WV Music Hall of Fame exhibits on display

WV Music Hall of Fame exhibits on display at WVU at Parkersburg.

CONTACT: H.G. Young III, professor of music, 304-42-48248.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Imagine a collection of vintage photographs of some of Southern West Virginia's most important musicians. Add a listening station with songs from many of those artists and you'll have an idea of what to expect if you visit the WV Music Hall of Fame's latest traveling exhibits.

Both of the Hall of Fame's "Music of the Coalfields" exhibits are currently on display through Feb. 23 in the student lounge at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

The two exhibits are a testament to the pervasive presence of music during the mid-1900s. Included are photos of Maceo Pinkard, who penned "Sweet Georgia Brown," the well-known theme song of the Harlem Globetrotters. Other groups featured are the Ink Spots (which included Bluefield pianist Bobby Benson), promoter Ralph Weinberg (pictured with boxer Jack Dempsey) and a striking photo of Duke Ellington performing to a packed hall in the 1950s. Other photos feature a young, fiddling Sen. Byrd and psycho-billy pioneer, Boone County's Hasil Adkins. The exhibits have been on display throughout West Virginia.

The "Music of the Coalfield" exhibits are sponsored by the United Mine Workers of America, the Regional Coal Heritage Authority, and the WV Humanities Council. The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in a non-profit organization established to recognize and celebrate West Virginia music of all genres.

cd1/29/07

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)

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