All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia Folklife Center continues a Trunk of Traditional Tunes series

Fairmont State University’s Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center will continue the Trunk of Traditional Tunes series highlighting traditional music and musicians.

Musician and folklorist, Jerry Milnes, will address West Virginia fiddlers, fiddle tunes and fiddle traditions on Sunday, January 23, at 2 p.m. at the Folklife Center. Milnes is the former folk-art coordinator of the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College and a recipient of the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folklife honor.

David Bing will present traditions from West Virginia musicians and family bands on Sunday, February 6, at 2 p.m. Bing, a fiddler and fiddle maker, is the recipient of the Folklife Center’s Traditions Award for his lifelong efforts to preserve and perpetuate West Virginia’s rich cultural heritage. 

David O’Dell will discuss the history of the West Virginia State Folk Festival and the many talented folk musicians who have added their sounds to the festival culture on Sunday, February 20, at 2 p.m. O’Dell is a professor of chemistry at Glenville State College.

On Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m., National Endowment for the Humanities Heritage Fellow, John Morris, will discuss Clay County music and musicians. Morris plays the fiddle and banjo.

Children’s author, Sarah Sullivan, will discuss her book, Passing the Music Down, onSunday, March 13, at 2 p.m. Her story is about a young boy and his fiddle teacher, based on the story of Braxton County fiddler, Melvin Wine.

Folklorist, Emily Hilliard, will speak about folklore collection and traditional music on Wednesday, March 16, at 7 p.m. Hilliard is the program officer for folk and traditional arts at Mid Atlantic Arts. She is the former West Virginia state folklorist and the founding director of the West Virginia Folklife Program at the West Virginia Humanities Council.

The Trunk of Traditional Tunes series is supported by the West Virginia Humanities Council through the American Rescue Plan. Each presentation throughout the series will be recorded to be used as part of an online curriculum that will be available to schools and community organizations.

The events are open for free in-person public attendance at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center. Audiences are limited and participants are required to follow the University’s health and safety protocols at all times, including the wearing of a mask. Each event will also be livestreamed on the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center’s Facebook page.

“West Virginia has a deep and rich cultural heritage,” said Fairmont State University President, Mirta M. Martin. “These musical traditions have been shaped by the unique experiences of this region’s people – good times and bad, love and loss, pain and joy. Fairmont State’s mission includes providing access to education to anyone who seeks it. Through The Trunk of Traditional Tunes online project, we can uphold that mission and help keep those amazing cultural traditions alive for generations to come.”

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is in a restored historic barn on the campus of Fairmont State University. The Center’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate West Virginia’s cultural heritage. For additional information, contact 304-367-4403.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates recognized as outstanding seniors

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates were honored as Outstanding Seniors for exemplary academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement during the Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.

David Robert Asson Jr.

David Robert Asson, Jr., 81, a devoted family man, Navy veteran, and active community volunteer in multiple states, passed away in West Virginia, leaving behind a legacy of service and cherished relationships.

Mother arrested for child neglect after police find wanted man, drugs in home

Latachia A. Weese, 30, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after allegedly admitting to being high while caring for her two young children in a residence containing drugs and firearms.

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly choking his mother

Timothy A. Tenney, 37, of Buckhannon, was arrested and charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor domestic battery after allegedly attacking and choking his mother.

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Parker and Westfall to represent B-U in North-South All-Star Golf Tournament

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Parker Lockwood and Jevon Westfall will represent the North Bears in the second annual North-South All-Star Golf Tournament at Little Creek Golf Course, joining seven other top high school golfers.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 20, 2025

Buckhannon residents can look forward to the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, school art show reception, FFA greenhouse sale, and a community book swap event at The Yellow Door.