Back to the Blue Ridge

Back to the Blue Ridge airs Sundays at 2 p.m.

Back to the Blue Ridge is an hour-long weekly program featuring traditional acoustic music of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont region.

From bluegrass and old-time music to blues and gospel, the show, hosted by Seth Williamson and Kinney Rorrer, will feature a mix of music and interviews with area musicians.

"This program is more than just music, it’s a comprehensive look at our culture and heritage through the eyes and ears of many special people in a special place," says Williamson.

A long-time radio announcer, Williamson began his career at WVTF in October 1983. He currently hosts the weekday classical music show, in addition to contributing feature news stories heard during local Morning Edition segments.

Rorrer is a retired history professor at Danville Community College and an avid lover of old-time and bluegrass music. He has conducted workshops on old-time music across the nation, written numerous articles for old-time and country music journals, and authored Rambling Blues: The Life and Songs of Charlie Poole, a biography on pioneer old-time musician Charlie Poole. He is currently vice president for public relations for the Dan River Region Bluegrass Music Association. He is also prominently featured in the book, Clapton's Guitar: Watching Wayne Henderson Build the Perfect Instrument.

Both Williamson and Rorrer are musicians as well. Williamson has played bluegrass banjo for many decades, and Rorrer is known for his skill as an old-time banjo picker.

Playlists are available.

Ol' Grandads - Seth Williamson (left) and Kinney Rorrer with their granddaughters

Kinney and Josie

Seth and Indigo

• Staff