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. Special features during October include a live concert on the 17th and an acoustic sampler on the 18th. Further information on Homegrown Music may be obtained via the World Wide Web at http://homegrownmusic.info and http://www.wvia.org/radio/wvia-fm-programs/homegrown-music

Oct. 4 Jay Smar. Folksinger, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jay Smar has been a frequent guest on the Homegrown Music over the years. His last appearance was in a live concert in early 2010. This archive encore features a session from 2001 with a nice mix of original and traditional tunes.

Jay Smar at WVIA

Michael Leonhart (rear) with Jamie Leonhart at WVIA

Oct. 11 Michael Leonhart. With a multifaceted career, Michael Leonhart is best known for his work as trumpeter for over a decade with Steely Dan. But he has been a jazz musician, producer, songwriter and composer. This 2007 session spotlights his intriguing original songs. He is joined by a band including his wife Jamie Leonhart who adds some of her vocals.

Oct. 17 A Homegrown Music Concert with BOB MALONE and FARLEY. WVIA-FM's unique series of monthly live radio concert-broadcasts begins its new season with two first-rate performers heading their own groups.

Virtuoso pianist, songwriter, and vocalist and international touring artist Bob Malone returns to Homegrown Music for another energetic performance with his band. Classically trained, but steeped in the great New Orleans piano tradition, Malone's impressive piano work provides the backdrop to his frequently witty songs.

Bob Malone at WVIA

Tom Farley

Farley is the new band headed by Tim Farley of the popular regional group Pan.a.ce.a, which recently disbanded. Farley's rootsy rock features fine songwriting and tasteful playing all around.

As usual, WVIA's members and listeners are invited to attend this two-hour radio-exclusive concert that takes place in WVIA's Sordoni Theater. Free reservations may be obtained at http://www.wvia.org or by phoning 570-655-2808. Note: start time: 8:00 PM.

Oct. 18 A Homegrown Music Acoustic Sampler. Series producer George Graham presents a segment of acoustic guitar, bluegrass and New Acoustic music from recent Homegrown Music recording sessions, spotlighting outstanding regional musicians playing instruments that don't plug in.

Oct. 25 Bella Ruse. Listeners to WVIA's Mixed Bag have been hearing this charming duo's CD Kuhzoo (as they spell it). Their instrumentation also includes sundries like glockenspeil, toy piano and a typewriter, in addition to grand piano and guitar. They make their Homegrown Music debut with some fun original songs that evoke past eras but are fresh and contemporary.

Bella Ruse: Kay Gillette and Robert Barker at WVIA

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