By: Joerg Kliewe
The legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee - Photo by Joerg Kliewe.
All 2,362 seats at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium were sold out in minutes after tickets had gone on sale for Music Saves Mountains. It was one of those super rare occasions when you could see a dozen of your favorite stars perform on the same stage.
Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Patty Griffin were the headlining names on the bill of an unforgettable night of superb music promoting a good cause. Also working the stage were Big Kenny, Buddy Miller, Sam Bush, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea and Brandon Young. The ensemble had gathered to address the mining industry practice of “mountaintop removal” to a broader public and to raise funds for their campaign against it.
“It has polarized communities, brother against sister,” said Kathy Mattea, a West Virginia native whose latest album, Coal, is an emotionally charged rumination about the coal industry’s practices that both threaten and sustain her home State.
“I do not stand against coal. I do not believe that adding one more strident voice to this conversation is the best way I can be of service here, and yet something must change.” she noted.
Meanwhile blowing up mountain tops to get to coal reservoirs had caused severe environmental damage in the Appalachians and in many cases has left families in a deserted land with poisoned water supplies and often without viable new job opportunities. Reportedly over 500 Appalachian peaks have been affected to date.
Committee shot (l to r): Rob Perks, Director of NRDC’s Center for Advocacy Campaigns, Emylou Harris, Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist NRDC, Frances Beinecke, President NRDC, Big Kenny, Kathy Mattea - Photo by Joerg Kliewe.
Opponents of mountaintop removal are backed by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which cites scientists’ claims that the practice leads to disease, pollution and a permanent scarring of some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America.
Proponents of mountaintop removal include the bulk of the coal industry, which derives 10 percent of its annual revenue from the practice.
Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist with the Natural Defense Council, pointed out that being against mountaintop removal wouldn’t be a matter of conflicting political opinions, “This is a human rights issue”, he expressed at a press conference on the afternoon before the concert event.
Emmylou Harris concluded, “The Appalachians, the oldest mountain range in North America, are responsible for seeding all the wonderful greenery we have across this great land of ours, and responsible for seeding the rich music we call Country Music. Protecting Appalachia’s natural heritage is critical in preserving both our musical legacy and the future of our craft,” said Harris.
The full ensemble gathered for the finale of "I Shall Be Released" - Photo courtesy of Seigenthaler PR.
On May 19th concert goers received a treat of the very best of country, bluegrass and folk music these days. Emmylou Harris opened the evening and was then joined by Kathy Mattea and Patty Loveless during the first set of songs, backed by Buddy Miller and a band of top notch musicians like Sam Bush (mandolin), Alison Brown (banjo) or Kenny Malone (drums).
Big Kenny, who first became aware of mountaintop removal after flying over a site on his way home to Culpeper, Va., lightened the mood a bit with his circus-showman personality, but the issue clearly affected him deeply. Offering his dual message of the need for safe food and clean water along with the transformative power of forgiveness, he said, “We don’t want to think twice about what we’re handing down to the next generation.”
His song, “Wake Up” included the lines “May the day never come/We should worry ’bout the things we could’ve done.” Earlier in the day, he described visiting a family whose water ran black out of the tap as “utterly disheartening.” The song was also a most welcome opportunity for the audience to sing along.
Another highlight of the concert was the appearance of Alison Krauss, who was introduced by Patty Griffin as “the voice of the angels”. After her solo of “Jacob’s Dream” with only very little guitar playing backing her, she and Emmylou Harris and Patty Loveless performed “Didn’t Leave Nobody But The Baby” together, driven by the audience clapping and stomping.
Dave Matthews - Photo courtesy of Seigenthaler PR.
Awaited by many, Dave Matthews finally hit the stage and the audience’s response literally shook the traditional venue. Matthews preferred to perform solo with his Taylor guitar. The highlight of his three songs set was undoubtedly the traditional “Rye Whiskey”, made well known by Pete Seeger. Matthews and all performing artists of the night then rejoined for an overwhelming encore with the finale offering up 20 fine musicians performing the Dylan classic tune, “I shall be Released”.
It was the end of a memorable concert, but the struggle for saving the beauty of the Appalachians will continue. Emmylou Harris’ call has been heard by many musicians and more artists are joining the campaign and she urged the audience to support the effort stating, “The Appalachians have inspired countless country, folk, bluegrass, gospel and Americana songs. Now those sources of inspiration are being secretly destroyed. We’re standing together with one voice to send the message that we will not sit idly by while our mountains are being blown apart.”
Emmylou Harris center stage at the "Music Saves Mountains" concert at Ryman Auditorium, along with (left to right) Patty Lovelss, Alison Krauss and Kathy Mattea. - Photo courtesy of Seigenthaler PR.
