This is a special edition of In Your Ear, paying tribute to the late Helen White, musician, educator and life partner to renowned Virginia luthier and guitarist Wayne Henderson. The two had met at a festival in the mid-sixties when he noticed her guitar had a loose bridge that needed repair…a chore he was more than willing and able to handle. That began a loving and enduring relationship that lasted until this past October 14th when Helen died just one year shy of seventy.
She was passionate about the power of music to change young lives and founded the organization Junior Appalachian Musicians nearly twenty years ago. She will speak to its mission in the first part of the program which was originally recorded here in Studio A in October of 2008.
Now that Helen has left us, it’s doubly profound to hear their special chemistry once more, knowing how many lives they have both touched. Including each other’s. Wayne Henderson and Helen White…together again.
In Your Ear offers a chance to discover new artists and appreciate the “in the moment” creativity and inspiration that only live music can provide. Studio A is a “great room,” a haven for artists with intimate, friendly and informed audiences and peerless audio fidelity, thanks to engineers Carlos Chafin, Andrea Stefl and Paul Bruski. JAMinc president Tim Timberlake produces the programs covering a wide range of genres including bluegrass, jazz, blues, old time, Celtic, gospel and singer-songwriters of many styles. Artists range from superior local and regional talents, to premier acts from all over the country. Concerts are held monthly except during the summer and begin with a delicious pot luck buffet in the lobby. Check our website for information and reservations: jaminc.org/events.
Production funding of In Your Ear is made possible in part by... Digital Video Group, Threshold Counsel PC, Virginia Humanities /Virginia Folklife Program, The Newport Festivals Foundation, Fralin Pickups, The Graduate Hotel Richmond and the members of VPM Music.