University to host ‘Mountain Stage’

The critically acclaimed radio music show "Mountain Stage with Larry Groce" will record live from West Virginia University’s Creative Arts Center Sunday at 7 p.m.

The show will feature some of the nation’s finest musicians, with Brandi Carlile headlining a bill that also includes Logan Venderlic, The Trishas, Ben Taylor and Kat Edmonson.

With a variety of musical stylings – from Carlile’s rock ‘n’ roll to Venderlic’s folk wave to Edmonson’s classic jazz – "Mountain Stage" promises something for everybody.

The event, which has recorded more than 700 shows in its 29-year career, is an opportunity for musicians to display their music and reach a massive, passionate audience.

"I’ve been a huge fan of ‘Mountain Stage’ since my freshman year at WVU," Venderlic, a WVU graduate, said. "They curate some of the best talent, and it’s a great place to hear great acts who you may not have heard of previously."

Venderlic, a native of Pleasants County, W. Va., takes pride in his Mountain State roots, and he admits this connection with the state makes "Mountain Stage" a particularly intimate experience for him.

"I think I kind of have a chip on my shoulder. West Virginians are often marginalized and stereotyped," Venderlic said. "Every time I go on tour and play out of state, no matter where I am, I start my set by introducing myself as a West Virginian. It would be easier to try to hide that fact, but I’m proud to be from the Mountain State."

Venderlic hopes to showcase these roots to a new audience and win over fans Sunday with his unique brand of folk music, which he dubs "folk wave." The style, he said, is a mixture of familiar sounds.

"I always call my music folk wave," Venderlic said. "It’s folk music with a mix of indie pop and hints of new wave."

These influences will be on full display at the Creative Arts Center, and Venderlic promises to bring his A-game for the crowd.

"I know it’ll be a packed house. I can’t wait," Venderlic said. "Also, I’m a big proponent of crowd participation, so I’ll be getting the crowd clapping and singing and hollering along."

In addition to Venderlic’s affectionate and energetic set, Mountain Stage welcomes Northwest singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile to Morgantown.

Carlile, who is hailed as the "best voice in indie rock" by Paste Magazine, will make her first trip to Morgantown promoting her latest release, "Bear Creek."

The offering marks Carlile’s fifth full-length album and fourth release under the Columbia Records banner. Her previous works have sold more than 800,000 copies, and her work has been featured on "Grey’s Anatomy" and "American Idol."

With such success under her belt, Carlile hopes to do what she does best for the Morgantown crowd: Just play music.

"I hope they (the crowd) can arrive thinking they’re going to see a show and to leave feeling like they were a part of something bigger," Carlile said. "In a more literal sense, we’re going to strip down and play acoustic, plug in for a massive wall of sound rock ‘n’ roll numbers and hopefully surprise people with a few epic cover song moments."

Carlile notes that while her Mountain Stage performance marks her first appearance in Morgantown, she expects an enthusiastic crowd reaction.

"I can only expect the best from West Virginians," Carlile said.

Led by national sensation Brandi Carlile and home-state hero Logan Venderlic, Sunday’s Mountain Stage performance will stand as one of the year’s premier musical events.

Ben Taylor, The Trishas and Kat Edmonson round out an outstanding lineup of musicians, and the audience can expect to be entertained and touched by some of the most inspiring music America has to offer.

Tickets are on sale now at the Creative Arts Center Box Office and online at ticketmaster.com for $18. Remaining tickets can be purchased the day of the show for $23 at the door.