"John Prine: In Spite Of Himself," "Believe, The Musical," And Keith Getty On Triad Arts Weekend

Eddie Huffman and John Prine: In Spite of Himself

John Prine has famously been called “a songwriter's songwriter.” His range and rasp are known world round, and he's widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. He's written lyrical and heartfelt songs like “Angel of Montgomery” and “Sam Stone” and songs filled with humor like “In Spite of Ourselves” and “That's The Way That The World Goes Round.” His musical career started off in the 1970's, and that's when today's guest Eddie Huffman first heard him. Eddie has written the biography “John Prine: In Spite of Himself.”  Eddie Huffman writes about music for two North Carolina newspapers, the Winston-Salem Journal and the Greensboro News & Record. John Prine: In Spite of Himself is his first book.

Bill Stevens and Believe, The Musical

When former Cleveland Browns running back Archie Herring decided to turn his children's book The Three Magi: Quest for the Christmas Word, Love and Peace into a musical, he turned to Winston-Salem composer Bill Stevens. Bill in turn reached out to his father Bill Sr. to help re-imagine the story for the stage. The result is BELIEVE, THE MUSICAL, an original musical about the true meaning of Christmas. The world premiere opens this weekend featuring performances by 30 Triad-area children and adults including acclaimed bass baritone Jason McKinney and Universal artist Becca Stevens. BELIEVE, THE MUSICAL opens Friday, December 4th at SECCA in Winston-Salem where it will run through Sunday the 6th. 

David Ford speaks with Music Director Bill Stevens who is joined in the studio by his father James William Stevens.

Keith Getty

Looking for something a little different this holiday season? Well, pianist and composer Keith Getty and wife singer Kristyn Getty occupy a unique space in the world of Christian music. They're modern-day hymn writers, composing well-known songs such as “In Christ Alone,” (co-written with Stuart Townend) which we sample in today's show.

It just so happens to be the #1 most-sung hymn in the UK and among the top 20 most-sung hymns in the US. This weekend you can hear it performed live during their special holiday tour "Joy - An Irish Christmas." Fresh off their performances at Kennedy Center in D.C. they'll also be featuring their acclaimed ensemble of top Irish and American folk and bluegrass musicians with credits from the Broadway stage to Hollywood film scores.

On Sunday, December 6 you can hear Keith, his wife Kristyn and their all star Irish and Bluegras band live in concert at Westover Church in Greensboro at 505 Muirs Chapel Road.

Keith spoke with David Ford by phone from his home in Nashville.