Blair Pathways

Upcoming Blair Pathways Tour!

SaraLynchT — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:45:03 +0000

Hello all! This winter I have been developing a presentation on the history of the Mine Wars. The show is a mix of talk, song and slideshow. I sing and play a mix of music from the CD and other songs and poems I came across in my research for Blair Pathways. This April I will be touring with the show in the Mid-west, and I’ll be posting those dates soon on the site. I plan to do a Northeast tour, possibly as soon as the fall, so drop me a line if you’d like me to come perform. I can do house shows, libraries, colleges, coffee houses, universities etc.Just e-mail blairpathways@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, if you live in the Asheville, NC area, come see the debut at Firestorm Cafe and Books on February 14th. Check out the flyer below!

Many thanks for all your support! I’ll post tour dates soon!

-Saro LT

Help Fight Permit to Strip Mine Blair Mountain NOW!

SaraLynchT — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:55:48 +0000

Arch Coal is attempting to renew a permit to mine Blair Mountain, WV in the heart of the Battlefield!

In order to protest and possibly stop the renewal of this mine permit, it’s important for folks like you to send letters to the WV Department of Environmental Protection. You can read more about what’s happening at this link.

You can also download a sample letter, get the DEP address etc. at the link.

Individually-written letters are best in cases like these. They get more attention from the recipients and let them know that individuals care enough to really write some passionate letters and work to stop the mining.

Letters must be received by Nov. 24th, so the sooner you write your letter the better!

Thank you.

David Rovics reviews CD

SaraLynchT — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:25:13 +0000

This is a great review of the Blair Pathways CD that we just received from songwriter/rabble-rouser David Rovics:
“This is the best compilation CD I’ve heard in years. What a fantastic collection of songs and instrumentals that powerfully evoke the epic conflict in the West Virginia mines as well as the rich cultural traditions of Appalachian music. The CD is one that any lover of Appalachian music and history will cherish for a long time. And check out the website — the interactive map is brilliant, and it’s full of information on the contemporary struggle to save historic Blair Mountain.”

Here’s one from Travis Stimeling, Assistant Professor of Music at Millikin University:

“What a remarkable CD! It came in yesterday’s mail, and I can’t quit listening to it. I’m so impressed with the breadth of material you’ve presented, the top acts you’ve recruited to participate, and the representation you’ve given to the various communities who populated the southern WV coalfields.”

Thanks to everyone who is taking the time to give us reviews!

Also, a reminder that there is educational material out there for folks who’d like to get Blair Mountain’s history into the classroom!

Check out these middle-school lesson plans on the Journey Up Coal River website! I will be developing high-school level plans later this year.

Judge Rules Against Blair’s Protection and Survey about Blair Mountain

SaraLynchT — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 20:34:49 +0000

Hello folks!
It has been a powerful fall, with the passing of anti-MTR activist Larry Gibson, and his subsequent memorial. For those of you who haven’t heard of Larry, he was a persistent and emotive force in the fight to end mountain-top removal and coal extraction in Appalachia. He motivated countless people to join the movement for a healthy future for Appalachia, and he will be deeply missed.
Two weekends ago a memorial was held in Charleston commemorating Larry’s life. His friend, long time activist Ken Hechler, now 98 years old, took the stage to speak about how much Larry had meant to him. As he took the stage, I found myself unexpectedly shaking with emotion. Here was a man who had fought most of his life for civil rights and environmental justice. This man had chosen a long, long lifetime of hard emotional work, work that at times had threatened his life. Larry, too, had chosen that life of emotional and physical vulnerability for what he believed in. Others, like those who fought for the union 100 years ago- did the same, and many lost their lives.
You can stand up for justice in one moment, and lose your life the next, or you can stand up and keep that fight going for decades, and you can never know which it will be.
This is why the story of Blair Mountain moves me so much- the fact that workers were willing to listen to that inner spark that whispered earnestly for a life with greater dignity, and that so many were willing to claim that dignity, even if only for a few short days before their lives were taken in battle. We must honor all who choose to fight daily for their dignity- from union workers to anti-mountain top removal activists. We are all in the same fight.

This last month also saw a blow in efforts to save Blair Mountain, when a judge threw out an appeal by several groups looking to restore Blair Mountain’s historic landmark status. You can read more about the decision here. Frustratingly, the judge wasn’t ruling on the question of whether Blair had historic significance. Instead his decision was based on his judgment that the outcome of the case wouldn’t help protect Blair from mining. There should be no question that Blair’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places would markedly affect its level of vulnerability from coal extraction!

There is much work to be done as this struggle continues, and part of that work is based around conveying the story of Blair to new audiences.
I am working on educational materials and presentations to bring the story of the WV Mine Wars to audiences across the country. As I do this, I want to hear from YOU, as someone who cares about this history, to tell me why saving Blair is important to you.
Please take the time to answer the questions below, to help me develop strategies of effective communication and story-telling in the battle to save Blair.
Preferably, you can copy and paste the answers into another e-mail, and send it to blairpathways@gmail.com.
Questions #1-4 relate to the March on Blair Mountain. If you did not attend the March, please skip to question #5.

1) Why were you motivated to attend the March on Blair Mountain in June 2011?

2) Did your motivations to be a part of the March change as the march progressed?

3) If you could name your most inspiring or impacting experience on the march, what would it be? Why was it so powerful? These can also be negative experiences.

4) What is your ideal vision for what happens to Blair? How does this relate to your ideal vision for the future of Appalachia?

5) What do you know about who owns Blair or controls its fate?

6) Have you done anything to promote the need to save Blair? If so, what?

7) When/If you discuss Blair with people who don’t know about it history, what parts of Blair’s story do you focus on?

What values do you hold that make saving Blair Mountain a priority for you?

9) What are your feelings, if any, on mountain-top removal coal mining? If you care concerned about this form of mining, why? How do you feel it affects you?
Attached below is a press announcement for the Blair Pathways CD. If you are on any relevant listservs, I encourage you to take the time to post the announcement and get the word out! Also, link to our website on your facebook account: www.blairpathways.com. Most of our website traffic is sourced from facebook, so it means SO MUCH when you mention us!

In Song and Solidarity!
Saro Lynch-Thomason
Available Now- Blair Pathways: A Musical Exploration of America’s Largest Labor Uprising

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Release of the Blair Pathways CD: A Musical Exploration of America’s Largest Labor Uprising

This fall marks the 92^nd Anniversary of the March to Blair Mountain in West Virginia, a coal-field uprising of over 10,000. Rivaled only in scope by the Civil War, the rebellion lasted for nearly a week in an attempt to overthrow coal-field autocracy and establish union rights. Now a newly-released CD provides a fresh and invigorating vision of Appalachia’s coal-field history and the potential to preserve its past. Blair Pathways: A Musical Exploration of America’s Largest Labor Uprising is a collection of 20 engaging tracks drawn from archives and re-envisioned by contemporary musicians. Each piece focuses on a theme or event from West Virginia’s 20-year Mine War history, launching the listener through a diverse and engaging musical experience.

Declared “superb” and “inspiring” by musician Si Kahn, this collection truly reflects the diversity of coal-field culture in the early 20th century. “From forgotten labor anthems to gritty laments to soulful fiddle and banjo tunes,” writes labor historian Bruce Watson, “this collection digs deep into the lore of the region” and its musicians “perform with undeniable authenticity.” Over 25 award-winning musicians have created new works for the compilation, including Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Grammy-nominee band Jubal’s Kin and banjo player Riley Baugus, contributor to the Cold Mountain soundtrack.

In the past several years, the violent and complex story of coal extraction in Appalachia has been expressed through nationally recognized music media such as Kathy Mattea’s Grammy-nominated CD Coal and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s award-winning film The Last Mountain. Now the need to preserve Appalachia’s past and protect its contemporary ecosystems has become all the more urgent as Blair Mountain, WV- battle site of the 1921 miner’s uprising- faces destruction via mountain-top removal coal mining. CD Producer Saro Lynch-Thomason states: “We are in a critical moment which will decide the fate of Blair Mountain. This CD is a call to action for anyone who is touched by its music.”

As efforts to save Blair intensify, the Blair Pathways CD is an integral educational tool in helping audiences understand and celebrate Appalachia’s working class history. The CD is available in hard copy and digital download on the Blair Pathways website: blairpathways.com.

Contact:

Saro Lynch-Thomason

blairpathways@gmail.com

www.blairpathways.com

Phone: (615) 430-4323

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Our Press Release!

SaraLynchT — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:55:27 +0000

Feel free to use this text on your listservs or post on facebook!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Release of the Blair Pathways CD: A Musical Exploration of America’s Largest Labor Uprising

Contact:
Saro Lynch-Thomason

blairpathways@gmail.com www.blairpathways.com

Phone: (615) 430-4323

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WV CD Release Party August 18th!

SaraLynchT — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:26:09 +0000

Our flyer for the party, with some details! If you have more questions, please e-mail us at blairpathways@gmail.com!

July Update: CDs for pre-order and CD Release Party!

SaraLynchT — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 03:58:20 +0000

Hello All!

This is the July update from Blair Pathways!

The time for the CD release is at hand! Here are some exciting updates from the Month of June!

CD Now Available for Pre-Order!: Things have been moving quickly along, and we will soon have our first batch of CDs printed! Physical copies will be available August 1^st! Anyone can go ahead and pre-order the CD on our website today! The CD has 20 pieces from over 25 artists, a fold-out-map and liner notes.

CD Release Party: We will be having a release party Saturday, August18th from 3-7pm at the Whipple Company Store, Scarbro, WV. The party will feature Blair Pathways musicians SamGleaves, Morgan O’Kane and national award-winning fiddler Jamie Laval. Food and refreshments will be served. Find out more about the Whipple Store at www.whipplecompanystore.com.

We would love for you all to join us at the release party! There are several nearby towns with overnight accommodations, including Oak Hill, Fayetteville and Beckley.

Reviews and Tours: In the months following our release, we will be looking for publications, blogs and radio stations interested in reviewing or promoting the CD. If folks on this listserv are interested in providing reviews or would like to recommend a source for us to pursue, please shoot us an e-mail!

In addition, Saro will be conducting a tour in the fall and winter of the project, presenting on the history of the mine wars and performing pieces from the CD. If you would like to help host a presentation in your area, please e-mail us at blairpathways@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Saro Lynch-Thomason and Jordan Freeman

“Not just another collection of Labor classics, this eclectic collection digs deep into the lore of the region. Its modern interpreters perform with undeniable authenticity. The wide range of music here, from ballads to choral works to fiddle and banjo tunes suggests the rich lode of Appalachian tradition. Even old folkies will find new songs here, performed with fresh energy by a new generation of mountain musicians deeply rooted in the honorable traditions they have so lovingly preserved.”

—Bruce Watson, author of “Bread and Roses: Mills, Migrants, and the Struggle for the American Dream” (Viking)

New Samples via SoundCloud!

SaraLynchT — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 02:14:40 +0000

Here are samples of 10 tracks that will be appearing on the Blair Pathways CD! The musicians featured in order of samples are 1) Brett Ratliff, 2) Tim Eriksen and Riley Baugus, 3) Bernice Jones, 4) Sam Gleaves, Myra Morrison and Jordan Engel, 5) Morgan O’Kane, 6) Robert Jones, 7) Bare Bones, eight) Sam Gleaves and Myra Morrison 9) Jamie Laval and 10) Elaine Purkey. These musicians and many more are making the CD a remarkable collection!

Blair Pathways May Update and More Artwork!

SaraLynchT — Tue, 29 May 2012 22:36:38 +0000

Hello Blair Pathways fans,

This has been a busy and productive month for our project! With your donations, we have been able to move forward in paying our musicians for recording costs and are looking forward to printing the CD later this summer! Here are some updates about how things are going:

New Music!: We have been receiving a lot of work from musicians this month. We now have a very clear picture of how the CD is going to sound, and wow, it’s going to be amazing! Our musicians have put a lot of skill and creativity into these works. Their love and respect for West Virginia’s labor history is evident in these pieces. In the next few weeks we plan on getting sneak peeks of these works up on the website, so expect an update soon!

Narrative: About 80% of the narrative that will accompany these songs has been written, and will be reviewed in the coming months by historians to insure accuracy. Through this narrative readers will learn about some of the classic moments of these wars- such as the Battle of Matewan and the Battle of Blair Mountain, but also be able to learn about other themes of the period that lack acknowledgment. These themes include women’s roles in the mine wars, radical politics of immigrant populations and more.

CD Release!: Mark your calendars! We have scheduled a CD release party in West Virginia for August 18th! We have an amazing line-up of musicians, including Samuel Gleaves, Jamie Laval and Morgan O’Kane. The party will take place in the early evening at the Whipple Company Store in Fayette County. We will send more details about nearby lodging options, directions etc. in the coming months.

Publishing and Distribution: We are pursuing some publishing and distribution possibilities. We hope to get this project to as wide an audience as possible, and there are several presses out there who also want the story of the mine wars to be a better-known topic. Wish us luck!

Also, see below for more developing sketches of artwork for the CD and online map!

Once again, thank you for all of your support!
Sincerely,
Saro Lynch-Thomason
with Blair Pathways

Mother Jones

A Map of the Southern West Virginia Coal Fields. Locations with numbers indicate a track from the CD.

CD Maps and Formatting: A Sneak Peak

SaraLynchT — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:50:37 +0000

At the end of this month we reached our fundraising goal on Kickstarter! Thank you for all of your support. We’re working hard to insure the CD’s release in a few months, and we couldn’t be accomplishing this without your help!

Below are some initial sketches for the CD we’ll be printing through discmakers. We plan on printing a 6-panel fold-out case, with an 8-page insert. The sketches of the maps for the CD casing also reflect the general structure of our online interactive map. Users will be able to click on locations, linked to track numbers on the CD. For example, the track number for Sam Gleaves’ song “Law in the West Virginia Hills,” used to narrate the beginning of the Paint Creek/Cabin Creek strikes, will be located on Paint Creek. The track number for Morgan O’Kane’s “When the Leaves Come Out,” used to help narrate the Battle of the Tug and other Mingo-Logan Battles, will be found along the Tug Fork River.

For the past few months I’ve been playing with different stylistic approaches to the CD, and I’ve decided to use a sort of painterly-realism, instead of the simpler, more graphic imagery used on the website. In this way images in the insert and CD casing can more easily reference photographs and other historic media. The third image in this gallery is an early sketch in th is style. Enjoy!

A sketch of the CD case, with maps, track list and cover.