This heritage concert will highlight the music of Virginia’s own Carter Family. The evening will be hosted by historian Kinney Rorrer and local and regional musicians will perform, including the third generation Carter Family member Dale Jett and his group Hello Stranger.

Singer and musician, Dale Jett is a native of Southwest Virginia. He is a third generation member of the legendary Carter Family. The son of Janette Carter, the grandson of A.P.and Sara Carter, his roots have been heavily steeped within the heart of his family's musical heritage. Growing up within the Carter Family, Dale has been influenced by many musicians and styles of music. He began playing guitar in his late teens when Elizabeth Cotten taught him his first chords - left handed, upside down. Later, he added his own style of Autoharp playing to his repertoire. But, it is ultimately his voice that arrests you. It is powerful and compelling, yet at the same time, delicate and haunting. Like his grandfather, Dale is a "collector" of songs. His dedication to the preservation of traditional music, the love of Carter Family songs, and his admiration of other songwriters are evident in his performances. Dale helped emcee and performed at the Carter Family Fold for over 30 years, along with his wife and long time friend, Oscar Harris who make up the group Hello Stranger.

This unique and collaborative event will also feature local musicians Mac and Jenny Traynham, Jeremy Stevens along with Darren Moore, and The Orchard Grass Band. Each will perform their own interpretation of Carter family songs which they have been playing for years.

WVTF, Back to the Blue Ridge, radio host Kinney Rorrer will introduce each performer and discuss the Carter Family music they will perform. Kinney is a retired college professor and author who has been in love with old-time and bluegrass music since childhood. His father, a native of Franklin County, played old-time fiddle on occasion and his younger brother played guitar. His father's uncles were professional old-time musicians who made commercial recordings in the 1920's. Kinney recalls, "We had some of their old 78's that I would play on the Victrola and I was absolutely captivated by the sound. I learned to play old-time banjo as a teenager and I have been involved with the music one way or another ever since."

This event is made possible in part by a grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. This organization brings the humanities fully into Virginia’s public life, assisting individuals and communities in their efforts to understand the past, confront important issues in the present, and shape a promising future.