SONGS AT THE CENTER

#1201 Master Series with A.J. Croce
A.J. Croce interprets the legacy of his father, Jim, while blazing his own trail in music. On this episode, whether he’s playing one of his own compositions or his famous father’s iconic hit, “Operator,” A.J. shows his commitment to craft and storytelling. Croce Plays Croce! Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1202 Ron Sowell, Jesse Powers, Honey and Blue, Part 1
This episode features Ron Sowell, musical director of NPR’s Mountain Stage, who sings, “Out There in the Hall,” two-time Positive Music Award-winner Jesse Powers sings her anthem of self-awareness, “Clean,” and the duo of Honey and Blue performs “Red Sky.” Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1203 Larry Groce, Don Dixon, The Carpenter Ants, Part 1
This show features the gritty sounds of one of West Virginia’s favorite bands, The Carpenter Ants, and NPR’s Mountain Stage founder Larry Groce, who sings “In The Wilderness.” They are joined by renowned songwriter and record producer Don Dixon, who helped shape the sounds of R.E.M. Also touring with Mary Chapin Carpenter’s band playing bass, Don performs his MTV hit, “Praying Mantis.” Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda
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#1204 Joe Waters, Lil’ Red & The Rooster, Nikki “D” and the Sisters of Thunder, Part 1
Gospel and blues band, Nikki “D” and the Sisters of Thunder, sing, “He Worked it Out,” International Blues Challenge Finalists Lil’ Red & the Rooster perform their socially conscious song, “Back of the Bus,” International Blues Challenge winner Joe Waters rounds out the guest list with “Blues Piling Up.” Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda

#1205 Christian Lopez, Nellie McKay, The Shootouts, Part 1
This episode features two Grand Ole Opry stars: The Shootouts, performing the title tune from their Americana-charting album, Switchback, and Christian Lopez, singing “Sip of Mine.” They’re joined by Broadway songwriter Nellie McKay, who offers up her off-beat song, “Toto Dies.” Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1206 Compilation of Master Series Artists
Master Series artists from former seasons – sharing some as yet un-aired songs from our series. Featured are Emmy Award-winning actor Jeff Daniels, multiple Grammy-nominee Mary Gauthier (with Jaimee Harris), and Grammy winners Molly Tuttle, Marc Cohn, Ruthie Foster, Native American artist Bill Miller, and the late Don Schlitz, to whom the show is dedicated. Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1207 Master Series with Diego Figueiredo
On this episode, we welcome a man considered by legendary George Benson to be “one of the greatest guitarists I’ve seen in my whole life.” He is Brazilian phenom Diego Figueiredo. Diego is a Grammy-nominated musician who comes to our stage fresh off his debut performance at Carnegie Hall. Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1208 Ron Sowell, Jesse Powers, Honey and Blue, Part 2
The episode highlights three dynamic songwriters. Jesse Powers, whose music explores human experiences, sings, “Love Ain’t About Changing,” Ron Sowell, musical director of NPR’s “Mountain Stage,” whose music represents his deep engagement with life, performs his song about a childhood mentor, “I Thought His Name Was Coach,” and the duo of Honey and Blue, offering their own mix of pop and soul, performing “Stars.” Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1209 Larry Groce, Don Dixon, The Carpenter Ants, Part 2
Mary Hott, performing with The Carpenter Ants, salutes West Virginia’s coal miners with her song, “They Built a Railroad,” NPR’s Mountain Stage founder Larry Groce sings “When the Mist Clears Away,” and renowned record producer and singer-songwriter Don Dixon performs “I Can Hear the River,” which was recorded by the late Joe Cocker. Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1210 Joe Waters, Lil’ Red & The Rooster, Nikki “D” and the Sisters of Thunder, Part 2
On this episode, Nikki “D” and the Sisters of Thunder connect with some heartfelt gospel and blues. They’re joined by International Blues Challenge Finalists Lil’ Red & the Rooster, who contribute their own brand of entertainment with a washboard and a guitar. International Blues Challenge winner Joe Waters rounds out the guest list, bringing his own style of funk and folk. Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda

#1211 Christian Lopez, Nellie McKay, The Shootouts, Part 2
Grand Ole Opry stars The Shootouts, and Christian Lopez are featured respectively with music that leans into blues, and rock, pioneering their own brand of popular Americana. They’re joined by Broadway songwriter Nellie McKay, who also contributes some touches of jazz, pop, and cabaret styles to her tunes. Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1212 Bill Toms, Tom Breiding, Wil Kondrich
Three storytellers from Pittsburgh take the stage for this edition. Bill Toms, who fronts the band “Hard Rain” and was once produced by Bruce Springsteen, is joined by the band’s guitarist, songwriter Tom Breiding, who has released 14 albums. The two are joined by their frequent collaborator, Wil Kondrich. This threesome share songs shaped by the tradition of their native Steel-town. Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda.

#1213 Compilation Show
All the best music and Eric Gnezda interviews from the past season that we simply didn’t have time to include in our previous 12 weekly 30-minute episodes. This is a fan favorite and, simply, the fastest, most entertaining 30 minutes in music television!