The Chattahoochee Folk Hour

Folk singer/songwriter Heather Lutrell, the 'Possum Diva', appears live on the Folk Hour along with band members Craig Henderson, playing snare and singing harmony, and Heather's father, Ralph Luttrell, playing his self made (high quality) square neck dobro. In many ways, Heather represents what folk music is all about. Music has been a part of Heather's life since she was young, with her father playing in the bluegrass band 'Possum Trot'. As you will hear on the show, Heather's music is a blend of bluegrass, blues and folk, highlighted by her amazing vocals, tasteful harmonies, and incredible dobro played by her talented father. I was moved not only by Heather's songs, but by the dynamic of seeing Heather and her father blending their talents to make such great music. You can find out more about Heather at www.heatherluttrell.com.

Country/folk singer Scott Koehn appears on the Folk Hour, proving that facebook is a useful tool after all! Scott and I attended the Arlington School in south Atlanta, and through facebook, I learned that Scott had become a musician, and singer/songwriter. On this episode, Scott performs several of his original songs, which reflect the maturity and thoughtfulness of a musician who has returned to his craft after a 15 year respite. It was a special evening for me to connect with Scott after all of these years. My friend Pat Burke co-hosts the show with me, and discusses the arduous hobby of adventure racing during the 'crazy world' segment. Scott performs regularly at Flipper's restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama, and you can find out more information about him at his website, www.scottkoehn.com.

Singer songwriter Amy Andrews appears on the Folk Hour along with the 'Skipperdees'- twin sisters Catherine and Emily Backus of Athens, Georgia. Three talented songwriters, Amy, Catherine and Emily combine their voices in beautiful harmonies in their live performance on the show. In addition, in this edition, meet Josh Seehorn, also an Athens resident, who recently completed a through hike on the Appalachian Trail. In March of 2013, Josh will set out on an unbelievable adventure-a run across America! Find out how you can help Josh in this incredible journey at www.joshseehorn.com or www.outdoorjosh.com. For Amy Andrews, check out www.amyandrewsmusic.com, and for the Skipperdees, www.theskipperdees.com.

Jim Avett of Concord North Carolina raised his family on traditional values of faith, love, hard work and music. His sons Scott and Seth, known simply as 'The Avett Brothers' are now two of the most popular singers and songwriters in folk music. I was honored to host Jim on the Folk Hour. My son Henry is a huge fan of the Avett Brothers and so he sat in with me for the session. A singer songwriter himself, Jim played several of his tunes on the show, and shared personal stories about his family and memorable moments on his sons' rise to success in the music industry. As I visited with Jim in the studio, it struck me that Jim's love of music carried forth with his sons, and in turn the music of his sons made its way into my home through my son Henry, and into thousands of other homes across the country. My favorite part of the show was toward the end of our session, when Jim invited me to jam with him on guitar and harmonica. Thanks, Jim, for quite a memorable show. Find out more about Jim Avett at www.jimavett.com.

On this Thanksgiving episode, sisters Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell (together known as 'Larkin Poe") share their amazing talent on the Folk Hour. Rebecca's melodic mandolin along with Megan's rhythmic dobro are accentuated by their amazing harmonies and toe tapping melodies. Rebecca and Megan debuted on the national stage in 2005 with their appearance on Prairie Home Companion at the ripe old ages of 15 and 16! Since then, they have performed at major festivals and venues throughout America, even sharing the stage with such bluegrass legends as Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas. Also on this show, Scott Dixon, owner of the upscale restaurant Scott's Downtown in Gainesville, Ga., dropped by the studio to share tips on preparing the 'perfect' Thanksgiving turkey. You can find out more about Larkin Poe at www.larkinpoe.com, and Scott's Downtown at www.scottsonthesquare.com. Thanks for being part of the 'Folk Hour' family, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

Master storyteller, singer, songwriter Kim Weitkamp joins host Ralph Taylor on this special Halloween edition of The Chattahoochee Folk Hour. A former pastor who worked with troubled teens, Kim touches her audiences with her heartwarming stories and songs drawn from her life experiences. The show features her story 'The Lap' which will touch your heart!! And Agnes, the Ghost of Brenau University makes a special appearance on the show. Happy Halloween, and enjoy the wonderful work of Kim Weitkamp.

I was so honored to host The April Verch Band, featuring world class fiddler/high-stepper/songwriter April Verch along with bandmembers Hayes Griffin on guitar and Cody Walters on bass and clawhammer banjo. The show features many of their toe-tapping fiddle tunes along with songs written by both April Verch and Hayes Griffin, featuring beautiful melodic harmonies. This show is all about bluegrass, and the fine musicians of The April Verch Band. This is a show that I will never forget, and that you will want to listen to more than once!!

Get your musical adjustment on The Chattahoochee Folk Hour with Dr. Stephie Rae, a very fine folk singer/songwriter who happens to be a Doctor of Chiropractic! Multi-tasking is no problem for Steph, the former President of the Georgia Music Industry Association and the former Mayor of Auburn. Steph's passion and love of life shines through in her music, so tune in and get to know Dr. Stephie Rae!

Newnan native Julie Thames shares her wonderful talent on the Folk Hour. A recent graduate of Heritage high school, Julie will be matriculating this fall to Belmont University in Nashville. Though she may be young in age, she is mature in talent and skill, and she performs with great composure and passion. Julie appears on the show with her mentor, well known Atlanta singer songwriter Diane Durrett. Im sure we will be hearing more from Julie in the future as she pursues a career in music. For more information about Julie, visit her website at www.juliethames.com

Native South African turned Georgian Carl Dylan appears on the Folk Hour, playing his original tunes. Now a resident of Gainesville, Carl shares his compelling story of his family's exodus to America, and his father's determination to have his children educated in the States. In the weeks prior to the show, Carl and his band had the honor of opening for the Beach Boys before a crowd of over 50,000 people. You can find out more information about Carl Dylan at www.carldylan.com. Enjoy!