Thacker Mountain’s familial setting is famous for attracting performances by people who call the South their inspiration and, sometimes, their home, too. This week’s performance will be no different.
Mississippi’s own blues singer Libby Rae Watson and electronic-pop group And The Echo will be performing. They will be joined by Georgia native Robert Bausch, who has written a number of books and teaches at Northern Virginia Community College.
“Robert Bausch will be speaking about his post-Civil War novel. It’s gonna be amazing,” said Kathryn McGaw, the executive director and producer for Thacker Mountain Radio. “He’s won tons of literary awards. Libby Rae Watson will be there. She’s carrying on a whole wonderful tradition from Sam Chatmon, who mentored her. And The Echo are so fun to watch. They have a beautiful sound. It’s been compared to Duran Duran.”
Some of the nights’ acts expressed their excitement to perform.
“We have never performed at Thacker before, so this is very exciting for us,” said Morgan Pennington and Winn Elroy, members of And The Echo. “I have always loved the show. It’s such a wonderful way to hear about and highlight some really great writers, artist and musicians.”
Their love for ambient electronic pop brought about And The Echo, which is based out of Oxford and has performed throughout the Southeast.
“I think Thacker Mountain is such a unique and important part of Oxford’s charm, and we are looking forward to being a part of it,” Pennington said. “It’s always a great experience getting to play in Oxford for all of your friends who have supported you every step of the way. Seeing and feeling the love and support when you play is really amazing.”
Libby Rae Watson agreed.
“I was on Thacker Mountain Radio Show in August when they brought the show to the Coast,” Watson said. “I loved it. I’ve listened to the show for a long time. It’s part of my Saturday night radio ritual. I’ve been to the show as an audience member a few times when my friend, Duff Dorrough, was a Yalobushwacker. What I liked was the fast pace and excitement that goes with timing an hour show.”
Watson is no stranger to Thacker Mountain or Oxford, just like And The Echo. But that is where their similarities end.
While And The Echo works primarily with electronic pop, Watson has delved into blues and jazz since she was young.
When describing how this kind of music found its way into her life, Watson said, “It’s just what I like and feel close to. It grabbed me as a young kid and hasn’t let go.”
Watson has spent years working with fellow blues singers and performers. She cited Sam Chatmon, a member of Mississippi Sheiks, as the inspiration for her style of playing guitar, also sharing how much she appreciates the wisdom he passed onto her.
“He sure will be missed,” Watson said of her old friend and fellow musician.
In 1978, with the help of Bobby Ray Watson, Watson helped fill the roster for the first Delta Blues Festival in Greenville, Mississippi. She was responsible for helping to recruit talents and names like Big Joe Williams, Son Thomas, Eugene Powell, Furry Lewis and Sam Chatmon, to name a few.
Watson has earned her place in the blues world, not just by rubbing elbows with so many big blues legends, but by putting out her own albums too, some of which she will no doubt be drawing from at this Thacker Mountain performance.
“I will read from my newest book, ‘Far as the Eye Can See,’” said Robert Bausch, featured author of the week. “The purpose of the trip is to promote and share this newest book. I’ve been told it’s a fine venue and great reception and that I will enjoy it. I hope it sells books. What any writer wants is readers, really. As many readers as possible.”
Thacker Mountain is one stop on his trip to promote his newest novel, but Bausch has quite a few novels on his resume. “Out Of Season,” “The Gypsy Man,” “A Hole In The Earth” and “The White Rooster and Other Stories” are just a few examples of his work.
