Homegrown Music is WVIA-FM's exclusive series which each week showcases the talents of regional contemporary music artists in recordings produced in the WVIA-FM studios by series host George Graham and is broadcast Tuesdays at 9:00 PM. April features a live Homegrown Music concert on the 4th. Further information on Homegrown Music may be obtained via the World Wide Web at http://homegrownmusic.info and http://www.wvia.org/radio/homegrown-music

Apr. 4 A Homegrown Music Live Concert Broadcast with THE BLIND CHITLIN KAHUNAS and CHARLES HAVIRA. WVIA-FM's unique series of monthly live concert broadcasts this month features an evening of blues and the work of a creative singer-writer live from the Sordoni Theater. Both acts are returning to the series after lengthy hiatuses.

The Blind Chitlin Kahunas are a first-rate blues quartet from the Lewisburg, PA area, founded by bassist Kim "Kimbo" Reichley and guitarist Chris Bovard. They were twice semi-finalists in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and last year released a well-received CD called This Old Guitar. They return to Homegrown Music after a 6-year absence.

Charles Havira is a founder of the band Freight Train, who were quite popular in Northeastern PA in the early 1990s. Since then, Havira has been performing solo, and works extensively behind the scenes with various regional arts organizations including the Scranton Jazz Festival. He will be joined on his first Homegrown Music concert since 2002 by various special guests.

As usual, WVIA's members and listeners are invited to attend this two-hour concert in the station's Sordoni Theater. Free reservations may be made at http://www.wvia.org or by phone at 570-655-2808. (Note: Start time: 8:00 PM)

Apr. 5 Dave Isaacs Trio. Before he left our area to relocate to Nashville, Dave Isaacs proved his versatility on Homegrown Music. A founding member of the nationally acclaimed roots-rock band Jackalope, Isaacs also performed as a solo acoustic artist, and on this 2004 session, with a bluesy electric trio, playing mostly instrumental pieces. The music spotlights Isaacs' tasteful and energetic guitar work.

Dave Isaacs (center) with Bob Strander and Larry Lader at WVIA

Laura Mann WVIA

Apr. 12 Laura Mann. A veteran singer-songwriter from the Philadelphia area, Laura Mann released her CD Bow Tie and Rose Tattoo last year, which has been featured on WVIA's Mixed Bag. She is known for her articulate songs with something of a rock sensibility. She makes her Homegrown Music debut in a solo performance, doing mostly brand-new music not yet available on CD.

Apr. 19 Matt Macaulay. A singer-songwriter with a jazz academic background, Matt Macaulay released Wish I Could Make You Dance in 2009, which was featured on WVIA's Mixed Bag. This encore of his 2009 Homegrown Music debut features a band spotlighting the eclectic blend of influences that mark Macaulay's music. Included are previously unreleased songs.

Matt Macaulay (second from left) at WVIA

Drew Kelly

Apr. 26 Drew Kelly. Twenty-one-year-old folksinger Drew Kelly is steeped in the music of a previous generation, looking to early Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie as major influences. He makes his Homegrown Music debut with his original songs in a classic style.

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