The Chattahoochee Folk Hour

In this episode of the Chattahoochee Folk Hour, host Ralph Taylor highlights the people and music of Merlefest 2011. The segment features legendary bluegrass artists Tony Rice, Sam Bush, and interviews with local folks in the community who volunteer their time to make Merlefest one of the most popular music festivals in the country. Ralph also sets the record straight on the historical ride of Paul Revere.

In this episode, the Folk Hour features the songs of four phenomenal female folk artists- Carrie Newcomer, Sally Barris, Kristin Markiton and Wil Maring. These folk phenoms are powerful singers and songwriters, and you will want to hear more of their music. This episode also features Hondo Crouch's descriptive poem, Luckenbach Moon.

Singer songwriter Jeff Talmadge writes, 'sometimes you choose a career, and sometimes a career chooses you'. Songwriter Jeff Talmadge appears on the Folk Hour and discusses his transition from litigation attorney to folk singer, and shares several of his soulful songs. Jeff's Texas/Americana style of singing and songwriting captures images of every day living to which we all relate. If you enjoy Guy Clark, Eric Taylor or Lyle Lovett, you will soon be a fan of Jeff Talmadge!

Allen Williams appears on the Folk Hour and shares his techniques for building exquisite guitars which have earned the acclaim of master guitarists at Maple Street Guitars in Atlanta. Allen plays one of his guitars and shares his own song. The episode also contains songs from David Wilcox and Sam Bush, and host Ralph Taylor shares his poem 'The Table'.

Singer songwriter Nate Currin becomes the first singer songwriter who performed live on the Folk Hour, accompanied by guitarist Simon Peek. Nate shares his interesting story of becoming a full time singer songwriter and talks about the production of his new album, 'Goodnight California'.

Atlanta musician and singer songwriter Bill Kahler appears on the Folk Hour and performs his heart warming songs live on the show. Don't miss his tunes 'Walkin' Around the World' and 'Sail On Love'!!

PHD Candidate George Boggs makes his Folk Hour debut with Bekka May, singing classic folk tunes featuring soulful lyrics and compelling harmonies. George also shares his great song titled 'Lake Kentucky' and shares his own personal story about the inspiration for his song.

Jim White and Joe Matteson aka the Buzzard Mountain Boys break away from Buzzard Mountain and bring their mountain humor and old timey music to the Folk Hour. The show also features an interview with Mike Taylor, who attempted to run the Appalachian Trail from the NC line to Springer Mountain, along with his buddy Tim Garrett who took care of the needs of Mike and his runners with homemade biscuits from Tim's mother. What should you do if you run into a bear on the Appalachian Trail? Listen to this episode and find out...if you can stop laughing!!

Master musician Curtis Jones shares his amazing guitar tunes on the Folk Hour. Curtis discusses his interest in music as a teenager and traces his amazing and diverse musical career. The episode also has a graduation tribute to the 2011 graduates.