Michael Johnathon is a folksinger and musician who travels America with his Martin guitar and Vega long-neck banjo performing his message of music and community for audiences around the country. Johnathon has built a massive, multi-media following over the past 15 years which serves as his “front porch” to share the roots and acoustic music he loves. Johnathon’s show, “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour,” is a global production that airs on radio and television networks around the world and brings together both musicians and music lovers to celebrate the traditional American experience through song.
“WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” features an eclectic array of popular artists from genres of folk, blues, country, jazz, new-age, and rock. Season one guests include songwriter Jewel, Southern rock band The Kentucky HeadHunters, banjo great Bela Fleck, The Mavericks, genre-busting Michael Martin Murphey and bluegrass super group the Earls of Leicester. Past artists have also included Imelda May, the Indigo Girls, Amy Grant, Kenny Loggins, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Pink Martini, Judy Collins, Joan Osborne, Janie Fricke, Neko Case, Lee Ann Womack, John McEuen, Jakob Dylan, and Peter Frampton among others.
“Once upon a time, the front porch was the grand pulpit of America,” said producer and host Michael Johnathon. “It is where families and neighbors gathered and where the sun sets each day with community and song. I want “WoodSongs” to re-create the wonderful legacy of that time. We need it. Especially now.”
In the spirit of that front porch passion, the “WoodSongs” production team is all-volunteer run and filmed in front of a live audience at the historic Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky. It is formatted as a one-hour musical conversation focusing on the artists and their music. Each episode also features a segment called “WoodSongs Kids,” where young musicians get an opportunity to play on stage with that week’s professional talent.
Lexington is proud to be the home of “Woodsongs.”
“Kentucky has one of the most important musical legacies in America,” says Kristen Branscum, Commissioner of Kentucky Tourism. “Just look at all the artists from here that fit the image and spirit of “WoodSongs”: Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Ricky Skaggs and so many others. From the hollers of Appalachia to the mountains of western Kentucky, “WoodSongs” music mirrors the American spirit.”
Love is the greatest transaction in the arts and “WoodSongs” shows this.” said producer and host Michael Johnathon. “Each performance is about the love and passion for music that an artist brings to our show. The music simply comes through the heart of those who are trying to communicate with their audience.”
To learn more about the project, visit woodsongs.com.