Ballads and unaccompanied traditional songs of Appalachia are timeless, soulful and evoke a deep sense of connection. For generations, people have kept these songs alive by teaching them to each other on porches, at gatherings and at work. In this presentation, musician Susan Pepper will sing some of her favorite ballads from the region while sharing stories and showing photos of the people and places from which she learned her songs. Pepper has spent many years collecting songs and stories from traditional singers in Western North Carolina. She has performed at the Library of Congress and teaches ballad workshops online as well as at regional and national venues such as Banjo-Fiddle Frolic, John C. Campbell Folk School and Traditional Youth Song Weekend. She has a Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies with a focus in music, and created an album of her field recordings with a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council. She is also the co-producer of the recent Appalachian music film, The Mountain Minor.

This event will take place as a webinar. Watch Susan Pepper perform here.