The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Local News

August 16, 2012

CD release party set for Saturday

By C.V. Moore The Register-Herald

This year, on the 91st anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain, a new music project commemorates the legacy of West Virginia’s mine wars.

This Saturday, a reception will be held celebrating the release of the Blair Pathways CD Project, a music compilation featuring new takes on songs written about a momentous time in West Virginia’s history.

“Working on this project has been an incredibly moving process,” says Blair Pathways producer Saro Lynch-Thomason.

“Many miners and miners’ wives were inspired to write poems and songs about their experiences during Appalachia’s mine wars. They submitted these works to labor publications like the United Mine Workers Journal. My goal was to bring some of these old songs and poems back to life, so I asked contemporary musicians to create interpretations of the pieces I’d researched.

“It’s beautiful to think that someone’s sentiments from 100 years ago can now be heard by an attentive audience, and help to tell an important part of West Virginia’s history.”

The event, featuring several performances from nationally recognized musicians, will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Whipple Company Store in Scarbro.  

“Fayette County was witness to some of West Virginia’s earliest coal wars, and was a huge influence in later strikes on Paint Creek and Cabin Creek in Kanawha County,” says Lynch-Thomason.

“This event celebrates that period of conflict with music and tours of the Whipple Company Store. I hope local folks can enjoy learning more about the region’s mine war history and listening to music from the era.”

The project has been timed for release on the 91st anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain, an uprising of over 10,000 pro-union miners, which began in late August 1921.

Blair Pathways is a multi-media project which includes a music CD, historic narrative, map and music archives detailing the history of the West Virginia Mine Wars.  

The CD is a selection of historic music from Appalachia’s mine wars, brought to life through the work of over 25 contemporary musicians. Each piece thematically touches on a major event from West Virginia’s struggle to unionize in the early 20th century.

West Virginia-based musicians like Elaine Purkey and singing trio Bare Bones are featured on the CD, as well as nationally-recognized artists such as banjo player Riley Baugus and Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

The project’s creators say it is intended to educate the public about the history of the mine wars, and also “bring attention to the plight of Blair Mountain in Logan County."

In late August 1921, a coal miners’ uprising led to several days of fighting on Blair Mountain and the surrounding area, only halted upon the arrival of federal troops.

“In need of historic recognition, Blair is currently in danger of destruction from mountain-top removal strip mining,” says Lynch-Thomason. “The project hopes to raise awareness of Blair’s historic significance and strengthen efforts to save the mountain.”

The CD release party will feature several musicians from the CD, including Morgan O’Kane, Samuel Gleaves and national award-winning fiddle player Jamie Laval.

CDs will be available for purchase and tours of the Whipple Company Store will occur throughout the afternoon. Snacks and drinks will be provided. More information can be found at www.blairpathways.com.

— E-mail:

cmoore@register-herald.com

 

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