Piedmont Blūz
The Pocahontas County Opera House is delighted to continue its remarkable 25th season with a special performance by the esteemed Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo. Valerie and Benedict Turner, renowned ambassadors of Country Blues music and roots percussion, will grace the stage on November 9th at 7 pm, offering an enriching experience that transcends music.
The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, celebrated for their captivating blend of Piedmont-style fingerpicking and roots percussion, weaves an educational narrative into their performance. A concert with Piedmont Blūz is a journey back to the 1920s and 1930s, the heydays of acoustic Country Blues music, as Valerie and Benedict share fascinating stories and historical anecdotes about early blues artists who shaped the genre.
Valerie Turner, a New York native with roots in Virginia and Georgia, excels in finger-style Country Blues guitar, specifically Piedmont-style fingerpicking. An inductee of the New York Blues Hall of Fame and Co-President of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation, she has taught at major guitar workshops and is the author of "Piedmont Style Country Blues Guitar Basics," a book acquired by the Library of Congress. Her guitar playing is influenced by greats such as Mississippi John Hurt, Etta Baker, and Elizabeth Cotten.
Benedict Turner, a roots percussionist from Trinidad and Tobago, adds his unique touch with lap-style washboard, occasionally chiming in on bones or harp. An inductee of the New York Blues Hall of Fame, Benedict's subtle percussion enriches the duo's performances. He crafts custom Darlington Washboards and serves as the Creative Director of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation.
The Pocahontas County Opera House offers a family-friendly and accessible environment, with special accommodations available upon request. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability.
Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, and those aged 17 and younger can attend for free. Tickets are available for purchase online at pocahontasoperahouse.org, at the 4th Avenue Gallery in Marlinton, or at the Opera House on the evening of the performance.
This event is made possible with the support of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, Pocahontas County Dramas, Fairs and Festivals, Mid-Atlantic Arts, and the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Pocahontas County Opera House extends its heartfelt gratitude to the greater community for their continued support.
For further information, visit pocahontasoperahouse.org, call 304-799-6645, or email info@pocahontasoperahouse.org.
