their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors, ReString Appalachia, and American Songcatcher.     Raffle ends Sept 1st!  www.ReStringAppalachia.org We'll be back VERY soon with a few interviews, and we'll have a very special field recording and feature on the Earl Scruggs Music Festival and his legacy. See you next time, on American Songcatcher.